Doug Mackay

Managing Director

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About me

Having started his career in Executive Search in 1998, Doug set up Collingwood in 2005 alongside his wife, Claire Mackay.


I have a BA (Hons) Business Studies but specialised in marketing and French. My degree involved spending a year in France with Xerox which is where Claire worked and where love started!! 😊

I didn’t actually choose a career in Executive Search, I applied for a sales role back in 1998 via an Executive Search firm in Warrington. They then called to discuss me joining their graduate scheme instead and that’s where it all began!

Collingwood was set up in 2005 and has gone through several transformations to create and shape the strong team we have now. I lead our sales and marketing strategy and have worked hard to develop a portfolio of aspirational clients who align to our values and who we love partnering.

Outside of work 

I have been managing kids football teams for over 12 years and hung up my coaching whistles recently.

My main sporting passion is golf, I enjoy trying to get fit and going to Anfield to watch the Reds! I also enjoy reading business books and sporting autobiographies.

During the lock down 2020 I took on telephone befriending, a service set up for lonely people, some of whom were struggling with isolation and just needed someone to talk to, and I absolutely love it. It has been great to create new friendships and I am aware that I am making a huge difference to someone’s week with just a simple phone call, taking half an hour or so out of my whole week.

What do you like most about your job?

I love seeing our team collaborating, growing personally, and delighting clients.

Fun Facts

Favourite Band: I love my music and my favourite two bands are The Cure and The Wedding Present. I used to go to two gigs per week throughout my teens and early 20’s. I was also a band manager whilst at University.

Favourite Film: Top Gun or Star Wars

Favourite Food: I love any food except seafood

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We have used Collingwood on a number of occasions over the years and have always been impressed with their understanding of our business and our needs. The outcome of that understanding is high quality candidates and ultimately, some excellent, long-term, employees. I can fully recommend them and would not hesitate to use them in the future

CEO,
Global Medical Devices Manufacturer
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Doug is involved with his clients every step of the way. I could of not asked for better support. I would highly recommend working with Doug for all recruitment needs

Candidate,
Director of Corporate Development, Private Healthcare
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We have been partnering Collingwood Executive Search for over 6 years and have successfully recruited a UK Managing Director, a UK General Sales Manager, a Global Training Manager and a Regional Sales Director in Spain. They really understand the European Ophthalmic Industry and combined with their focus on understanding our company culture, they have simplified our recruitment process.

CEO,
Leading Ophthalmic manufacturer
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We have used Collingwood twice so far and both times have proved successful in identifying a quality recruitment for the role we were looking to fill; a Sales & Marketing Director and a Production Manager. I have no hesitation in recommending Collingwood and would use again.

Client,
Managing Director, Provider of SCADA and Command and Control Systems
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I have worked with Doug and the team at Collingwood over several years, both as a hiring manager and as a candidate. On both sides of the recruitment process what stands out is the effort that the team put in to understand the business and its culture, find high quality candidates suited to the role, understand their aspirations and work to achieve a strong match. Their approach extends through all aspects of the recruitment process, from role definition through on-boarding and during the initial employment period, and has achieved great results.

Client and Candidate ,
Aircraft Manufacturer
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Doug is an enthusiastic person who will stretch himself to search the right person for our company and understands the business we are in. He delivers high quality of people within a very short time. He never loses sights our needs. It has always been a pleasure to work with Doug because he meets our expectations. I would recommend Doug to anyone who was serious about finding the right talent for their business.

Client,
HR Director, International Healthcare Organisation
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Collingwood provided professional and personalised support and advice throughout the recruitment process combined with regular and open communication leading to my successful appointment. Collingwood are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and I would highly recommend their executive search and recruitment services to other individuals or organisations.

Director of Operations,
Look Ahead Care, Learning Disability Services
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We have used Collingwood on a number of occasions over the years and have always been impressed with their understanding of our business and our needs. The outcome of that understanding is high quality candidates and ultimately, some excellent, long-term, employees. I can fully recommend them and would not hesitate to use them in the future.

Client,
Business Development Director - Respiratory
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I have worked with a Doug and his team on a number of occasions recruiting diverse Board level positions.

Doug ensures he understands his clients business and their specific needs and ultimately delivers on the brief, even when changes are needed.

He has helped me bring talent into our business that will help us step up for our next period of growth. Little wonder that repeat business is a huge part of his success. As a person he is incredibly humble and open which are traits that serve him well.

Managing Director, Client
Building Products & Construction - Fenestration
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I've worked with Doug and his team at Collingwood with two organisations now and I have to say the quality and delivery of the programmes was excellent. He really listened to what we needed and completely understood what we were looking to achieve. He and the team were able to deliver a bespoke programme that not only delivered results but also within our budget.

The programmes themselves were transformational, which is why I went to Collingwood again when I moved rolls. Personally I got a lot out of the executive coaching and l believe it has made me a better leader and more productive in my role.

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Collingwood and if you aren't sure if executive leadership development is for you, I would say thing again as it made such a difference to our business.

Leadership Consultancy Services , Director of Finance and HR
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Doug and the Collingwood team helped establish a strong and vibrant leadership group here. Finding talent is one thing but the resilience, questioning and value add means they work to get the best fit and solution not just the fee, quickly building trust. Working across function and broad geography have not been an issue - a pleasure to work with.

Client, Managing Director
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I have worked with a Doug and his team on a number of occasions recruiting diverse Board level positions.

Doug ensures he understands his clients business and their specific needs and ultimately delivers on the brief, even when changes are needed.

He has helped me bring talent into our business that will help us step up for our next period of growth. Little wonder that repeat business is a huge part of his success. As a person he is incredibly humble and open which are traits that serve him well.

Client, Managing Director
Built Environment, Fenestration
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It has been great to work with Doug and his team. They are very professional in understanding our needs and going out and finding that "right" person. We look forward to working with them again in the future.

Director,
Design & Engineering - MedTech
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As an HR professional, the relationship with outsourced recruitment teams is not always smooth.

However Doug and his team at Collingwood are professional, educated and honest, taking time to understand the needs of our business and sourcing credible candidates, who meet our requirements.

I would recommend Collingwood.

HR Director,
Aerospace
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I have worked with Doug and the team at Collingwood several times over the past 8-10 years. I return to them as they spend a lot of time and effort at the outset understanding the roles we are seeking to fill, the leaders they will work with and for and how the organisation operates. Collingwood are also very effective at delivering candidates of a high standard, avoiding wasted time.

HR Director,
Chemical Cleaning & Environmental Solutions
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I have had the pleasure of working with Doug and his team at Collingwood Executive Search for several years now. The team at Collingwood is exceptional! Doug and team partnered with me on many critical searches and several pipelining exercises. The team is exceptional at understanding the business, the culture and the nuanced details of each position. They also do a superb job of representing the client when approaching candidates, which in this competitive talent environment, is critical. Collingwood has done work for me in Europe and the United States with consistently positive results. I would not hesitate to recommend Doug and the team at Collingwood to anyone looking for a true partner in talent pipelining, sourcing, attraction and recruitment.

Client, Global VP HR and Talent Management