Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Recruitment Solutions in Building Products Sector
Established in 1996, Sharples Davies is a specialist recruitment consultancy serving the building products and construction sectors. Our team, led by Gareth and Joanna Hulme, brings over 18 years of industry-specific expertise to every assignment. We pride ourselves on our deep market knowledge, honed through 29 years of placing professionals in roles ranging from Area Sales Manager to Managing Director. Our approach combines a proprietary database of 10,000+ sector-specific candidates with proactive headhunting techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage. As a second-generation family business, we maintain the founding values of honesty and integrity while leveraging modern recruitment methodologies.Our consultants, many of whom have held senior roles in construction themselves, provide tailored solutions for manufacturers, builders merchants, and distributors. With a focus on long-term relationships over transactional placements, we work exclusively with clients to deliver candidates who align with both technical requirements and company culture. Our national reach extends across the UK and Ireland, supported by a commitment to understanding each client's unique operational context. This combination of sector specialism, ethical practice, and hands-on experience has established us as trusted partners in construction recruitment.
Services
Executive Recruitment
Sales Team Recruitment
Technical Recruitment
Director Level Placements
Branch Management Recruitment
Marketing Recruitment
Specification Sales Recruitment
KBB Sector Recruitment
Plumbers Merchant Recruitment
Builders Merchant Recruitment
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 29 years of specialist recruitment experience in construction sectors
- Proprietary database of 10,000+ pre-vetted industry professionals
- Exclusive focus on building products recruitment since 1996
- Consultants with former senior roles in construction companies
- Proven headhunting methodology with 98% client satisfaction rate
What people say
Exceptional service
Professional and dedicated
Smooth process
Excellent communication
Successful placements
Services
Executive Recruitment
Specialist recruitment for senior roles including Managing Directors and Sales Directors. Our consultants leverage 29 years of industry connections to identify proven leaders. We conduct thorough market research and cultural assessments to ensure executive alignment with organizational goals.
Sales Team Recruitment
Targeted recruitment for sales professionals from Area Managers to National Account Directors. We focus on candidates with proven track records in building materials distribution. Our assessment process evaluates both technical knowledge and relationship-building capabilities.
Technical Recruitment
Sourcing technical experts for roles requiring specialist construction industry knowledge. We maintain a database of qualified professionals with expertise in product specifications and compliance standards. Our process ensures technical competence matches client requirements.
KBB Sector Recruitment
Specialist recruitment for kitchen and bathroom sales professionals. We connect clients with designers and sales managers experienced in retail and trade environments. Our candidates demonstrate proven success in converting showroom traffic to sales.
Builders Merchant Recruitment
Targeted recruitment for builders merchant operations including branch managers and sales teams. Our consultants understand the unique requirements of merchanting roles. We source candidates with established supplier and customer relationship management experience.
People
Gareth Hulme
Managing Director
With 18 years at Sharples Davies, Gareth leads recruitment strategy and business development. His construction industry expertise spans executive search and market analysis. He maintains strong relationships with sector leaders while managing consultant teams.
Joanna Hulme
Director
A 19-year veteran of Sharples Davies, Joanna oversees finance and HR while managing key client relationships. Her recruitment expertise focuses on commercial roles and candidate assessment. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the company's core values.
Chris Brown
Recruitment Consultant
Former Hanson Thermalite Sales Director with extensive industry experience. Specialises in connecting clients with sales professionals who demonstrate proven track records in building materials distribution and merchanting sectors.
John Lake
Recruitment Consultant
27-year builders merchant veteran with director-level experience. Focuses on recruiting sales professionals for merchants and manufacturers. Brings practical industry insights from his family business and Buildbase regional director roles.
Ann Fisher
Recruitment Consultant
Construction industry specialist with experience in distribution and manufacturing leadership roles. Expert in identifying candidates who combine commercial acumen with technical knowledge of building materials specifications and sales processes.
Questions
What construction sectors do you specialise in?
We focus exclusively on building products and materials recruitment, covering manufacturers, builders merchants, plumbers merchants, and KBB sector companies.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
We combine database searches with proactive headhunting, technical assessments, and cultural fit evaluations to ensure candidates meet both technical requirements and company values.
Do you operate nationally?
Yes, we recruit across the UK and Ireland for both local and national roles in the construction materials sector.
What executive roles can you fill?
We specialise in senior positions including Managing Director, Sales Director, Commercial Director, and other C-suite roles within building products companies.
How do you handle confidential vacancies?
We maintain strict confidentiality protocols, only disclosing client information with candidate permission or when explicitly permitted by the hiring organisation.
What's your recruitment process timeline?
Typical assignments take 4-8 weeks, depending on role complexity and specific requirements. We provide regular progress updates throughout the search process.
