When Solace needed an experienced Membership Manager to drive strategy, lead a team, and support a fast-paced, purpose-led organisation, Membership Bespoke delivered a focused, high-quality search that led to a confident appointment.
Solace is the UK’s leading membership network for professionals in local government and the wider public sector. Representing over 200000 members nationwide and over 50 internationally, they provide professional development, policy influence, and networking opportunities for individuals at every stage of their leadership journey - from emerging graduate talent to chief executives.
Solace needed to recruit a new Membership Manager: a key leadership role responsible for delivering and shaping their membership strategy across the UK. This role became available following the planned departure of the previous postholder, who had been with the organisation for over 15 years.
The role required a talented professional who could:
Solace was open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, provided they had strong knowledge of membership processes, a collaborative style, and the drive to support team development.
Membership Bespoke worked in close collaboration with Solace to define the requirements for the role and align on key aspects such as working arrangements, reporting lines and the qualities needed to support the organisation’s wider strategic goals.
We initiated a targeted search, utilising our specialist 19k+ UK-wide candidate database alongside our tailored LinkedIn advertising partnership to identify and approach individuals with the right blend of experience and cultural fit. Every candidate was carefully screened to ensure they had the practical knowledge of membership operations that the role demanded, as well as the communication skills and personal drive needed to energise the team.
Throughout the process, we maintained clear and open communication with Solace’s hiring team, managing timeframes efficiently and ensuring candidates were well informed about both the opportunity and the expectations around hybrid working. Our experience within the membership sector enabled us to provide insight and advice on candidate fit, onboarding expectations and long-term potential.
Membership Bespoke delivered a high-quality shortlist on time, meeting the agreed deadline. All shortlisted candidates demonstrated a strong understanding of membership operations, and each was carefully matched to the culture and pace of Solace. The interview process ran smoothly the following week, resulting in a swift and confident appointment.
The successful candidate brought exactly the blend of experience Solace was seeking: practical expertise in membership strategy, strong people management skills, and the energy to lead a team through change. Feedback from the client was clear - the calibre of candidates, the professionalism of the process, and the way we handled the hybrid working brief all reinforced their trust in us as a recruitment partner.
“We needed someone who could hit the ground running in a fast-paced, purpose-led membership organisation. Membership Bespoke quickly understood what we were looking for and delivered a shortlist of candidates who genuinely aligned with both our values and our goals. The process was thoughtful, inclusive and expertly managed - we felt in very safe hands.”
- Julie Howarth, Director of Engagement at Solace