A Career at CBSbutler: Employee Insights from David Rowe - Director of Aviation

Tell us about your background and how you came to join CBSbutler

After graduating from Aston University with a BSc in Transport Management in 1994 and achieving an MSc in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University in 1995, I’ve always been focused on a career in the Aviation industry. My first step was to become an Aviation Journalist working within the Airport sector, becoming Assistant Editor for Airports Council Europe and UK Airport Association (AOA) magazines. The role combined plentiful travel with selling advertising space so I built up both my aviation knowledge and sales skills during that time. I stayed for around two years, went travelling for a year and on my return sought a role that enabled me to work with people who ‘spoke my language’ i.e. Aviation. The best combination of Aviation expertise and a flair for sales was the Recruitment sector and I started work as a Consultant in 1998. After 4 years with that organisation, I joined CBSbutler in June 2002, just after the industry had picked up from a downturn caused by 9/11. I started as a Recruitment Consultant, and within two years I was a Senior Consultant, then I moved through various management positions until you see me here today as the Director of Recruitment for our Aviation pillar.

Is this a good time to be in aviation recruitment?

It’s an excellent time. Because of the nature of our specific recruitment niche in Aircraft Maintenance and ‘IFEC’  (In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity) we weren’t as badly affected by the COVID-19 situation as some other recruiters. Aircraft still had to be maintained and when things resumed, we managed to retain loyal customers and contractors, and as such my ‘book’ didn’t diminish thanks to the strength of the relationships we had developed. At the moment, the industry is extremely buoyant, as people have rediscovered the joy of travelling after such a long time without being able to do it.

Why are you hiring at the moment?

The industry is going through a period of rapid expansion at the moment, and our customers need the right people in place to enable them to keep ahead of their competitors. We’re looking to bring in someone with a combination of sales skills plus experience of the Aviation industry, but not necessarily someone who has specific recruitment experience – that’s something that can be learned.

What kind of skills are the most important to you?

I think a good knowledge of the sector would be a big advantage. If they’ve travelled regularly, read the trade press, know what Airlines are buying, what sectors are hot and which are not, that would help enormously. Someone with their finger on the pulse of the industry will understand that there is a huge amount of aircraft being manufactured and delivered to Airlines, and that the support that’s needed, in terms of suppliers and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) means that there’s a demand for talent in the industry both in the UK and internationally. A large percentage of the business I deal with is overseas – I have clients based in places such as Korea, Japan and the USA – which gives CBSbutler a massive commercial and competitive advantage.

What will that person receive when they start with you?

The career progression opportunities with CBSbutler are second-to-none and we offer clear career paths for the right people. They could start as a Sales Professional and then move on to Business Development (with all the avenues available in that direction, such as Business Development Director) with the potential to combine Aerospace and Aviation and develop new business with a huge range of companies. 

I think it’s important to stress that we do expect a commitment from people. Unlike traditional, UK-based recruiters we’re not a 9-5 operation. Because of the nature and geographical location of our Aviation clients, it’s a 24/7 business so they might need to work late nights or early mornings from time to time. But that’s part of the excitement of it all. There’s also the opportunity for international travel, visiting clients, and generating new business – there is no limit! 

CBSbutler operates in a very autonomous way. We have the heritage and the security of a large company but we foster a very entrepreneurial spirit and offer the flexibility to help people get the job done. I encourage my team to plan ahead and do 15-30 minutes every day of “What’s next?” to keep the work coming through and the clients coming in year after year!

What makes CBSbutler a good place to work?

I know it’s been said before but the culture here is excellent. We’re a friendly bunch and everyone knows that they can rely on support from everyone within the team.

David’s success is just one example of the career development opportunities available at CBSbutler. If you’re looking for a career that offers great support, and the chance to make a real impact in a vital sector, we’d love to hear from you. 

For more information on career opportunities at CBSbutler, please contact us.