We actively search, not just advertise.
We use targeted sourcing, direct outreach, industry networks and relevant advertising to reach experienced people beyond the active job market.
Permanent construction recruitment | Queensland
The right construction people aren’t always looking.
We help Queensland construction businesses find permanent tradespeople, site leaders and project professionals through proactive headhunting, considered candidate qualification and direct founder involvement.
Construction specialists. Proactive sourcing. One point of contact.
Sunshine Coast employer? See our Sunshine Coast construction recruitment service.
Why GemSource
Recruitment built around the right hire, not CV volume.
Finding experienced construction people takes more than posting another job advertisement. At GemSource, we take the time to understand your business, the work you deliver and what a successful hire looks like. Then we identify, approach and qualify people who may be a strong fit, including professionals who aren’t actively applying for jobs. Our focus is on useful introductions and informed hiring decisions, not sending the largest number of CVs.
We understand construction.
From roofing, concreting and scaffolding to civil operations, site supervision, contracts administration and project leadership, our recruitment focus is on the people who build and deliver projects.
We qualify before we recommend.
We assess relevant experience, work history, motivations, availability, location, remuneration expectations and suitability for the role before recommending candidates.
You deal directly with the founder.
You work with the person accountable for your search. Expect clear communication, direct feedback and personal involvement from the initial brief through to commencement.
Clear terms. Real accountability.
We explain the recruitment fee, engagement model, payment trigger and applicable replacement guarantee upfront, so you can make a confident decision before the search begins.
What We Recruit
Construction roles we actually search.
Permanent recruitment across construction, building, civil and trades — skilled tradespeople through site leaders and project professionals.
Construction & Project Delivery
- Project Managers
- Contract Administrators
- Project Engineers
- Construction / Site Managers
- Foremen & Supervisors
- HSEQ / Client-Side PM
Commercial & Pre-Construction
- Estimators
- Quantity Surveyors
- Commercial Managers
- Design Managers
- Planners
- Pre-Construction / Development
Trades & Site
- Roofers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Concreters
- Plant Operators
- HVAC / Specialist Trades
Don’t see your role? Brief it anyway. If it’s outside our capability or network, we’ll tell you upfront. Hiring experienced Kiwi tradies into Queensland? See the NZ Tradies pathway.
How We Work
A considered search from brief to commencement.
Search timelines depend on the role, location, remuneration, market conditions and candidate availability. You’ll know who you’re dealing with from the first conversation.
01
Understand the role
We learn about your business, team, project requirements, remuneration and the experience needed.
02
Identify the market
We select appropriate sourcing channels and proactively approach relevant candidates.
03
Qualify and recommend
We assess candidates against the agreed brief and present relevant information to support your decisions.
04
Manage the process
We coordinate interviews, feedback, offers and commencement arrangements.
05
Support the placement
We maintain contact after commencement and provide the contractual replacement guarantee where applicable.
Recruitment Fees
Straightforward recruitment fees.
One recruitment standard, two ways to engage. Every standard permanent recruitment assignment receives the same considered approach to sourcing, qualification and candidate management. The difference is whether you appoint GemSource exclusively or retain the flexibility to work with other recruitment agencies.
Exclusive Recruitment
12%of TRP
Our preferred partnership approach.
Appoint GemSource as your sole recruitment agency for the agreed role during the exclusive search period. You receive our full recruitment service with a lower placement fee in return for that commitment.
One dedicated recruitment partner means a coordinated search — no competing agencies, clearer candidate ownership and a single accountable process from brief to commencement.
- Proactive sourcing and headhunting
- Structured candidate qualification
- Interview and offer coordination
- Direct founder involvement
- 90-day conditional replacement guarantee
Non-Exclusive Recruitment
13.5%of TRP
Flexibility without compromising our standards.
Engage GemSource while retaining the flexibility to work with other recruitment agencies. You receive the same recruitment methodology and service standard.
- Proactive sourcing and headhunting
- Structured candidate qualification
- Interview and offer coordination
- Direct founder involvement
- 90-day conditional replacement guarantee
Percentage fees are calculated on the placed candidate’s annualised total remuneration package, including superannuation and applicable guaranteed remuneration components, excluding GST. Fees and guarantee conditions are governed by the signed Engagement Letter and Terms of Business. No placement fee is payable unless the candidate physically commences employment.
Coming soon
Building the next generation of tradespeople.
Our separate Apprentice Pathways offering will help Sunshine Coast employers connect with aspiring apprentices, including school leavers and suitable mature-age candidates. We plan to support sourcing, qualification and matching, with post-commencement check-ins.
Fixed fee: $3,000 per apprentice, plus GST. Subject to its own approved terms when the programme launches.
Apprentice Pathways is a forthcoming offering and is not yet accepting confirmed placements.
Guarantee & Accountability
One recruiter. Accountable from brief to commencement.
90-day conditional replacement
Standard permanent recruitment placements include a 90-calendar-day conditional replacement guarantee from the candidate’s first day of physically commencing employment, subject to the agreed Terms of Business. For qualifying terminations, GemSource conducts one replacement search for the same role at no additional recruitment fee. Conditions, notification requirements and exclusions apply as set out in the signed terms. The guarantee is a conditional replacement search, not a cash refund.
Kendall Gemmell
Founder — GemSource Recruitment
When you brief GemSource, you deal directly with Kendall throughout the search — from understanding the role and mapping the market through to shortlist, offer and commencement.
GemSource is boutique on purpose. One point of contact, accountable for the search.
FAQ
Before you brief a role.
Standard permanent recruitment placements include a 90-calendar-day conditional replacement guarantee from the candidate’s first day of physically commencing employment, subject to the agreed Terms of Business. For qualifying terminations, GemSource conducts one replacement search for the same role at no additional recruitment fee. Eligibility, notification requirements, exclusions and any fee adjustments are set out in the signed terms. The guarantee is not a cash refund.
The placement fee is triggered when the successful candidate physically commences employment. Payment is then due under the agreed invoicing terms.
Both options receive the same GemSource recruitment standard. Exclusive recruitment means appointing GemSource as your sole recruitment agency for the agreed role during the exclusive search period and carries a 12% fee. Non-exclusive recruitment allows you to engage other agencies and carries a 13.5% fee. See recruitment fees.
No. GemSource specialises in permanent recruitment and direct employment appointments, not labour hire or temporary workforce supply.
Search timelines depend on the role, location, remuneration, market conditions and candidate availability. We keep you informed throughout and do not commit to fixed shortlist deadlines without a clear brief and market context.
Next Step
Need the right person for your next project?
Tell us about the role, the experience you need and what’s important to your business. We’ll discuss the market, your hiring requirements and whether GemSource is the right partner.