Market Intelligence Recruitment at Media Contacts
Media Contacts has recruited across market intelligence for over twenty-five years, from Tennessee to Tokyo, working with experts in everything from structured credit to Sabrina Carpenter.
For us, great recruitment is about developing a long-term appreciation of the nuance of the organisation and introducing experts who can cut through noise and develop innovative strategies, allowing you to connect and grow your audience like never before. We specialise in connecting the market intelligence sector with experts and leaders who bring knowledge and connections with the adaptability to thrive in fast-changing environments. Our network spans geographies and industries, giving us the experience to appreciate the skills and character traits that demark an impactful hire.
Our strategy combines old school principles with cutting-edge technology: we take a proactive, headhunting-led approach, identifying talent others may not see, building real-life relationships with high-calibre experts, and asking the forensic questions that reveal whether they can deliver under pressure, lead teams, or break complex topics for a demanding audience. Whether you’re looking for an analyst with specialist expertise, an editor to set the agenda, or a leader to transform strategy, we make sure you see the very best of the market rather than just the most visible applicants.
Our clients work with us because we operate as partners. We give honest advice and provide intelligence alongside shortlists. We understand the reputational stakes of every hire.
If you need talent that help you reach new audiences, we know where to find them.
Our Team
Ben Galyas, Associate Director, Head of Market Intelligence Recruitment
Ben connects specialist newsrooms, risk consultancies, investment firms, and market-intelligence providers with analysts, strategists, data experts, journalists, and editors. He also occasionally does the coffee run.
“There are very few recruiters in financial news who truly know the niche inside out. Ben Galyas at Media Contacts is one of them. He’s deeply knowledgeable about the industry landscape and its key players. If you know exactly what you want from your career next, I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Yulianna Vilkos, Managing Editor, REDD Intelligence
Julia Walton, Director
With years of experience in healthcare communications and editorial, Julia has been active throughout the digital transition: from newspapers moving online to healthcare services shifting to digital. She is uniquely placed to help healthcare and purpose-led companies, pharma businesses, news services, and agencies to continue digital development.
“Julia has a great ability to listen to what you wish to accomplish in your new role and seek out an employer that meets your expectations. She is very proactive in making recommendations and always follow up. When you decide to make a change, it can be a bit scary, but they inspire confidence and can be trusted to do their very best for you.”
Godfrey Lisk, Director, AXON
Caitlin Byrne, Senior Consultant
Caitlin leads our coverage of research and business information. Our resident vegan specialises in connect exceptional talent with organisations that drive understanding and innovation. Her work spans organisations providing specialist insight: research agencies, qualitative and quantitative insight, academic and B2B intelligence, and emerging media.
“Caitlin made the process of applying for a job seamless, bringing me from first contact to a contract in hand within three weeks. Throughout, she was communicative and helpful, and unlike previous recruiter experiences, it felt like she was trying to help me find a job that I wanted, rather than one the company wanted to get filled. Made a process that is mostly tedious and depressing easy - and ultimately rewarding me with a great job!”
Isaac Hanson, Global Trade Review
Our Process
Team: Specialist consultants across editorial markets. Low turnover, diverse and supportive culture, reflected in our 4.5-star-plus Glassdoor rating. Commitment to learning and development.
Terms: Three distinct levels of search plus custom arrangements, including subscriptions and managed services. All tailored to your needs.
Briefing: In-person* consultation to assess culture, team dynamics, and employer value proposition. Honest discussion on vacancy viability, salary benchmarking, and skills availability.
Sourcing: We conduct research across multiple platforms to find passive candidates who may not use LinkedIn. Enticing adverts handwritten by trained consultants, enhanced by AI for SEO performance.
Outreach: Headhunt calls, referrals, and selective messaging that demonstrate our research and understanding of the candidate and market. 60 - 70% response rate. Each applicant receives a response within one week.
Interviews: A skills-based qualification meeting and a thorough exploration of key motivators. Detailed review of target company and vacancy followed by a thorough, competency-based, in-person* interview to assess experience and soft skills.
Introductions: Our perspective, followed by a topline summary, key skill overlap, motivation assessment, and interview availability. In-depth interview insights available upon request.
Negotiation: Empathetic, understanding, and realistic. As sector specialists, we provide market context on both sides. Never aggressive. Your reputation is our priority. 90% plus offer acceptance rate.
Aftercare: An in-person* drink or meal to celebrate the new job. Full feedback on their ongoing experience, including coaching on how to manage professional hurdles. A follow-up with the client to ensure all round satisfaction.
* Where possible, geographically.
Why?
Tailored searches increase our fill percentage from 50% to 90% plus, so you can have a high-value, consultative relationship with one recruitment consultancy.
An honest discussion on vacancy viability can cut time to hire by weeks or months, saving you stress from an overworked team and money lost from empty seats.
Better outreach and response rates significantly increase the breadth and quality of candidates we introduce.
A thorough process and thoughtful aftercare mean 95% plus pass their probation, and 98% of clients work with us again.
Service Levels
Source ⏱️ 40 - 50% fill rate. Free at the point of use.
Support from a specialist consultant from the job brief to the start date. Custom-written advertising across generic job boards and social media. Sourcing through our extensive contact book and interviewing advert responses.
Partner 🤝 80 - 90% fill rate. 10% paid upfront.
Everything in Source plus… In-person briefings and interviews to fully appreciate skills and motivations. Advanced interview insights. Identify and proactively headhunt specialists and passive talent. Account management from a specialist consultant.
Exceed ⭐️ 95 - 100% fill rate. 50% paid upfront
Everything in Source and Partner plus… Our top priority search. In-person audit of market positioning, talent attraction strategy and vacancy viability. A collaborative plan for our approach. Weekly reports on progress and market insights.
Terms of Business 📄
Our rate, 20% - 30% of salary. 10 weeks of insurance if your hire were to leave. 21 - 30 day payment terms.
Recent Hires
Managing Editor, DN Media Group
“Over six weeks, Media Contacts worked closely with us to present a succinct shortlist of candidates who had been interviewed at a high level. The vacancy was filled with an exceptional candidate within three months, and the staff at Media Contacts were available to offer consultative advice throughout. Their specialist insight into the business intelligence industry was invaluable, and I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Sarah Louise Goldsbrough, HR Director
Head of Editorial Data, Law Business Research
“Media Contacts helped me find a great role and navigate the interview process with his outstanding market knowledge, lots of practical advice and empathy. And when I was hiring, I've found Media Contacts to be a valuable partner with great contacts and a deep understanding of the market.”
Susanne Hauner, Head of Content Transformation
Associate Editor, HFMA
“Their advice and expertise made an unsettling period for me very straightforward, and the jobs they put me forward for were a very good fit and much better than those I was being interviewed for without their help. I can't recommend Media Contacts highly enough for anyone looking for a job in the media. Their knowledge of pretty much every media company, and their way of simplifying the complex, was highly reassuring, and I ended up with a job I enjoy thanks to them.”
Richard Gardham, Associate Editor
Senior Private Credit Reporter, 9fin
“Media Contacts found many my team in an incredibly fast-growing function. There were weeks where I felt like I spoke to them more than my family or colleagues, and they are consummate professionals, always. They are very tapped into their networks. Thank you!”
Josie Shillito, Global Head of Private Credit
Home Editor, the i Newspaper
“They take the time to understand the brief and go out of their way to ensure that candidates have been properly screened and are fully prepared for the interview. Communication throughout the process is exceptional, and they are extremely knowledgeable about the industry and have found us some excellent hires!”
Danielle Lavin, Head of Editorial Talent Acquisition
Director, Editorial, AXON
“They have a great ability to listen to what you wish to accomplish in your new role and seek out an employer that meets your expectations. They are very proactive in making recommendations and always follow up. When you decide to make a change, it can be a bit scary, but they inspire confidence and can be trusted to do their very best for you. They aren’t pushy and will allow you to set the pace.”
Godfrey Lisk, Director