Switch Roles: The New Platform Putting Retail Recruitment Back in Retailers’ Hands

News TeamApril 25, 20250 Comment017

Retail recruitment is getting a long-overdue refresh with the arrival of Switch Roles—a platform designed from the ground up by those who know the industry best. Zac Clements and Danny Monfea of Zachary Daniels, together with Simon Childs of Childsey, have created a job board that caters specifically to the retail and hospitality sectors.

With extensive backgrounds across frontline retail, talent acquisition, and marketing leadership, the founders saw a gap in the market for a platform that truly understands the industry’s unique pressures. Their experience—ranging from senior roles at IKEA and BHS to executive marketing at the Theo Paphitis Retail Group—has informed every aspect of the platform.

Purpose-Built for Retail Careers

Switch Roles exists to make meaningful connections between employers and job seekers. By spotlighting curated roles from major brands, it eliminates the noise and delivers opportunities that are genuinely aligned with each candidate’s career path.

Big Brand Buy-In

Already working with brands like Hugo Boss, Lidl, Burger King, Matalan, Footasylum, and American Golf, Switch Roles has hit the ground running. With more than 3,500 listings at launch, the platform proves there’s strong demand for a focused, retail-first recruitment tool.

Streamlining the Search Experience

Job seekers often face endless scrolling and irrelevant results. Switch Roles counters this with a clean, intuitive interface designed to help users find the right role faster—with filters that match skills, goals, and location preferences.

Backed by Passion, Powered by Industry Trust

What sets Switch Roles apart is the dedication of its founders. Their hands-on involvement has not only created a more effective recruitment experience but also attracted investment from over 50 stakeholders across the retail and e-commerce landscape.

Danny Monfea (left), Simon Childs (centre) and Zac Clements (right)

Founders’ Insights

Zac Clements, Co-founder of Switch Roles and Zachary Daniels:

“After managing at IKEA and building up my recruitment experience at Hays and Michael Page, I noticed a real disconnect between retail employers and job seekers. Co-founding Zachary Daniels gave me the chance to start changing that, but with Switch Roles, we’re going even further. We’re creating a platform that really understands the ins and outs of retail, helping employers and candidates find the right fit – without all the hassle.”

Danny Monfea, Co-founder of Switch Roles and Zachary Daniels:

“My journey began in loss prevention roles at Woolworths and BHS, giving me a deep understanding of retail operations. Transitioning into retail recruitment in 2007, I led teams at Randstad and Hays, I then led teams at 260 Talent before co-founding Zachary Daniels in 2011. With Switch Roles, we’re addressing the specific challenges of retail hiring, offering a fair, transparent, and community-driven platform that benefits both employers and job seekers.”

Simon Childs, Founder of Childsey and Co-founder of Switch Roles:

“Starting as an intern at the Theo Paphitis Retail Group and rising to the management board at Ryman over eight years, I gained invaluable insights into retail’s commercial landscape. Launching my marketing agency, Childsey, in 2020, I combined my retail experience with marketing and digital innovation. With Switch Roles, we’re leveraging this blend to create a user-friendly platform that not only connects talent with opportunity but also fosters a vibrant community for retail professionals.”

Why Switch Roles Stands Out

Retail-Focused: Exclusively tailored to the retail sector, providing a targeted, efficient solution for job seekers and employers alike.
User-Friendly: Built with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making the job search process smooth and enjoyable.
Leading Brands: Partnerships with top UK retailers ensure a wealth of quality opportunities for job seekers.
Community: Beyond being a job board, Switch Roles aspires to build a vibrant community for retail professionals, offering career advice and industry insights.

Supporting the Future of UK Retail

Switch Roles is more than just a platform; it’s a movement to support and sustain the thriving UK retail sector. By connecting the right people with the right roles, Switch Roles aims to contribute to the industry’s continued growth and success. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, Switch Roles is your partner in navigating the ever-evolving world of retail recruitment.

For more information, visit www.switchroles.com.