#MyFrazerJonesJourney with Clair Schindler: two years of building HR recruitment excellence in Ireland

As Clair Schindler celebrates her second anniversary with Frazer Jones, we explore her journey of launching and growing our HR recruitment agency in Dublin. From building a client base from scratch to leading initiatives in talent acquisition, flexible working and employee engagement, Clair shares insights into the evolving Irish job market and what sets Frazer Jones apart.

Clair, congratulations on your two-year anniversary with Frazer Jones. What initially drew you to the opportunity to lead our HR offering in Ireland?

Having worked in human resources recruitment and search for many years, I saw a clear opportunity to bring Frazer Jones’ global reputation and specialist expertise to the Irish market. Dublin, in particular, has a dynamic and rapidly evolving HR landscape, and I was excited by the challenge of establishing and growing a brand that could truly partner with clients and candidates in a meaningful way.

What drew me most was the chance to build something from the ground up, leveraging Frazer Jones’ international network while tailoring our approach to local working arrangements. I’m passionate about building long-term value through trusted relationships, and I saw this role as the perfect opportunity to do just that.

With over 25 years in recruitment, how did you approach building a brand-new market for Frazer Jones in Ireland? What were your first priorities?

My first priority was to listen – to clients, candidates and the broader HR community. I invested time in market mapping and identifying key sectors and organisations where our specialist offering could add real value. I focused on building trust and credibility, making sure every interaction reflected the quality and integrity Frazer Jones is known for.

A key part of establishing Frazer Jones Ireland has been creating meaningful touchpoints with the HR community. I’ve hosted a range of HR-focused events and networking initiatives, designed not just to connect people but to spark conversations around emerging trends, challenges and best practices – including topics like pay transparency, employee engagement, flexible working and talent management. These events have helped position Frazer Jones as a thought leader, while also deepening relationships with clients and candidates. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how these initiatives have fostered collaboration and built a strong community around the Frazer Jones Ireland brand.

Looking back over the past two years, how has the Irish HR recruitment landscape evolved? What shifts have you seen in client demand, candidate expectations or hiring trends?

The Irish job market has seen significant transformation. One of the most notable shifts has been the growing strategic importance of HR within organisations. Irish employers are increasingly seeking HR professionals who can drive business outcomes and support retention.

There’s also been a marked rise in demand for specialist roles, particularly in areas like employee experience, HRIS and people analytics and change management. Remote work and flexible working have reshaped candidate expectations – work-life balance, flexibility, purpose and culture are now front and centre in career decisions.

Another key trend is the increase in interim and project-based HR roles, reflecting the need for agility in a changing labour market. In Ireland, we’re about to launch our interim business, which is an exciting next step that will help address talent shortages and streamline the hiring process.

You’ve worked across contingency, contracting, retained and executive search. How have you applied that breadth of experience to serve a diverse range of clients and roles in Ireland?

Having worked across all recruitment models, I’ve been able to bring a truly consultative approach to the Irish market. Each client has different needs, and my experience allows me to tailor solutions that align with their business goals, timelines and budget.

It’s also enabled me to support a wide range of roles – from operational HR to strategic appointments – across industries like financial services, professional services, life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceutical. This flexibility has helped us build a strong talent pool and respond to high demand for top talent.

What types of roles and clients have you focused on since joining, and how has that portfolio grown or changed over time?

When we first launched Frazer Jones in Ireland, the focus was on mid to senior-level HR roles across core functions. I targeted sectors where I saw immediate demand and where our specialist approach could make a strong impact. Over time, the portfolio has grown in both depth and breadth.

The client base has diversified. Recently, I’ve worked with several Irish-owned and operated organisations in growth mode. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey, to understand their needs and help them find the right talent to support their expansion.

Many of these clients were new relationships, and the growth has been organic – driven by referrals, thought leadership and a genuine commitment to understanding each client’s unique talent needs, including sourcing strategies and benchmarking against market standards.

What do you think sets Frazer Jones apart in the Irish market, and how do you communicate that value to both clients and candidates?

Frazer Jones stands out because of our deep specialisation in HR recruitment and our truly global reach. We’re not a generalist recruitment agency – we live and breathe HR. That means our insights, networks and understanding of the function are second to none. This level of focus allows us to deliver a more strategic and consultative service.

Being part of a specialist multinational firm is also a huge advantage. I’m constantly learning from my counterparts in other regions, whether it’s market trends, innovative approaches to the recruitment process or client engagement strategies. That exposure has broadened my perspective and helped me bring fresh thinking to the Irish job market.

We hear there’s something exciting on the horizon. Can you give us a sneak peek into the upcoming launch of our interim offering in Ireland?

Absolutely – this is an exciting next step for Frazer Jones Ireland. We’re preparing to formally launch our interim HR offering, which will allow us to support clients with even greater agility and flexibility.

Over the past two years, we’ve seen growing demand for interim solutions, whether it’s covering parental leave, driving short-term transformation projects or bridging leadership gaps. I’ve been working closely with our interim teams in other regions to shape an offering that’s tailored to the Irish market but backed by proven success elsewhere.

It’s a natural evolution of our brand here, and one that will allow us to serve a broader range of client needs, especially in sectors facing talent shortages or skills gaps. I’m already seeing strong interest, and I’m confident this will be a game-changer for how HR talent is accessed in Ireland.

What advice would you give to HR professionals considering a career move in Ireland right now, especially at the mid to senior level?

Approach the market with confidence. HR professionals who can strategically drive business outcomes are in high demand. Reflecting on your value proposition and what you bring beyond the job description is essential.

Many organisations are undergoing transformation, so they’re looking for fresh perspectives. Don’t be afraid to explore industries you haven’t worked in before – especially those embracing automation, artificial intelligence and upskilling initiatives. Your experience may be more transferable than you think.

Finally, reflecting on your journey so far, can you share some standout milestones and what you’re most proud of since joining Frazer Jones?

There have been several standout moments, but what I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up. When I joined Frazer Jones, we had no client base and no database in Ireland. Today, we’re a recognised recruitment agency in the HR space, with a strong presence in Dublin and growing relationships across Cork, Galway and Limerick.

One of the most rewarding achievements has been developing a client portfolio composed entirely of new relationships – individuals and organisations I hadn’t previously worked with. It speaks to the strength of our employer brand and the trust we’ve built in the Irish job market.

Another milestone has been the success of our HR events and networking initiatives. These have helped us build visibility, foster employee engagement and spark meaningful conversations among senior HR professionals. Topics have ranged from DEI and talent acquisition to sustainability, employee wellbeing and flexible working.

Interestingly, before joining Frazer Jones, I had never hosted professional events. It wasn’t something I considered a core part of my skill set. What started as a new challenge quickly became one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. I’ve discovered new strengths, learnt from brilliant colleagues across our multinational network and helped elevate our brand through curated, relevant content.

Ultimately, I’m proud of what we stand for in Ireland – trust, integrity and a commitment to excellence in HR practices. And I’m excited about what’s next.