Rose Lock, Associate Director, has recently celebrated her 7-year anniversary at GKR, marking a career built on expertise, trust, and a deep understanding of the property management sector. With nearly two decades in the property industry before transitioning into recruitment, she brings a unique perspective to matching the right talent with the right opportunities.
Her approach is built on long-term relationships, market insight, and a genuine passion for helping people grow their careers. Whether advising candidates or guiding clients through strategic hires, Rose is known for her hands-on, consultative style and ability to navigate complex recruitment challenges.
Her journey—from estate agency to property development and now recruitment—reflects her adaptability and commitment to the industry. Seven years on, she continues to drive success, making an impact one placement at a time.
How did you get into recruitment?
After 18 years in the property industry, I took a leap into recruitment in my early 40s Estate agency had served me well, but I knew it was time for a new challenge. I’ve always loved matching people with properties, so why not match people to people? My career journey has taken me through six years at Savills, seven years with a top property developer in Spain, and even running my own business. When I decided it was time for a change, GKR was the only recruitment firm I had in mind, and I’ve never looked back.
Tell us about a placement that made you feel like a hero!
One of my early placements still stands out to me. A candidate had just resigned from his job when an expected offer fell through, leaving him understandably distressed. When he came into the office to meet me, I quickly got to work. Within 24 hours, I secured him an interview, and by the following Monday, he had started a new role with a highly respected company, steadily advancing within their team. Fast forward five years, and I had the opportunity to assist him once again—this time in securing a Head of Property Management role for a bespoke consultancy in Mayfair. It was a full-circle moment and a proud reminder of the lasting impact we can have on people's careers.
If you could give one piece of advice to candidates, what would it be?
Preparation is everything! I always equip candidates with the right tools—LinkedIn, company websites, and Google—but the ones who truly stand out go beyond the basics. Dive deeper into press releases, recent projects, and industry trends. Even if you’re not asked directly, find natural ways to showcase your research in conversation.
And don’t forget—interviews are a two-way street! Think about what you want to learn, demonstrate, and take away from the experience. Does this role feel like the right fit for you? We know our clients inside out, so trust in the preparation and insights we provide. Stay composed, arrive on time, and—most importantly—make sure you know exactly where you're going. I once thought I had plenty of time before an early interview, only to realise I couldn’t find the office at the last minute. Learn from my mistake!
What recruitment trend excites you the most right now?
Retained partnerships are on the rise, and I love the shift. Last year, a significant portion of my business came from these exclusive agreements. One standout case involved a client who struggled for eight months to hire a Head of Residential Management through various contingent agreements. We secured a retained search and placed the perfect candidate within four weeks. Since then, we’ve helped them fill two more key roles in their commercial asset management and facilities departments. These relationships allow us to truly map talent pools and deliver better results.
Hearing firsthand how these placements have made a difference is incredibly rewarding; candidate feedback is a huge motivator for me.
“From start to finish, my experience with GKR was amazing. Rose instantly put me at ease, despite not having looked for a new role in 11 years. She supported me throughout my journey, making me feel prepared, confident, and genuinely cared for. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
“Rose is a consummate professional who provided a personable service when I applied for a Senior Facilities Manager role. She kept me informed, prepared me thoroughly, and continued supporting me through the contract stage. If I ever need a new job again, I will certainly call Rose.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your recruitment career?
- Slow down. I’m incredibly passionate about what I do, but I’ve learned that taking a step back to pause and reflect can enhance the quality of my work.
- Always ask: Has anything changed? Candidates’ and clients’ situations evolve, and understanding shifts early prevents surprises. Facing challenges head-on is part of the job.
- Build trust. Relationships are everything. I value the partnerships where trust is mutual and have learned to walk away from situations that don’t align with my values. (Work smart, not just hard!)
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I spent part of my childhood in Sudan and have always been passionate about Africa. At 19, I taught in Kenya for a few months, then embarked on a month-long overland trip through seven countries in Southeast Africa. It’s a place that still holds a special connection for me. Interestingly, Grant Kaveney, (GKR’s founder) is also originally from South Africa!
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Rose! If you’re looking for expert recruitment support in the property management sector, connect with her on LinkedIn.
