jambo join us - Our Team

Meet the Jambo Team

Our Team

Our directors and managers at Jambo Education have over 30 years of educational recruitment experience between them. All of our consultants go through rigorous training to have a thorough understanding of the education market, safeguarding process and what it takes to find the best quality candidates for our clients needs.

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adam herman 1 400x400 - Our Team
adam herman 1 400x400 - Our Team

Adam Herman

Director
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2011

Career Info – Since joining the Jambo team all the way back in 2011 I had no idea what I was letting myself in for! Once I saw how competitive, fast paced, and fun recruitment was I soon realised this was the industry for me and I have not looked back since. Working my way from trainee consultant to director. My journey has taught me many valuable skills and lessons over the years to use both inside and outside the office including, communication, attention to detail, resilience, and hard work always pays off in the end.

Extremely proud of the team we have assembled at Jambo where we have a great blend of experience, coupled with the enthusiasm and freshness of our new consultants who have recently joined the team. In recruitment you do really make friends for life. Jambo has never been better placed to really go the extra mile to help all our clients with all their existing needs across all sectors. The sky really is the limit!

Outside of Recruitment – Life changed in 2022  having my first daughter and its been quite the journey. I am also getting Married in July 2024 so readily preparing for big day. Now when I have time, being a keen sportsman you will find me being overly competitive in Golf, surfing, or in the mountains skiing.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “If you want to Dance you have to pay the band!”

james pedley 400x400 - Our Team
james pedley 400x400 - Our Team

James Pedley

Director of Education
Sector: Further Education/Manufacturing | Jambo Journey Started: 2015

Career Info – My recruitment journey started at Jambo in 2015, successfully placing teachers and support staff in schools up and down the UK. I later ventured into the manufacturing industry, sourcing talented engineers for defence and aerospace companies in the UK and overseas. I now work across both markets whilst managing a team of talented consultants!

I like to think that I bring some serious energy to the table. I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can really let my ADHD traits off the lead! I’m all about bringing out the best in others, striving to motivate and uplift those around me. I’m here to make things happen and create a thriving team environment filled with growth, support and success. I’m excited to continue this journey, working hard and having a positive impact on the industry that I adore.

Outside of Recruitment – I have three beautiful daughters; Ava, Ivy and Harper and a fiancé who I love spending time with. I enjoy exploring new places and trying different beers from around the world. I’m also an avid Man United supporter even though it has been painful in recent years!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.”

chris feihn 400x400 - Our Team
chris feihn 400x400 - Our Team

Chris Feihn

Managing Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further and Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2013

Career info –  I joined the Jambo team back in January 2013 having never worked in an office environment before, I found recruitment worlds away from my previous work as an engineer. Jambo embraced me and I soon felt part of the team. Having joined the team to do something different and challenge myself in a new environment I’m now 11 years on and I still feel at home and learning everyday with the daily challenges recruitment presents. I have also recently started my own team at Jambo where I am passing my knowledge onto the next line of consultants coming through. Whilst this is definitely a challenging role, it also allows me to learn new skills required to lead others on their recruitment journey. Very much hoping to grow the team moving forward in the near future.

Outside of Recruitment – Out of the office I am a family man with 5 children and when I’m not being a Dad I enjoy sports such as MMA and Football and I’m most definitely reaching the age where learning to play golf is becoming a priority.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Insanity is doing the same things but expecting different results”

sophie topp 400x400 - Our Team
sophie topp 400x400 - Our Team

Sophie Topp

Managing Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2018

Career Info – I joined in the summer of 2018 as an FE consultant with a couple of years of Industrial and Primary recruitment behind me.

It’s been quite a wild ride at Jambo, especially with a pandemic thrown our way, but as a team we persevered and found support at Jambo, hence why years down the line I am still happily striving to find the best staff for our brilliant clients. With the excellent progressive opportunities here at Jambo, I rose through the ranks, moved to a new sector, and now have my first mentee. I would say I fell into recruitment but that was the happiest of accidents, I love the challenging nature of the role and how there is always room to push yourself, you really are in control of what you can gain out of this job and no two days are ever the same. I look forwards to seeing what the future holds here at Jambo and meeting all the new consultants that give this career a chance! See you soon

Outside of Recruitment – Proud nerd who likes her comics, horror films and wine. That is when I am not taking care of my beautiful and amazing pets, I have 2 dogs and a fiancé. All three enjoy long walks and plenty of snacks along Cornwall’s various amazing pubs and restaurants.  Also like to think of myself as the occasional escape room aficionado.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again” – Nelson Mandela

kate bird 400x400 - Our Team
kate bird 400x400 - Our Team

Kate Bird

Managing Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: September 2018 (and again in March 2022)

Career Info – I started with Jambo back in September 2018 and was fairly new to Education recruitment after working in the Industrial recruitment Sector for 2 years previous. This was a big change from my previous role and enjoyed working in a fast pace fun office, I learnt lots of new skills and grew my confidence both with work and personal life. I started on the Further education sector originally focusing on Construction which I enjoyed and quickly moved up the ranks to Senior recruitment consultant. It hasn’t always been plain sailing with lots of ups and downs and after the lockdown I struggled to get back into the pace, I ended up leaving for around 9 months in June 2021. I soon realised the Grass wasn’t greener and come back to Jambo in March 2022 and joined the CE sector. Since then, I have enjoyed working back with the Jambo team and seeing the office grow with lots of new faces and look forward to progressing with the company in the future!

Outside of Recruitment – I enjoy exploring Cornwall and it’s beaches along with going for swims in the sea when weather allows! Also do love a Beer Garden in the summer and lots of Festivals.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Hard work always pays off”.

tamsin whisken 400x400 - Our Team
tamsin whisken 400x400 - Our Team

Tamsin Whisken

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Sector: International | Jambo Journey Started: 2021

Career Info – Having initially worked in the charity sector, I never thought recruitment would be for me- now can’t imagine myself in any other career! I started my journey in the FE sector, building up my skills and experience on what makes a great consultant, for both our clients and candidates. I have always been highly motivated and competitive, which I believe are key attributes which allowed me to win the “Best new consultant” award in my first year with Jambo, which I am very proud of.

Jambo has given me the opportunity to thrive and has allowed me to follow my passions; having excelled on the FE sector, I decided to embark on a new challenge – the International sector. Building this market back up has been tough but very rewarding, and has reinvigorated my passion to continue to drive towards being an outstanding consultant, both to our clients overseas, as well as candidates looking for their next exciting opportunity abroad! In the future I am looking to build an international team around me to go conquer the educational world!

Outside of Recruitment – I enjoy a good book and am a huge F1 fan, as well as a big foodie and an avid traveller. Any book, food or travel recommendations are always welcome!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

george 400x400 - Our Team
george 400x400 - Our Team

George Miller

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2021

Career info – A sales background prior to entering the mad world that is recruitment. Have always prioritised and dedicated to putting the needs of the client and candidates above all others. A very different game to sales and one that took a little while to adjust to but through perseverance and bouncebackability it really is an enjoyable, rewarding and at times relentless job.

Outside of Recruitment – 2 gorgeous girls, Winifred and Juniper. Real sports fan and if you find me at the famous Jambo darts oche, George ‘The Pillager’ Miller will seek and destroy!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Take life seriously, don’t take yourself seriously”.

monty symons 400x400 - Our Team
monty symons 400x400 - Our Team

Monty Symons

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Jambo Journey Started: 2021

Career Info – My recruitment journey started in 2021 when I joined Jambo . Before this I was fitting solar panels during the day and working nights in a local bar.

I have been working in the FE sector since the beginning of my Career. I relish the dynamic and demanding sales atmosphere, knowing that this profession has the power to bring out the best or worst in anyone who chooses to pursue it. Being the youngest consultant in the company when I initially stated has allowed me to earn a substantial income, while simultaneously gaining a profound insight into the workings of the field and its many intricacies, ultimately enabling me to find educational applicants their dream job or promotion within the education sector.

Outside of Recruitment – Beyond Recruitment, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am also an avid Arsenal fan and try to attend as many matches as I can, although living in Cornwall poses some challenges.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Success isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of failures and adjustments.

tom orpe 400x400 - Our Team
tom orpe 400x400 - Our Team

Tom Orpe

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2023

Career Info – I already had 18 months experience in educational recruitment prior to starting my journey here at Jambo just 6 months ago – my move to Jambo was the best career choice I’ve ever made! I pride myself on the positive energy I bring to the office and my urgency to achieve, which in turn helps others. I thrive in the fast-paced world of recruitment, and having always been a secondary expert, I specialise in placing teachers in schools I work closely with and finding new clients to build strong relationships with, as well as the new and existing candidates of mine. The thing I love most about recruitment is the constant graft, knowing each day will always be different to the last, and that there is always more you can do – the grind never stops! I’ve always been a people-pleaser, so satisfying clients and candidates puts a smile on my face and gives a real feeling of accomplishment.

Outside of Recruitment – Ever the keen sportsmen you will find me partaking in my favourite hobbies – cricket, golf and skiing and passionate about beating Adam the director at all 3. I also have a beautiful 1 year old girl with my partner of 4 years, who I adore and spend as much time with as possible outside of work.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Failure is the condiment that gives success it’s flavour”

joe collins 400x400 - Our Team
joe collins 400x400 - Our Team

Joe Collins

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2023

Career Info – I started recruitment in 2016 as I felt it bought a different pace to my previous role working as a baker in Cornwall’s best Pasty company. I then left and joined Jambo in 2023 with 7 years of recruitment experience, looking for a new challenge. Jambo has thrown some challenges my way, but every challenge brings its own rewards. My current hope is to work towards having a team myself within the secondary department.

Outside of Recruitment – I like to spend my free time being Jambos top Pool, Squash and Chess player, (All proven). Recently I have found a love for cooking air fryer recipes. They’re quick and easy, like me.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “A new day, creates new opportunities”

nick briant 400x400 - Our Team
nick briant 400x400 - Our Team

Nick Briant

Senior Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2023

Career Info – Although I have recently become part of the team, I joined with 7 years of education recruitment experience which I’ve brought to the table. I found my career in recruitment by sheer happenstance. I was at a crossroads in my life and unsure of which direction to take. My sister who is a successful recruiter steered me to join her employer and the rest (as they say) was history. I made a lot of friends here naturally over the years so making the transition was an absolute no brainer. I thrive from the fast-paced nature of the role and not knowing what the next day will bring. I’m constantly on my toes having to adapt to new situations and even 7 years down the line I’m still learning new things every day! I also enjoy creating and maintaining new business relationships, whether that be through my candidates or my clients and striving to be the best that I can be.

Outside of Recruitment – I like to travel and look to spend a few weeks of the year exploring new countries and cultures. When I’m on home soil I enjoy spending time with my friends and I’m also a keen football fan supporting both Manchester United & Plymouth Argyle. The most notable game in recent years was when me and James travelled to Old Trafford and witnessed Ronaldo’s last hattrick for the club (It’s all been downhill since then unfortunately)

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Carpe-Diem” aka Seize the day!

maisie perry 400x400 - Our Team
maisie perry 400x400 - Our Team

Maisie Perry

Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2022

Career Info – I completed my BSc Psychology degree in 2020 and I, like many, at first wasn’t sure which direction to take – particularly when graduating between 2 lockdowns. My journey in recruitment began in 2021, running the Care and Commercial desk within a Cornwall-based company, sourcing administrative and support staff. I moved to Jambo in 2022 to explore a new sector, naturally gravitating towards learning support and administrative positions at first, before broadening my focus to work on teaching roles across FE. I’ve built upon many skills since joining the team at Jambo, whilst learning more about resilience and pushing through the tougher times along the way. The ever-changing nature of recruitment suits me well and I’m so pleased I moved into the industry.

Outside of Recruitment – My days are filled largely with home-improvements, since my boyfriend and I bought our first house last summer, with more trips to B&Q and Homebase than I thought were possible! I also enjoy caring for the ‘menagerie’ of animals we’ve acquired along the way – currently 1 rabbit, 4 guinea pigs and a hamster. I love travelling when I can and visited 5 countries last year, with many more on the wish-list!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

amanda harper 400x400 - Our Team
amanda harper 400x400 - Our Team

Amanda Harper

Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2022

Career Info – I started with Jambo in August 2022, prior to this I hadn’t really thought much about recruitment, however, after nearly 2 years with Jambo I have found a real passion and couldn’t see myself in any other industry. I thrive in a fast-paced working environment where I can use my bubbly and eccentric personality to my advantage. Jambo has helped improve my confidence and mould me into the consultant I am today, I hope to continue my personal development and gain more experience and skills which will continue enhancing the quality of service I provide to clients and applicants.

Outside of Recruitment – I have a passion for cars and enjoy attending car meets, shows, and events with my car group. I own a BMW E82 which I hope to modify and participate in car shows up and down the country. I enjoy exploring the hidden gems of the Cornish coast, finding locations for photoshoots and car meets, and lots of beach days! I’m also a trained Animal Nutritionist with Feline and Aquatic behaviour and care as my specialty, owning several fully aquascaped tropical fish tanks and a gorgeous cat called Marley.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Even if you are on right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

jessica smith 400x400 - Our Team
jessica smith 400x400 - Our Team

Jessica Smith

Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2023

Career Info – I am just coming into 6 months of recruitment, its a fun and diverse industry, no day is the same and every day I learn to love it more.

I enjoy the challenges the industry brings allowing my personality to shine. I am a fun-loving adventurous girl who thrives in a fast paced environment.

I can’t wait to take the tools I am learning each day and to take the recruitment industry by storm to further my career. Watch this space!

Outside of recruitment – I have been in a happy loving relationship for 6 years now he helps push me to be the best version of myself. We got a run down flat 3 years ago and have both enjoyed the challenge of renovating it ourselves this will solidify and test any relationship, but to our surprise we have loved every moment. We completed our family with Jack our little Jack Russel just over 2 years ago, he is absolutely the apple of my eye, my little fur baby. I love snowboarding, parachute jumping and hiking around the Cornish coast.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you”.

jess rathbone 400x400 - Our Team
jess rathbone 400x400 - Our Team

Jess Rathbone

Trainee Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2022

Career Info – Initially joining Jambo in 2022, however I did decide to set sail on a short career break working as a Stewardess/ Masseuse on Yachts. Due to some unfinished business as a consultant here at Jambo I rejoined this January, and I haven’t looked back! I am learning the ropes still and refreshing my recruitment skills set that I was building upon previously. Being hooked to a fast-paced environment, and my ability to talk to people from all walks of life has helped my career thus far. I am really enjoying being back and I look forward to seeing my journey of recruitment unfold.

Outside of Recruitment – Spending the week in the office I love to get outdoors exploring the beautiful Cornish coastline and swimming all year round in hidden tidal pools. I have grown up horse riding from 3 years old and I still help my Mum to ride her 3 horses. In between all of that I am currently living in the middle of a renovation at home with lots of new DIY to learn, to make my home a home I have got 2 cats Alfred and Leroy who are my world. I will never turn down a large glass of red!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Treat others how you want to be treated.”

mathew railton 400x400 - Our Team
mathew railton 400x400 - Our Team

Mathew Railton

Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2024

Career Info – I started working at Jambo in early 2024. Having started my recruitment career at another education agency, I then moved into the IT sector, and then came to the decision to move back to education recruitment-and it was abundantly clear that Jambo provides the best platform for this. I love the limitless opportunities that recruitment provides, and the fast paced nature of the industry which means that no two days are the same.

Outside of Recruitment – I’ve been an avid distance runner since my school days. I currently compete for my local club, and have also gone on to represent the Cornwall County and South West England team in Cross Country.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

alex 400x400 - Our Team
alex 400x400 - Our Team

Alex Leah

Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Compulsory Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2024

Career Info – New kid on the block! Having done HR work for the company for the last year, I’ve been drawn in by the competitive and fast paced atmosphere Jambo offers and am looking forward to really get my teeth into things and take great strides forward in my career here.

Having massively grown in confidence in recent years as well as developing great communication skills and resilience, I feel well placed to provide brilliant service to our clients, and have already built really strong relationships with my colleagues since joining.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds, I’m going to take this opportunity with both hands and won’t be letting go any time soon!

Outside of Recruitment – My passions aren’t limited to the workplace – I’ve been managing in men’s football for 3 years now and having built a great team from the ground up, to say it’s been a ride is an understatement. If you ever spot an animated figure on the touchline of a remote muddy Cornish field, you’ve most likely found me!

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “Don’t wait for opportunity, create it.”

hal jewell 400x400 - Our Team
hal jewell 400x400 - Our Team

Hal Jewell

Trainee Recruitment Consultant
Sector: Further Education | Jambo Journey Started: 2024

Career Info – I became a member of Jambo in August 2024. Transitioning to an office environment was a significant shift for me, as I had no prior experience in such settings; however, I embraced the opportunity. After completing my first month here, I already sense a strong sense of belonging within the team, and I am eager to advance my career in recruitment, with Jambo being the ideal platform for this endeavor. I appreciate the numerous opportunities and potential for advancement that the recruitment sector offers, and Jambo actively fosters this growth, making it an exceptional place to work.

Outside of Recruitment – I have a strong passion for adrenaline-pumping sports, with cliff jumping and skiing topping my list of favourites. Being close to the sea allows me to easily engage in water sports, but I truly relish the opportunity to explore the mountains whenever I can.

Favourite Recruitment Quote – “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

Want to see more?

If you are interested in a career in recruitment and want to see some of the perks of the job, take a look at our gallery.

At Jambo Education we are always on the lookout for fresh energetic talent to join our expanding team. So if you think you would like to join our team, send us your CV.

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