By Michael Parry, Managing Director, GCS Associates
The recruitment landscape is changing – and so are we. At GCS Associates, we’ve just launched our brand-new website, but for us, this project was never just about new colours, slick navigation, or fresh photos. It’s about reflecting the kind of partner we are today – and the kind of recruiter the industry needs for the future.
In truth, this has been more than a web refresh. It’s been a reset.
We’ve taken the opportunity not only to update how we present ourselves online, but to re-evaluate what our clients and candidates really need from a specialist recruiter in the building materials sector right now. And what’s clear is this: expectations have moved on.
Recruitment Has Changed – So Must Recruiters
The way people search for jobs, apply, and evaluate employers has evolved. Candidates are increasingly digital-first, values-driven, and outcome-focused. Employers, too, want faster results, better candidate fit, and deeper sector insight.
In response, our website had to become more than a shop window – it had to be a hub of connection, communication, and content. It needed to serve both jobseekers and hiring managers in a way that felt current, helpful, and human.
Whether you’re a regional merchant hiring a new branch manager or a national distributor looking for senior leadership talent, we wanted our platform to make it easy to engage with us – and trust that we “get” your world.
Designed Around the People We Serve
From day one, the new GCS website was designed around real user needs.
We spoke to clients, candidates, and our own consultants about what works – and what doesn’t – in recruitment websites. The feedback was clear: speed matters. So does clarity. But so does personality.
We’ve structured the site to help visitors:
- Quickly find relevant jobs
- Understand how we work
- See what sectors we specialise in
- Access insight and advice tailored to the industry
It’s cleaner, simpler, and mobile-first – because that’s where many candidates start their search.
We’ve also made it easier for clients to brief roles, access market data, and understand our approach to building long-term recruitment partnerships. We don’t just post jobs. We solve talent challenges. The website reflects that shift.
A Clearer Focus on Our Sectors
One of the key upgrades to the site is a much sharper focus on the core markets we serve. GCS Associates isn’t a generalist agency. We’re deeply embedded in the building materials, construction supplies, and merchanting space.
From heavyside and lightside product suppliers to timber, roofing, interiors, and hire – we know the people, the roles, and the challenges businesses face.
We’ve built dedicated sector pages that reflect this specialisation – not just listing vacancies but explaining how we add value in each vertical, whether it’s placing key account managers, depot directors, or commercial leaders.
Employer Branding & Candidate Experience Matter More Than Ever
We’re also seeing a major shift in how companies think about recruitment. It’s not just about filling roles – it’s about positioning your business as a great place to work. That’s why we’ve included new services and support on the website around employer branding, EDI, and retention strategy.
It’s something we speak about often with clients: hiring well isn’t just about the role – it’s about how you present yourself, how you communicate your culture, and how inclusive your process feels to every applicant.
The new site allows us to better showcase this consultancy side of what we do – helping clients rethink everything from their job ads to their interview experience.
A Platform for Insight, Not Just Jobs
Another big change is our new Insights Hub, a space where we’ll be publishing:
- Market updates
- Salary guides
- Candidate expectations reports
- EDI features
- Recruitment best practices
- Interview tips and career development content
For candidates, it’s a useful tool to help take control of their career. For employers, it’s a way to stay ahead of what the talent market is doing – and what people really want.
We believe specialist recruiters should be subject matter experts, not just intermediaries. The new site helps us deliver on that belief.
Reflecting Our People-Centric Culture
As much as this was a technology project, it was also a cultural one. We wanted the website to reflect the values-driven, human approach that defines GCS.
We’ve worked hard to showcase the real people behind the business – from consultant bios to our company ethos and values. Our team is what makes us strong, and we wanted to reflect that authenticity, not hide behind stock photos or corporate jargon.
We’re proud to share more about who we are, what we care about, and why we do what we do.
Looking Ahead: Digital, Human, and Always Personal
The launch of our new website marks an exciting chapter for GCS Associates, but more importantly, it signals how seriously we take the future of recruitment in this sector.
The building materials industry is evolving. Hiring is becoming more competitive, more strategic, and more nuanced. Our role, as we see it, is to support that evolution – with insight, integrity, and impact.
If you haven’t already, take a look around our new website. We hope you’ll find it easier to navigate, more useful, and a little more “us”.
Because at the end of the day, recruitment is still about people – and the relationships we build. The tech is better, the tools are sharper, but what matters most remains the same: understanding your business, your culture, and your goals.
This isn’t just a new website. It’s a renewed commitment to doing recruitment better – for the sectors we love.
