Josh Langley, Head of CrimsonXT Automation

Meet Josh Langley, Head of CrimsonXT Automation. Josh joined CrimsonXT as a graduate Recruitment Consultant in 2019. Today, he leads a growing team in recruiting within the niche markets of warehouse automation, intralogistics and supply chain technology across the US, Europe and APAC.

What do you do day to day?

Lots! Running a team of six consultants, all at different levels and experience and ability takes up a big part of my day. Aside from that, doing all the activities involved with 360-degree recruitment, whether that’s candidate management, client management, sourcing candidates, mapping markets and working closely with our of marketing team and helping with the overall strategy of the business.

What drew you to the automation industry?

Starting back a few years ago, the first thing that got me into it was understanding that there is a significant need for different automation solutions in different environments. I think it was automated guided vehicles (AGV) that were the first products that I saw that I thought were really amazing. I saw the growth in sales for those products and I wanted to become a part of that industry.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I love the people I work with (most of them…jokes!) and I love our office environment. I love how everyone supports each other and empowers each other to bring new ideas.

In terms of what I love about my industry, some of the automation markets that we work in -particularly warehouse automation and intralogistics – are rapidly growing, which means that the industry is outgrowing the talent. I love working with our clients to inform and consult about how they can continue to attract talent and find innovative ways to bring that talent into their businesses.

What are your professional goals and how do you hope to achieve them?

In the long term I’d love to build a globally recognized automation recruitment business, and I think the best way to achieve this is to just continue in the direction that we’re going by understanding the niches and the needs of the automation industry, understanding what our clients really need, what problems the candidates are facing within the industry and how we can fix those. I think it’s also important to focus internally by continuing to recruit really good people into CrimsonXT and empowering them to be future leaders within automation.

What is a work-related accomplishment you’re really proud of?

I think the overall thing that I’m proud of is building a team of six – a top performing team – really quickly in just over a year. It’s certainly a proud thing not just for me, but for everybody involved.

In terms of personal achievements, it would be winning internal awards like ‘Top Rookie’ when I was starting out, and ‘Biggest Impact on the Business’ – that’s a big personal achievement.

What do you use the company’s flexible working for?

Working from home on Mondays and Fridays is great. I’m a keen musician and I’ve got a home office that’s full of guitars, so that’s quite a nice environment to work in. I like to use my lunchtimes for exercise in case I’ve had a bit of a hectic morning, and sometimes I can fit an early round of golf in before work in the summertime.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

Well, as I mentioned, I am a musician and used to do a lot more music before recent times. But in the past, I supported bands like Top Loader, The Ordinary Boys and the Sherlocks.

How do you like to start your day?

If I wake up early enough, I sometimes try and make the gym, but normally I start the day with two cups of coffee and a book. I’m reading ‘How to talk to anyone’ at the moment, ‘The 5AM Club’ and ‘The Wim Hof Method’ – those are my last three books. I take a cold shower every single day as well, that’s no lie.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

I was once told, “Only worry about the things you can control”, which I think is quite good advice.

What is on your bucket list?

Okay – a few things. The main things would firstly be a trip to Japan – I just love the food and love the culture, but I’ve never actually been. Secondly I would love to eat at the best restaurant in the world, which I think is ‘Noma’ in Copenhagen – I’ve seen it on TV and it looks delicious with loads of tiny plates, and loads of wine. Apart from those two, I’d love to attend an F1 race, run a marathon and buy a Ford Mustang.

What is the most used app on your phone?

Spotify. It’s almost always Kings of Leon, Foals, Spacey Jane, Paolo Nutini or White Lies.

If you could write a book about your life, what would it be called and why?

‘The Sensible Rebel’… I like to think I’m a little bit rebel-ly, maybe still a bit of a rock star *laughing*. But really it’s all just a joke and I’m quite a sensible, calculated person that has goals to achieve!

Follow Josh on LinkedIn, CrimsonXT on LinkedIn or learn more about how CrimsonXT Automation can support you to find your next star hire or new automation role.