JAM expands into global oil and gas market

Thursday, Jan 10, 2013

London and Manchester-based specialist recruitment company JAM has announced an expansion into the global oil and gas market.

The firm, which advises the manufacturers’ organisation EEF on skills, has launched a new department focused on recruitment and consulting services for international organisations in the oil and gas industry.

It has appointed energy market expert Mark Byrom as business manager with responsibility for building the new team and plans to rapidly expand the department, recruiting up to another 12 consultants during 2013.

Mark Byrom has eight years’ experience in the energy sector including roles with MRI Humana – the business founded by former Dragon’s Den star James Caan. He has provided tailored services to a wide range of companies including major operators and independents, as well as advising on staff retention, talent management and outplacement projects at senior and board levels.

John Morris CEO of JAM Recruitment, said: “We see the oil and gas industry as a key strategic market for JAM going forward. There will be significant opportunities to leverage the existing infrastructure of our global mobility team and it has natural synergy with our established expertise in the engineering sector.

“We have ambitious plans to grow the team and establishing expertise in new markets by attracting skilled practitioners like Mark is a key part of our growth strategy. 

Mark Byrom, business manager at JAM Recruitment, said: “Oil and gas is one of the best remunerated sectors in the world but like other industries it is facing a serious skills shortage. Finding and retaining talent is therefore a major concern for many operators and EPCs (engineering, procurement  & construction companies).

“We’re experiencing strong demand for services like talent mapping, salary surveys and in-house consulting as major players prepare for the impending market turnaround.

“JAM has built-up an enviable reputation in specialist markets and the opportunity to join a fast growing business and build a team from scratch was a compelling proposition.”  

The move is part of a wider expansion for JAM over the last quarter which has included the appointment of aerospace heavyweight Grahame Nix OBE as group business development director and growth in its London-based global mobility team in response to demand for relocation professionals to manage the movement of employees across international boundaries.

Founded in 2000, JAM provides specialist skills to the UK defence, transportation, energy, scientific and medical, food and drink, electronics and software and professional services sectors.

Operating on a national and international scale, to date it has placed c.9000 skilled staff into employment.

Issued on behalf of JAM Recruitment by Citypress