Emma Head, Creative Development Director & Interim Recruitment Specialist

Emma Head

I look after freelance and contract resource across Creative & Design, Artwork & Production, Film & Motion ,UX & Product and tech for agencies and in-house across the UK.

I come with 22 years industry experience (2 years in marketing management and 20 years in dedicated creative recruitment). I also work on select permanent Creative, UX & Product roles and work on strategies to raise the profile of BTB and special projects.

I started in recruitment almost 20 years ago for a small marketing recruitment firm in Bristol, the moment I started in recruitment, I knew that this was the right career for me, I love talking to people and forging long term relationships - it’s been very rewarding to watch junior creatives that I have placed go on to great things, many of whom are now creative directors or owning their own agencies, which is lovely to watch as people’s careers develop.

After over 20 years dedicated to creative recruitment, from both a freelance and permanent capacity, I have built up lots of long-standing relationships with talented freelancers, and I do love helping out clients with any freelance requests, no matter how last minute.

Having scrutinised and prepared for IR35 Off-Payroll changes for the past 2 years, I am internally known as the IR35 ‘Oracle’, which has put a lot of freelancers' and clients' minds at rest that we can advise on each placement and ensure that compliance is met for everyone’s peace of mind.

Outside of work, I can be found baking up a storm in my kitchen!

“The interview coaching we received from Beyond The Book was fantastic. Their tailored approach helped our hiring managers refine their techniques, ensuring we assess candidates more effectively. We’ve since made stronger, more confident hires that will fot longer term.”

“We used Beyond The Book’s internal hiring consultancy to refine our recruitment strategy. Their sense checks helped us optimise our processes and stand out in a crowded job market. Their expertise has been a game-changer for our hiring success.”

“Beyond The Book provided invaluable redundancy outplacement support for our team. The 1:1 coaching sessions gave employees confidence in their next steps, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A professional, compassionate service that truly made a difference.”

“I have worked with Kaisa to provide freelance and contract resource at Beyond the Book on numerous occasions over the last 5 years. I find Kaisa friendly and always very quick to respond when I make contact. When discussing requirements Kaisa is thorough so she can match us with the right person. We have worked with some great freelancer/contractors during this time and have gone on to use most more than once.”

“I've been working with Michelle on various roles and always found her very easy to work with, professional, approachable and friendly. Michelle has put forward some excellent candidates for our consideration and supported our needs as a small charity, even when they have been challenging at times. I would definitely recommend Beyond the Book to others, on the basis of my relationship with Michelle, an excellent recruitment consultant.”