RISING STARS MEET THE FUTURE


Kimberley Hollis, recruitment consultant at GCS Associates, speaks to BMJ about her journey into the sector.


What is your current role? I am a recruitment consultant at GCS Associates, specialising in the Building Materials sector. My role involves identifying top talent, working closely with clients to understand their hiring needs, and matching the right candidates to the right roles. I also focus on providing guidance to candidates throughout their job search, including interview preparation and career advice.


How did you get into this industry? I started my career in the builders’ merchant industry, working at Buildbase as a customer service adviser. My role involved supporting customers, processing orders, and building strong relationships with clients. I enjoyed working closely with trade professionals and suppliers, understanding their needs, and ensuring they received the best possible service. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the industry and the importance of strong client relationships. When the opportunity arose to join GCS Associates, a specialist recruitment agency in the sector, it felt like the perfect way to apply my knowledge while helping others find opportunities in the industry.


Tell us about your apprenticeship? When I joined GCS, I wanted to ensure that I had a clear career path and opportunities for development. I was given the opportunity to complete a recruitment apprenticeship, which provided me with a deep understanding of the industry. The apprenticeship covered key areas such as finance, marketing, and business development, as well as the fundamentals of recruitment. I had to complete various assignments, interviews, and assessments while working full-time. It was a challenge, but I was proud to achieve a distinction with a 99% score, the highest ever received on the course. This apprenticeship not only gave me confidence in my role but also opened up new opportunities for progression within the company.


What does a typical day for you at work look like?


My day is a mix of candidate sourcing, client engagement, and business development. I start by reviewing job vacancies and searching for potential candidates. I spend a lot of time speaking with people - whether


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it’s helping job seekers find their next role or discussing hiring needs with clients. Arranging interviews, following up for feedback, and ensuring a smooth recruitment process are also big parts of my role. Every day is different, and that’s what I love about it!


What are your big challenges in this role? One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability of recruitment. You can find the perfect candidate for a role, but sometimes things don’t go as planned—they may decide to stay in their current job or receive another offer. Another challenge is changing perceptions about the industry, especially when encouraging younger people and women to consider careers in the sector. Overcoming these hurdles requires resilience, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.


What do you think has been your biggest achievement in your role? One of my proudest achievements was passing my apprenticeship with a 99% distinction, the highest score ever received on that course. I completed this while heavily pregnant, which made it an even bigger personal milestone! Another highlight has been successfully placing candidates who have gone on to thrive in their roles, some even progressing to leadership positions.


What advice would you give to someone new to this industry?


Be resilient and open-minded. Any role has ups and downs. You’ll face setbacks, but it’s important to learn from them and keep pushing forward. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance - there’s always something new to learn, and the more you understand, the more successful you’ll be.


What would you say to someone who might be thinking about a career or getting a job in the industry? The building materials sector is full of opportunities! It’s a dynamic industry where you can develop valuable skills, build lasting relationships, and progress in your career. There are roles in sales, logistics, procurement, and management, among others. If you’re someone who enjoys working with people, problem-solving, and


“Historically, the sector has been perceived as male-dominated, and that can make it feel less accessible to women, and to younger job-seekers. However, this is changing. Companies are actively working to promote diversity and inclusion.”


being part of an industry that literally builds the world around us, then this could be a fantastic career choice.


Why do you think young people and women are hesitant to go into the industry?


Historically, the sector has been perceived as male-dominated, and that can make it feel less accessible to women and younger job seekers. However, this is changing. Companies are actively working to promote diversity and inclusion, and there are more initiatives than ever to support underrepresented groups. The key is raising awareness about the variety of roles available and showcasing the success stories of those who have built fantastic careers in the industry.


Is there anything else you’d like to add? The building materials sector is an incredible place to work. It offers stability, career progression, and a strong sense of community. It’s also a sector that makes a real impact—you can see the results of your work in the buildings, homes, and infrastructure around you. Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, this industry has so much to offer. Now is the perfect time to get involved. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2025


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