WMIS joins TCCA to boost critical comms recruitment

Wireless Mobile International Search (WMIS) has joined TCCA, adding a specialist executive recruitment firm to the industry body's membership base for critical communications.

The move brings the UK-based search consultancy into a global, member-led organisation that works across the critical communications ecosystem. WMIS focuses on hiring for wireless and mobile networks and connected devices, as well as applications and services tied to those markets.

Established in 2005, WMIS works with employers and candidates across mobile telecoms, wireless and IT communications. Its recruitment activity covers roles from middle management to vice-president level, and it operates across EMEA, APAC, Latin America and North America.

Recruitment focus

Executive search firms have become more visible in specialist communications markets as vendors, operators and public safety users compete for experience in areas such as broadband migration, private networks and hybrid radio systems. Demand has also risen for skills in standards work, spectrum planning, systems integration and managed services. These skills often overlap with mainstream telecoms, but require familiarity with mission-critical operations.

WMIS differentiates itself from generalist search consultancies through its focus on the critical communications sector. It says it maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry technologies, suppliers and candidate pools, and that 95% of its placements remain in role after three years. WMIS compares that figure with an industry average of 20% annual attrition.

TCCA acts as a convening body for organisations involved in mission-critical and business-critical communications, including end users, network operators and technology suppliers. It is known for its role in open standards, including work on the TETRA professional mobile radio standard.

TCCA's role

TCCA also participates in wider mobile standards efforts linked to critical broadband, and serves as a 3GPP Market Representation Partner for critical communications. Members contribute to 3GPP working groups and take part in related industry testing. TCCA also cites involvement with ETSI activity connected to FRMCS and MCX Plugtests.

The organisation has promoted interoperability and open markets as critical communications shifts from narrowband radio networks towards broadband and satellite-supported services. That transition has increased demand for engineering and operational skills spanning radio, core networks, cybersecurity, devices, applications and service assurance.

WMIS expects its membership to deepen links with employers and industry stakeholders as requirements change, and pointed to the value of networks and shared insight for recruitment in specialist markets.

WMIS founder Graham Quinn linked the decision to the importance of industry relationships in recruitment.

"Joining TCCA is a strategic step for us. In recruitment, relationships are everything and being part of a strong industry network allows us to exchange insight, strengthen partnerships, and stay closely connected to the evolving needs of employers," said Graham Quinn, founder of Wireless Mobile International Search.

Quinn also highlighted the firm's sector focus and international scope.

"We have specialised in recruiting top talent globally in the critical communications industry for more than 20 years and collaborating with TCCA ultimately enables us to deliver greater value to our clients and candidates," he said.

TCCA chief executive Kevin Graham said recruitment is central to sector development and deployment, with skills needed across vendors, operators and end users.

"It is with much pleasure we welcome the WMIS team to our TCCA membership," Graham said.

He added: "Recruitment into and across our critical communications community is vital to ensure expert resources are available to support the evolution and deployment of solutions for mission and business critical end users. We look forward to the wealth of international experience WMIS brings to support our efforts in human resource development and placement in our industry."

WMIS said it tracks global trends in critical communications, including TETRA, 4G, 5G and 6G, as well as satellite connectivity. TCCA said its members span global regions and represent end users, operators and industry, with continued work planned around standards and sector collaboration.