Today we’d like to introduce you to Naseem Malik.
Naseem, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I went from sourcing goods to sourcing talent. After gaining 15 years’ experience as a procurement practitioner, I turned my full attention to something I enjoy most – leveraging my network, connecting the dots and finding the best talent in the supply management profession. Joined the MRI Network as they are second largest direct hire organization in the country with over 500 offices worldwide, they provide the tools and technology to get our businesses up and running and we all specialize in our specific functions and ours is in the Procurement field. We were fortunate to be named the Rookie Office of the Year and have been growing ever since. Have gained a strong reputation as the premier sourcing recruiting firm in the MRI Network and in our function. We are truly embedded in the function as we are part of the ISM and other associations from where we contribute to the function by writing articles and blogs and preparing podcasts too.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been an interesting journey as there are always trials and tribulations in the business. I was fortunate in that my former bosses, colleagues and direct reports really helped out when my business was launched. They trusted me to help them find their top talent and we delivered. Have built a team of onsite recruiters and network partners that has allowed us to scale to meet our customer needs. About two years ago we opened up our second office with a consulting partner of ours, Source One, in downtown Chicago and last year we expanded with offshore resources in UAE and Karachi. Ironically the biggest challenge has been to meet growing business needs and finding the right team members to join our company and fit into our unique culture.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with MRA Global – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We live and breathe Procurement and are fully immersed in its recruiting. I tell people that Procurement is my first love and I serve it in a different capacity by matching top talent with the best companies. When clients call us they know that having been a practitioner I have worked in these roles and have hired for these roles. I started off as a Buyer and retired as a Director, Global Sourcing for a F500 company. Also have had start up and consulting experience in my past that has served me well as we cater to all kinds of clients. I am on the Conference Leadership Committee for the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). I have presented at the ISM Annual Conferences and with Procurement Leaders. This allows us to stay abreast of latest trends and technologies in our function. We write for SpendMatters and that sets up apart from your run of the mill recruiting company as we can help add value with our insights and perspective on the talent market.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We want to continue to grow and add more staff so we can serve more and more companies in need of top Procurement talent. We will expand capacity in our offshore offices as well as the onshore team. We will also work on expanding our partner network so we can continue to cement our place in Procurement recruiting sphere.
Contact Info:
- Address: 325 W. Huron Street, Ste. 207
Chicago, IL 60654
3325 N Arlington Heights Rd #500B
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 - Website: www.mrags.com
- Phone: 847 278-2120
- Email: info@mrags,com
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2736025/
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