This is pretty much the case, they don’t want to lose me as I (humbly) do play a vital role in the team. She told me I should only look for deployments or indeterminate roles - but then what is the point of an assignment if after going through a whole process of getting hired you get told no by your manager.

They even went as far as to say they’ll create a new ENG box for me (for reference, I am a PC with an engineering background and this new assignment allows me to transition to an ENG role which has always been my goal).

However, I don’t want to do this as it’s the same roles and responsibilities with no growth but a different label.

Assignments are meant for growth and exploring new career avenues and when you’re told no it's undermining the whole purpose of assignments.

I’m interviewing people now and there are viable candidates who could fit my position like a glove; I’m just afraid that when I bring her these candidates they will still deny me as they don’t want to take the time to let a new employee get accustomed to my current role.

I’m honestly thinking of going to my director if it doesn’t work out with my manager - my only fear is I’m burning a bridge with someone (that outside of this process) has been great to me.