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Jack Purnell
Business Manager
Hundreds of 'Excellent' reviews
Helping Automation companies unlock their next stage of growth
Specialisms We Cover
The global industrial and warehouse automation market exceeds $300 billion in value and continues to grow, driven by labour shortages, supply-chain optimisation, and rapid advances in robotics, controls, and smart logistics.
Industrial and warehouse automation has become a critical enabler of efficiency, resilience, and scalability across manufacturing, logistics, and distribution environments. As businesses respond to rising labour costs, skills shortages, and increasing demand for speed and accuracy, automation technologies—from robotics and material handling systems to controls, vision, and warehouse management software—are being adopted at pace.We support organisations operating across the full automation ecosystem, including manufacturers, systems integrators, technology providers, and end users. Our team understands the technical, operational, and commercial complexity involved in deploying automation at scale. By aligning specialist engineering, operational, and leadership talent with business objectives, we help our clients design, implement, and optimise automation strategies that deliver measurable, long-term impact.
The right talent is becoming harder to source and hire.
As the automation industry continues to expand at pace, demand for professionals with expertise in automation technologies is increasing faster than the available talent pool. This skills imbalance has intensified competition for qualified candidates, making it essential to work with a partner who understands the market and can help you differentiate your opportunity. We work closely with clients to position roles effectively and secure the talent needed to compete and grow.Given the technical complexity of the automation sector, working with a specialist recruiter who understands both the role requirements and your business from the outset is critical. A deep knowledge of the market, combined with an established network, ensures the search is focused and effective. This level of expertise is often the difference between a successful hire and a prolonged, misaligned process.
Team
Jack Purnell
Business Manager
Guy Taylor
Business Consultant
Scaling US Growth for a Global Warehouse Automation Leader
In 2025–2026, a European-headquartered warehouse automation systems integrator accelerated its US expansion to meet surging demand across e-commerce and supply chain markets. Specialising in AS/RS, AMRs, robotic picking and WMS integration, the business targeted key logistics hubs including Atlanta and Chicago. However, rapid market growth—fuelled by labour shortages and automation investment—created intense competition for talent. Facing a 90-day average time-to-hire, limited diverse candidate pipelines, geographic constraints for on-site engineering roles, and competition from major employers offering premium salaries, the company required a strategic partner capable of delivering at pace without compromising quality.
Case Study
Scaling US Growth for a Global Warehouse Automation Leader
Over a 12-month partnership, Irving Knight delivered 25 critical hires across controls engineering, robotics integration, project management, technical sales and solution architecture. Time-to-hire was reduced by 40%, while 92% of placements remained in role beyond six months—significantly outperforming industry averages. Our targeted search strategy also supported the client’s DEI objectives, achieving 35% female representation and 25% minority hires across placements. The strengthened leadership and delivery teams directly contributed to securing over $50M in new contracts, positioning the organisation for sustained US growth.
Did you know?
Hiring the wrong candidate costs more than just time—it can waste salary, training resources, and opportunities. The Department of Labour estimates a bad hire can cost up to 30% of the role’s first-year earnings.
We hire right
Organisations are
97% Placement Rate 11.78:1 CVs Sent to Interviews 2Avg. 32 Day Engagement to Placement 3
1. Based on all roles engaged on by a client on an exclusive basis from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.
2. All CVs Sent from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.
3. From Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.
Stats
1,908 placements made across 25 sectors
262,736 companies in our CRM
"At Irving Knight, we don't just fill positions; we build lasting partnerships. Our commitment to understanding your unique needs ensures that we deliver leaders who drive success and embody your company's values. When it comes to identifying the high-performers of tomorrow, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our bespoke approach ensures every search is personal, diverse, and tailored from the ground up — delivering an individual, unrivalled experience for both clients and candidates. "
- Joe Davey, Group CEO of Irving Knight Group
Andrew Coutts
Director Global Strategy, US
First Class Service Emma shared details of a relevant opportunity and did a great job helping to manage lengthy nego...
Emma Conlin
Animal Health
Andreia Sa
Director, Italy
I would like to sincerely thank Evan Ball for all the support throughout the process. He provided assistance at diffe...
Ewan Ball
Food Ingredients & Biotechnology
Vincent Dehousse
Head of Sales & Marketing, Netherlands
Great experience working with Cian from Irving Knight—professional, responsive, and genuinely supportive. Highly reco...
Cian ODonnell
CDMO & CRO
Daniel Villanueva
Key Account Manager
Joseph is a dedicated professional and a stand up person to work with. His patience and his understanding certainly s...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Jeff Borchardt
Director of Planning, US
Mr. Clay was a wonderful recruiter. He was communicative and helped keep me informed through the process. He also fou...
Christopher Clay
Real Estate & Homebuilding
Anja Florbach
Digital & Commercial Excellence Manager
Thank you so much Joseph! You have given me a great support. It was really nice to be in contact with you and I thin...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Kay Witte
Global Director Performance Excellence
Joseph was instrumental in making my last professional opportunity happen. He was easy to work with, responsive, and ...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Jane Scates
Packaging Engineer, US
Henry was a true professional, perfect attention to detail at every step of the process. Would definitely recommend!
Henry Spooner
Packaging, Paper, Recycling
Eduardo Valle
Development Mgr, US
This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...
Christopher Clay
Real Estate & Homebuilding
Joerg Schlagmann
Senior Global Manager
Great expert: supportive, challenging and always empowered for his customers and his work! Not more to say: just exce...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Sara Benoit
Regional Account Manager, US
Irving Knight Group is a fantastic company. I was contacted by Aidan Kerr regarding a sales position opportunity in t...
Aidan Kerr
Chemicals
Jon Steele
CFO, US
Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...
Grace Smith
Electrical Components and Products
Ashley Maclean
Systems Sales Engineer, South Carolina
Jack Purnell with Irving Knight was the best recruiter I’ve worked with - by far. He communicated clearly, was respec...
Jack Purnell
Heavy Equipment & Automation
Franz-Leo Nedo
Territory Sales Manager
Joseph is an expert in recruting people. He has in-depth practical knowledge and helpful by solving potential issues....
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Michael Wilson
Senior Account Manager
Working with Joseph was a seamless and positive experience from our first contact along with the various steps of the...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Lucas Quadflieg
Sales Manager, Netherlands
Good vibes on finding a new opportunity... I was contacted by Aidan Kerr for a position of Sales Manager Benelux. Af...
Aidan Kerr
Chemicals
Sandeep Kulshrestha
Formulation Director, US
Oliver is very good in matching skills of the candidates with the company’s requirements. I personally got benefits o...
Oliver Kiddy
Flavors & Fragrances
Kyle Corrigan
Technical Account Manager
It was a pleasure working with Joseph when searching for the next chapter in my career. Proactive, energetic and prof...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Rishi Sarkar
Environmental Process Engineer, US
Irving Knight helped place me with a company that I could have a positive impact on that aligned with my career goals...
Cian ODonnell
CDMO & CRO
Veronica Hagborg
Senior Director Global HR, Sweden
I have had the opportunity to co-operate with Joseph in a process and I found him very proactive in keeping me inform...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Andrew Coutts
Director Global Strategy, US
First Class Service Emma shared details of a relevant opportunity and did a great job helping to manage lengthy nego...
Emma Conlin
Animal Health
Andreia Sa
Director, Italy
I would like to sincerely thank Evan Ball for all the support throughout the process. He provided assistance at diffe...
Ewan Ball
Food Ingredients & Biotechnology
Vincent Dehousse
Head of Sales & Marketing, Netherlands
Great experience working with Cian from Irving Knight—professional, responsive, and genuinely supportive. Highly reco...
Cian ODonnell
CDMO & CRO
Daniel Villanueva
Key Account Manager
Joseph is a dedicated professional and a stand up person to work with. His patience and his understanding certainly s...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Jeff Borchardt
Director of Planning, US
Mr. Clay was a wonderful recruiter. He was communicative and helped keep me informed through the process. He also fou...
Christopher Clay
Real Estate & Homebuilding
Anja Florbach
Digital & Commercial Excellence Manager
Thank you so much Joseph! You have given me a great support. It was really nice to be in contact with you and I thin...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Kay Witte
Global Director Performance Excellence
Joseph was instrumental in making my last professional opportunity happen. He was easy to work with, responsive, and ...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Jane Scates
Packaging Engineer, US
Henry was a true professional, perfect attention to detail at every step of the process. Would definitely recommend!
Henry Spooner
Packaging, Paper, Recycling
Eduardo Valle
Development Mgr, US
This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...
Christopher Clay
Real Estate & Homebuilding
Joerg Schlagmann
Senior Global Manager
Great expert: supportive, challenging and always empowered for his customers and his work! Not more to say: just exce...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Sara Benoit
Regional Account Manager, US
Irving Knight Group is a fantastic company. I was contacted by Aidan Kerr regarding a sales position opportunity in t...
Aidan Kerr
Chemicals
Jon Steele
CFO, US
Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...
Grace Smith
Electrical Components and Products
Ashley Maclean
Systems Sales Engineer, South Carolina
Jack Purnell with Irving Knight was the best recruiter I’ve worked with - by far. He communicated clearly, was respec...
Jack Purnell
Heavy Equipment & Automation
Franz-Leo Nedo
Territory Sales Manager
Joseph is an expert in recruting people. He has in-depth practical knowledge and helpful by solving potential issues....
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Michael Wilson
Senior Account Manager
Working with Joseph was a seamless and positive experience from our first contact along with the various steps of the...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Lucas Quadflieg
Sales Manager, Netherlands
Good vibes on finding a new opportunity... I was contacted by Aidan Kerr for a position of Sales Manager Benelux. Af...
Aidan Kerr
Chemicals
Sandeep Kulshrestha
Formulation Director, US
Oliver is very good in matching skills of the candidates with the company’s requirements. I personally got benefits o...
Oliver Kiddy
Flavors & Fragrances
Kyle Corrigan
Technical Account Manager
It was a pleasure working with Joseph when searching for the next chapter in my career. Proactive, energetic and prof...
Joseph Davey
Group CEO
Rishi Sarkar
Environmental Process Engineer, US
Irving Knight helped place me with a company that I could have a positive impact on that aligned with my career goals...
Cian ODonnell
CDMO & CRO
Veronica Hagborg
Senior Director Global HR, Sweden
I have had the opportunity to co-operate with Joseph in a process and I found him very proactive in keeping me inform...
