Case Studies
Success Stories: How We Helped Companies Thrive
Bolstering Holmes Group's Leadership Team
Strategic Recruitment: Filling Key Roles at Holmes Group NZ
Understanding the Client’s Needs
Our journey with Holmes Group NZ began with a series of in-depth meetings to understand each role's specific requirements and how they fit into the bigger picture. Holmes Group NZ values collaboration and commitment, which aligns perfectly with our approach to recruitment. This relationship allowed us to create a compelling narrative for each role, providing candidates with a clear vision of their potential impact within the company.
Customised Approach for Each Role
Each role required a unique approach:
- Quantity Surveyor: We focused on candidates with strong analytical skills and experience in managing costs and contracts in construction projects.
- Group HR Manager: Given the diverse nature of Holmes Group NZ, we sought a candidate with robust HR experience across various sectors, someone who could drive change and support the company's growth.
- Design Lead: For this creative and leadership role, we targeted candidates with innovative design skills and the ability to lead a team through the design process.
- Landscape and Joinery Manager: This role required a candidate with a blend of operational management and industry-specific experience.
Telling the Holmes Story
A crucial part of our strategy was to weave the Holmes Group NZ story into our candidate outreach. For instance, when speaking to potential Design Leads, we highlighted the recent placement of a Group HR Manager who would be their key support in the new role. Being able to describe the new HR Manager and their vision helped candidates visualise their place in the company, making our pitch more powerful and engaging.
The Result
By tailoring our approach and deeply understanding Holmes Group NZ's needs, we successfully filled all the roles with highly qualified candidates. This success not only helped Holmes Construction continue their growth trajectory but also reinforced our commitment to building lasting relationships with our clients.
Client Testimonial
"Awesome! Thanks both for such a great process and outcome."
Mike Holmes, Business Manager, Holmes Group NZ
Elevating McMillan and Lockwood’s Leadership Team
Strategic Recruitment: Filling a Key Leadership Role for McMillan and Lockwood
Understanding the Client’s Needs
McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd, a commercial main contractor with offices across the lower North Island, approached One Eighty Recruitment through Rob Pedersen, the General Manager, of their Palmerston North branch, with a critical leadership vacancy. The role of Services Divisional Manager was more than a traditional site-based position; it required a leader who could manage a team of services coordinators, engage with clients during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) or design phase for design and build projects, and oversee a sister company handling the onsite HVAC maintenance services. installation team.
This role demanded a combination of advanced technical expertise and strong leadership skills. Additionally, the candidate needed to be based in Palmerston North, presenting a significant recruitment challenge.
A Comprehensive and Targeted Search
To tackle this complex role, we began with an in-depth briefing session to understand the unique requirements and nuances of the position. We then conducted a thorough market mapping exercise, analysing the talent pool across Wellington, Kapiti, Wairarapa, and the Manawatu regions. Our research revealed that there were only about 30 potential candidates who possessed the right blend of skills and experience for the role.
Fortunately, due to our extensive network and longstanding relationships within the industry, we already knew approximately 80% of these candidates. We conducted tailored phone calls with each prospect to understand their current situations and explore their motivations for considering a new opportunity.
Transforming the Search into a Success
What initially seemed like finding a needle in a haystack became a focused and strategic search, leading to a shortlist of three highly qualified candidates. Each candidate brought a unique set of skills and strengths, providing Rob with a challenging yet rewarding decision to make.
The Result
Our detailed and targeted approach resulted in presenting three exceptional candidates for McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd, allowing them to choose the best fit for their leadership team. This success underscores our ability to navigate tight talent markets and leverage our extensive industry connections to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.
Client Testimonial
"One Eighty Recruitment turned what seemed like an impossible search into a success story. Their understanding of the market and their relationships within the industry were invaluable in finding the right fit for our leadership team."
Rob Pedersen, General Manager, McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd
Driving Success for Maguire Construction's New Project
Strategic Recruitment: Providing Key Contract Roles for Maguire Construction
Understanding the Client’s Needs
Maguire Construction, a commercial main contractor in Wellington led by Will Broadmore, operates with a lean team of contract staff. When Will won a new project, he needed an urgent team setup to drive the project forward. The initial requirement was for an Estimator/Quantity Surveyor to assist with pricing the project during a 2-3 week intensive period.
A Rapid and Flexible Response
Recognising the urgency, One Eighty Recruitment quickly mobilised our network of contractors. We secured a highly experienced professional who had just completed a previous project and was available to jump straight into this assignment. After meeting with Will the next day, the contractor was set to start on Monday, ensuring that the project timeline was maintained.
Finding a Unique Fit for a Complex Role
The next challenge was to find a site-based Project Manager who could be hands-on while also communicating effectively with the client at a high level. This role required a blend of skills not typically found in contract roles, where the focus is often more on technical execution than on cultural and client fit.
We conducted a shorter, more intensive search than usual for a permanent role, presenting Will with three options. However, feedback indicated that the candidates lacked the necessary drive, ambition, and desire—qualities crucial for this unique position. Undeterred, we expanded our search efforts further, leveraging our industry expertise and networks.a
When we finally met the right candidate, we knew instantly he would be the perfect fit. His hands-on experience, combined with his client management skills, aligned perfectly with Maguire Construction's needs.
The Result
Through our commitment and tailored approach, we successfully placed two critical roles for Maguire Construction’s new project, ensuring both technical expertise and cultural alignment. This outcome highlights our adaptability and determination in finding the right talent for our clients, even under tight timeframes and specific requirements.
Client Testimonial
"One Eighty Recruitment’s quick turnaround and understanding of our unique requirements were impressive. The team they secured for us was exactly what we needed to get our project off the ground."
Will Broadmore, Owner, Maguire Construction
Delivering Exceptional Talent for First Principles Constructors
Strategic Recruitment: Filling Critical Roles for a Growing Team
Understanding the Client's Needs
First Principles Constructors (FPC) came to One Eighty Recruitment after months of working with another recruiter on two vital roles: a Quantity Surveyor and a Site Manager for their newly formed small works team. With busy leaders driving the team, they needed the best candidates quickly and with minimal disruption.
Following an in-depth meeting with the hiring manager, who provided a wealth of information and one of the best-presented EVP (Employee Value Proposition) documents we’d ever seen, we began crafting a targeted approach to meet their needs.
A Tailored Strategy for Each Role
- Quantity Surveyor: For the Quantity Surveyor role, we knew that advertising alone wouldn’t suffice. Leveraging our extensive network, we immediately reached out to two high-potential candidates already known to us. After just two interviews and within one week, we successfully placed an exceptional individual who was a perfect fit for the role.
- Site Manager: The Site Manager position presented a unique challenge as a FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) role, allowing the candidate to be based anywhere with access to air travel. We ran targeted advertisements in major centres and were astounded by the response: 594 applications in total. This overwhelming interest was a testament to both FPC’s compelling proposition and the quality of the job ad.
Among these applicants, one candidate stood out. Initially hesitant to apply, they contacted us directly to express interest after an engaging discussion about the role. Despite not actively job searching, they were intrigued by the opportunity and ultimately proved to be an ideal fit.
The Result
In a short time, we delivered two outstanding hires for FPC’s small works team. By combining our deep market knowledge, targeted search capabilities, and a client-focused approach, we ensured FPC had the right talent to support their growth and operational needs.
Client Testimonial
"Mike was great to work with. There are a lot of recruiters out there who don't get the basics right. Mike not only gets the basics right, but he also exceeds them. He took the time to really understand our business and recruitment needs. He was thorough with his shortlisting and provided excellent candidates as well as a video explaining his reasoning of why he thought they would be a good fit for the role. He kept us updated throughout the process and I would highly recommend Mike and use him again next time we're hiring."
Becky Hopkins, People & Culture Lead, First Principles Constructors