About MRL Consulting Group
What is MRL Consulting Group?
MRL Consulting Group is an international recruitment consultancy specialising in semiconductor and niche-technology markets. Established in 1997 and headquartered in Brighton, MRL has put a 25+-year track record on its careers page: "For over 25 years we've put our people first, constantly evolving our workplace culture to look after our own in every way we can. From an industry-leading commission structure to our sabbatical project and a 4-day week for every single member of staff, our benefits package is unmatched."
The firm covers nine specialist markets verbatim: Semiconductors, Automotive & Transport, Capital Equipment, Data Centres, Wireless Communications, Life Sciences, Lighting & Optics, Finance & Strategy, and Software & Infrastructure. Career paths are deliberately structured into four roles to let people play to their strengths: Resourcer (entry-level, no client interaction), Account Manager, 360 Consultant, and Business Development. MRL is named-team friendly — Managing Director Harley Lorence (Northern Europe), Group Head of Marketing Jordan Lorence, Practice Lead Life Sciences Neil Machin, Internal Head of Talent Emma Buckley, and the named founders David and Kelly all appear in testimonials or footers.
Where will I work?
MRL operates three offices: Brighton (UK headquarters), Dresden (Germany), and California (USA). Phone +44 (0)1273 320 860 reaches the Brighton HQ. International travel is a real perk: "you'll have the opportunity of travelling between our European offices and to global events." Flexible working patterns are offered "to help you fit work around life."
What is the MRL Consulting Group team like?
The culture is collaborative across seniority. Jordan Lorence, who joined straight from university, describes it: "from CEO to resourcer treat each other with respect, forming one of the most collaborative working environments I've ever been a part of." Neil Machin, with 14 years of recruitment experience elsewhere, says: "After two years, I've had more success here than I've ever had in my 14 years of recruitment which I think says something about the environment here." Award recognition is extensive: Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to work for #22 (2012), Recruiter Hot 100 in 2012 and 2018, Investors in People Silver, Investing in Talent Award 2018 for Most Innovative Benefit (the Sabbatical Project), Employee Benefits Awards 2022 Best Benefits to Support Work-Life Balance, ISO 9001 every year since 2015, plus Armed Forces Covenant + Disability Confident Employer accreditations.
Work-Life Balance
Verbatim: "In 2019 we pioneered the 4-day week in the recruitment industry. Work a 4-day week, every week, forever, with no extra hours or loss of pay." Every staff member, every week, no exceptions. The Sabbatical Project — winner of the 2018 Investing in Talent Award — gives every employee "a month long, fully paid sabbatical and £1,000 to go towards your travels" every 5 years.
Perks and Benefits
- 4-day workweek for every staff member since 2019 — no extra hours, no loss of pay
- Up to 40% commission per placement + quarterly and yearly bonuses
- Vitality Health private medical insurance from day one
- 5% pension contribution (matched)
- 1-month fully paid sabbatical + £1,000 every 5 years (award-winning Sabbatical Project)
- Presidents Club — twice-yearly all-expenses-paid holiday for overachievers
- Quarterly target dinners at top restaurants for those hitting target
- Birthday cake + Amazon voucher
- International travel between European offices and global events
- Extended maternity and paternity leave and pay
- Cycle to Work scheme — bike paid for and cost spread monthly
- CSR days for all employees
- Flexible working patterns