Reflections on 6 months with Neemar Search

In March this year, I embarked on an exciting new chapter, leaving London to join Neemar Search. The past six months have flown by, and as I take time to reflect on this journey, I can confidently say it has been the most rewarding career decision I’ve made.

What Brought You to Neemar Search?

I’ve spent the last 10 years in recruitment, predominantly focused on property and real estate, with much of my career centred around the London and South East markets. While I’ve always loved what I do, I often felt that something was missing. In the businesses I’d worked for previously, there was a greater emphasis on profit over purpose. What I truly enjoy is not the transactional nature of recruitment, but the relationship-building, problem-solving, and consultative approach that Neemar Search champions.

The opportunity to bring my private sector experience in real estate to the property side of social housing felt like a natural fit and a chance to make a real impact. I knew I could add genuine value to the business by combining my expertise with Neemar’s purpose-driven ethos.

How Have You Found Your First Few Months?

It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least! From participating in campaign filming days, hosting events at the housing conference, and researching for an upcoming whitepaper, to working with fantastic clients and delivering impactful searches, no two days have been the same.

From day one, Neemar’s values have been ingrained in the working culture we’ve created. I’ve been given the time and autonomy to really get to grips with the sector, understand the challenges we’re facing, and begin to build my own senior leadership network—leaning on them for advice, ideas, and support.

I genuinely believe that Neemar is more than just a search partner. We care deeply about the housing sector, and we continuously strive to support the organisations we work with by sharing best practices, hosting forums with external insights, and contributing to the sector in a meaningful way.

On a personal note, I’ve received unwavering support and guidance from Tom and the team from day one, with clear objectives set to help me get up to speed with a new sector and way of working.

What Inspires Your Passion for the Social Housing Sector?

Coming from a background in the private sector, I initially entered the social housing space with a similar mindset—that asset performance and bricks and mortar would be the top priority. However, I quickly realised that this isn’t the case. In social housing, the residents are the number one priority, and the steps that housing associations are taking from a regulatory perspective clearly reflect that.

What I find most inspiring about this sector is the openness and thought leadership surrounding shared challenges. Executives in the housing sector are not only willing to share their problems with peers, but they’re also eager to suggest improvements, whether operationally or strategically. All housing associations are essentially working towards the same goal—the welfare of the residents they serve.

Looking Forward 

As I reflect on my journey with Neemar Search, I'm filled with optimism for the future. The transition from the private sector to social housing has been eye-opening and deeply fulfilling. The collaborative spirit, focus on resident welfare, and commitment to collaborate to solve problems has been incredible. 

Moving forward, I'm excited to continue growing my network, deepening my understanding of the challenges facing social housing, and contributing to meaningful solutions. With Neemar Search's supportive environment and purpose-driven approach, I'm confident that we'll continue to make a positive impact in the housing sector, helping to shape a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and quality housing. The past six months have been just the beginning of what I believe will be a long and rewarding journey in this vital and dynamic field.