25 Jul Meet The HLH Group Recruiters

We often get asked about the recruitment team behind the scenes that keep so many construction sites across Sydney humming and ticking over. And so, we figured we’d put the camera and focus on the Famous Four of our recruitment team of James, Joe, Alex and Nigel to give you some insight into what makes them tick.

Meet James

Tell us a bit about your background – where you’re from and what you were doing before HLH.
I’m originally from Guildford, Surrey, Uk and before joining HLH Group, I was working in Recruitment also (Transport industry). I’ve always enjoyed working with people and being in fast-paced environments, which naturally led me to explore opportunities that combined both.

When did you move to Australia and what brought you here?
I moved to Australia in November 2023 after deciding I wanted a change of scenery and a new challenge. Like many others, I was drawn in by the lifestyle, the opportunities, and of course, the sunshine! What was originally supposed to be a short-term adventure quickly turned into something more permanent once I saw the potential here.

How did you get into recruitment and what attracted you to the industry?
Recruitment was something I kind of fell into but quickly grew passionate about. What attracted me most was the people-focused nature of the job — being able to connect candidates with the right opportunities and help businesses grow. Every day brings a new challenge, and no two days are ever the same.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment at HLH Group so far?
One of my biggest accomplishments so far has been bringing on over 100 clients since I’ve joined the business. It’s really rewarding seeing the direct impact of the work we do — whether that’s helping someone land a job or supporting a client through a major project.

What are your goals or plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I want to continue developing my skills within the recruitment industry. I’m passionate about building long-term client relationships and mentoring new consultants coming into the business. Ultimately, I’d love to contribute to HLH Group’s growth as we continue to expand our reach across the industry.

More Specific Goals
Become the top biller in the company. I want to build a high value client portfolio & become the go to construction recruiter in Syndey

Meet Joe

When did you move to Australia and what brought you here?
I Moved to Australia in November 2019 so about 5 and a half years ago now. Was only planning to stay for only two years then head home but once you get used to the way of life in Australia it is hard to return to cold rainy Liverpool, England. I came here for better weather and the beaches and to try something different. I am also quite the experienced and competitive surfer so wanted to challenge myself on some of the best waves/ beaches in the world.

How did you get into recruitment / role here and what attracted you to the industry?
Worked in Car Sales for 6 years back in Liverpool always knew I wanted to get back into a sales role at some point. But like most peoples had a few years working in casual farming and construction roles while travelling Australia. Once I properly settled In Sydney decided to mix my sales and construction experience in together and work as a LH Recruiter.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment at HLH Group so far?
My biggest accomplishment at HLH Group so far has been building a strong pipeline of reliable, skilled workers in a highly competitive market. I’ve successfully placed candidates across multiple projects, often under tight timeframes, helping our clients meet urgent labour demands. At the same time, I’m proud to have taken steps toward building a long-term future in Australia by lodging my permanent residency — a milestone that reflects my commitment both to the company and the country. It’s been a rewarding journey of professional growth and personal investment.”

What are your goals or plans?
Plans are to keep helping worker from all different backgrounds and countries get in to work so they can improve enjoy their Australian experience.

Meet Alex

• I’m Alex from Stirling, Scotland I’ve been in the HLH office for almost 5 years. Before that, I earned my stripes labouring for HLH for 2 years, working on one site for a full year. I have a chemistry degree and grew up playing rugby, swimming and squash.
• I moved to Australia at the start of 2019, I was bored of my hometown and fancied seeing a bit more of the world so I came solo to Sydney. I lived in Hostels for about 9 months, completed my farmwork picking Bananas in Innisfail before returning to civilisation and the eastern suburbs.
• At the end of 2020 I was nearing the end of my time labouring, and with the pandemic creeping in I asked Sorcha for a job in the office and they took a chance on me. I figured I’m fairly extroverted and understand the Aussie construction industry so working in labour hire seemed like a natural pathway.
• My biggest achievement would be the great relationships I’ve built with the people I’ve met on site and in the office both past and present.
• Alongside work, my main plan for the future would be spend more time fishing and less time worrying about things that don’t matter!

Meet Nigel Hunter – Recruitment Manager at HLH Group

Tell us a bit about your background – where you’re from and what you were doing before HLH.
Originally from Co. Wicklow, Ireland, I’ve worked in recruitment for nearly 10 years and am now fortunate to lead an exceptional team of recruiters. Before joining HLH, I was a university student juggling part-time jobs — doing my best to support student bars and Dublin’s little-known but thriving burrito scene!

When did you move to Australia and what brought you here?
I moved to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa in search of new opportunities and a fresh experience. The Australian lifestyle instantly appealed to me, and with the support of family and close friends, it quickly became clear that I wanted to stay here for as long as possible.

How did you get into recruitment / role here and what attracted you to the industry?
Like many others, I didn’t set out to build a career in recruitment — but once I experienced the buzz of winning new business, placing candidates, and supporting my colleagues to succeed, I was hooked. I love the variety that comes with speaking to a diverse range of people every day, and I find the project-based nature of the construction industry especially rewarding. It’s incredibly fulfilling to play a small part in delivering major projects and helping build the future.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment at HLH Group so far?
In my time at HLH Group, we’ve achieved a lot — but what stands out most to me are the strong relationships we’ve built along the way. Whether with clients, candidates, or even candidates who have since become clients, these long-standing partnerships reflect the trust we’ve earned and the values we uphold. Many of these relationships date back to our early days, which I see as a true testament to the collective effort of our entire team. Delivering exceptional service and doing the right thing has always been at the heart of what we do — for all stakeholders. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child — and I believe the same applies to building a successful labour hire business.

What are your goals or plans for the future
Looking ahead, I’m keen to keep growing in the industry, building strong relationships, and helping HLH go from strength to strength. I really enjoy working with our team, supporting our clients, and finding great opportunities for our candidates. There’s always something new happening, and it’s exciting to be part of a business that’s making a real difference on the ground.

Here’s To The Recruiters

We’re lucky to have a roster of such stellar recruiters who have placed thousands of labourers and tradies on countless sites throughout Sydney. If you need some help getting labourers on site then give us a call now on +61 2 8985 2019 or contact us online to talk to one of your recruiters.