Mick is a seasoned leader with a wealth of expertise in the recruitment sector, bringing over 20 years of experience to his role as Group Sales Operations Director at Advance TRS. His career is marked by a relentless drive for strategic growth and the cultivation of partnerships that propel our company to new heights of success. With a deep understanding of the Rail & Infrastructure market, Mick has forged strong connections over the years, assisting clients in forming collaborations and joint ventures that enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. His proactive approach and commitment to delivering value-added solutions make him a trusted advisor to both clients and candidates alike. Mick’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture is instrumental in Advance TRS’s continued success. As a member of the management board, he leads our sales and compliance operations teams, ensuring that the business remains compliant with health and safety regulations. Additionally, Mick oversees the compliance, HSQE, and admin teams, working closely with all sales directors to facilitate cross-selling and support strategic business development initiatives. His leadership and strategic vision are invaluable assets to Advance TRS, driving us forward in our mission to provide exceptional service and solutions to our clients and candidates in the Rail & Infrastructure sector. Mick’s passion for excellence and commitment to success make him an integral part of our team.
Team category: Senior Management Team
Sam Jennings is Director of Rail & Infrastructure at Advance TRS, bringing over 20 years’ recruitment experience and 12 years with the business. He leads the Rail & Infrastructure division, supporting both clients and candidates across the UK and Ireland while driving the growth and strategic direction of the team.
Specialising in the recruitment of permanent and contract professionals across the rail and wider infrastructure sectors, Sam has built an extensive network throughout the industry. His expertise spans technical, engineering and leadership appointments, working with contractors, consultancies, infrastructure owners and major delivery organisations to connect them with the specialist talent needed to deliver complex projects.
Known for his personable and honest approach, Sam believes recruitment is about building long-term relationships rather than simply filling vacancies. He takes the time to understand each client’s hiring objectives and every candidate’s career ambitions, providing straightforward advice and helping people make decisions that support their long-term success.
Sam’s own journey at Advance TRS reflects that same mindset. After joining the business in 2014, he successfully took over and grew one of the company’s most established signalling desks before progressing into RPO management and, ultimately, the leadership of the Rail & Infrastructure division. Throughout that time, he has continually embraced new challenges, evolving alongside both the business and the industry.
As a leader, Sam is passionate about developing people. He has mentored and trained consultants from the very start of their recruitment careers, helping many go on to become high-performing specialists within their markets. Today, he leads a team of experienced consultants while continuing to build lasting partnerships with clients and candidates across the infrastructure sector.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his boys’ football team, supporting charitable initiatives and taking on new fitness challenges.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team, secure your next role or simply discuss the Rail & Infrastructure market, Sam is always happy to have a confidential conversation.
Rob Kelly has over 20 years of experience across the water and infrastructure sectors, bringing a strong understanding of the market and a genuine passion for the environment. He holds a degree in Environmental Science and is a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), bringing valuable technical understanding to the sectors he supports.
Rob has played a key role in the growth and success of our Port Solent office, helping to build a strong, knowledgeable team and delivering consistently for clients and candidates across the water and infrastructure sectors. From securing new client partnerships and leading supplier agreements to supporting and developing the team, Rob continues to lead from the front while staying closely connected to the day-to-day delivery of recruitment.
A highlight for Rob was getting the keys to the Port Solent office following several years of growth, followed by welcoming each new team member and celebrating key client wins together. His leadership has helped shape a team culture built on expertise, trust, and shared success.
What Rob values most about Advance TRS is the strength and integrity of the people around him. Working alongside genuine market experts who understand their sectors and deliver real results has always been central to his approach. It reflects a simple but powerful belief: quality recruitment doesn’t need to be overcomplicated – it just needs to be done properly.
Outside of work, Rob dedicates much of his time to supporting his local community. He coaches an Under-13 rugby team and is a Scout leader. His commitment to helping young people develop and succeed reflects the same leadership and dedication he brings to Advance TRS.
If you are looking for a role in the water and environment sector, Rob is always happy to hear from anyone who operates in this sector, whether it is with regard to recruitment, employment, or to discuss market sector trends.
With over 21 years of experience in infrastructure recruitment, Stuart Minchin is a well-established specialist within the water sector and a key member of the Advance TRS management board. As a Fellow of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), he brings a strong level of industry knowledge, professionalism, and leadership to his role.
Stuart focuses on recruiting across the full lifecycle of water projects, covering design, project management, installation, and construction/commissioning roles. He works across both permanent and contract positions, supporting clients in securing the right people to deliver critical infrastructure projects.
His approach is straightforward and focused, he listens, understands what’s needed, and delivers accordingly. For candidates, that means honest conversations, clear market insight, and support that goes beyond just finding a role. Whether it’s helping someone understand where they sit in the market, advising on the next step in their career, or connecting them with the right opportunity, Stuart takes a long-term view and is committed to getting it right.
Over the past two decades, he has built strong, lasting relationships across the sector, earning a reputation for reliability, quality, and consistency. His passion for the industry and commitment to doing things properly are what set him apart.
Outside of work, Stuart enjoys spending time with family and friends. He has also spent the last nine years coaching grassroots football and is currently working towards his UEFA coaching badges. This reflects his approach to people, with a strong focus on development, teamwork, and supporting others to progress.
If you’re hiring within the water sector or considering your next move, Stuart is always happy to have a conversation about the market and how he can help.
Over the last ten years, Ella has played a huge role in the growth, development and day-to-day success of the business, helping to shape many of the systems, processes and structures that support Advance TRS today. As Group Business Operations Director, Ella works closely with the Board to ensure the business operates effectively and continues to evolve commercially and operationally. From business systems, audits and compliance to HR processes, marketing strategy, tender writing and continual improvement, her role touches almost every part of the organisation.
With over 15 years of experience across marketing and business operations, Ella has grown alongside both the company and the sectors we work within. Over the years, she has immersed herself in the industries we support, from rail signalling upgrades and water infrastructure projects through to the rapid growth of the energy market and expansion into Ireland.
Ella has also played a huge part in improving employee experience across the business, helping to create an environment where people feel supported, engaged and able to progress in their careers. Passionate about what she does, Ella is always looking for ways to improve the business, support the wider team and help people succeed.
Outside of work, Ella enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, board games and tabletop role-playing games.
Chris Spurdle is Business Development Director at Advance TRS, working closely with our consultants and clients to deliver recruitment and workforce solutions across the UK’s infrastructure sector. With almost two decades of recruitment experience, Chris has spent that time supporting major engineering and infrastructure projects across rail and construction. While his background is firmly rooted in contract recruitment, he now works across all of Advance TRS’ service offerings, helping organisations find the right solution for their workforce challenges.
Chris supports clients across the Rail, Highways, Water, Buildings, Energy and Defence sectors, leading on business development and client solutions. In recent years, he has developed particular expertise in services procurement, working with both public and private sector organisations to deliver tailored recruitment solutions that support long-term project delivery. His approach is built around honesty, consistency and long-term relationships. Chris takes pride in understanding the challenges facing both clients and candidates, providing straightforward advice and maintaining relationships that often span many years. Many of the clients and candidates he works with today are people he first met at the beginning of his recruitment career.
Since joining Advance TRS four years ago, Chris has played an important role in strengthening relationships with key clients and supporting the continued growth of the business. He quickly became an integral part of the team, helping consultants access strategic client opportunities while developing new business across multiple sectors.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys travelling with his wife, playing golf and watching football.
If you’re looking for a recruitment partner who understands the infrastructure market and can help you build the right workforce solution, get in touch with Chris for a confidential conversation.
Carolyn is the cornerstone of our financial operations across our three brands: Advance TRS, CITILINE, and Advance TRS Management Consultancy. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Carolyn oversees all aspects of the companies’ finances and contractor payroll, ensuring seamless and efficient financial management.
Since the inception of our company, Carolyn has been an integral part of our journey, working closely with Andy and the board of directors to navigate strategic decision-making processes. Her invaluable insights and guidance have played a pivotal role in steering the company’s growth and successes.
With over two decades of experience in the finance industry, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her journey began with training at Ernst & Young in London, where she honed her skills and gained a solid foundation in financial management.
Throughout her time at Advance TRS, Carolyn has been a driving force behind shaping the company’s culture and strategy. Her influence has been felt at every level, from fostering a collaborative work environment to championing social and reward initiatives.
Carolyn’s commitment to mentorship has also been instrumental in supporting women within the business to develop their careers and reach their full potential. Her dedication to empowering others underscores her leadership style and has contributed to the overall success of our organisation.
Paul brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving organisational growth and success to his role as Non-Executive Director of our three brands: Advance TRS, CITILINE, and Advance TRS Management Consultancy. In this capacity, Paul plays a vital role in overseeing the strategic direction and operational performance of the entire organisation, ensuring alignment with our company’s mission and objectives.
With a background as the former Managing Director at AndersElite and the founder of Fusion People, Paul has a deep understanding of the recruitment industry, particularly within the engineering and infrastructure markets. Transitioning to an independent business consultant role in 2017, Paul established Metcalfe Business Solutions, where he has demonstrated his ability to grow and scale recruitment businesses effectively.
Paul’s expertise lies in identifying the best strategies to achieve business objectives through talent attraction, acquisition, and planned growth. He currently works with a group of independent recruitment companies, helping them to grow their businesses while prioritising excellent client service and creating supportive workplaces for their employees.
At Advance TRS, Paul’s role extends to mentoring senior leaders, facilitating and guiding the management board, and supporting the growth of our three brands. His strategic vision and mentorship are integral to our ongoing success and expansion. We are fortunate to have Paul’s leadership and expertise driving our organisation forward as we continue to strive for excellence in the recruitment industry.
Andy is the entrepreneurial force behind our three brands: Advance TRS, CITILINE, and Advance TRS Management Consultancy. Known for his high energy and passion for quality solutions, Andy excels in building businesses and teams that reflect his dedication and commitment, and partners with business leaders to bring human capital solutions to life.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the transport and infrastructure recruitment industry. In 2011, he founded Advance TRS with a clear vision to provide unparalleled technical recruitment solutions to niche engineering sectors. Andy’s passion for excellence and commitment to innovation have been key factors in the company’s success. Under his leadership, the Advance TRS group has emerged as a trusted partner, known for its dedication to quality, integrity, honesty, commitment, and loyalty.
Despite the remarkable growth and achievements of Advance TRS, Andy’s vision remains steadfast in his endeavours to expand a business deeply rooted in its mission to provide top-quality human capital solutions across the built environment. This vision has led to the inception of two new ventures, CITILINE and Advance TRS Management Consultancy.
As the Advance TRS group continues to evolve and flourish, Andy is at its helm, driving forward with an unwavering commitment to deliver excellence and innovative recruitment solutions to our customers . His profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our served sectors ensures that our company not only delivers recruitment success but also addresses the broader resourcing needs of the industries we support. Andy’s leadership inspires us all to strive for greatness and uphold the highest standards of service and integrity.