Bradley Hellier, Associate Consultant focuses on placing top talent within the residential real estate sector. With a background that blends the resilience and discipline of farm life with the dynamic, relationship-driven world of recruitment, Bradley brings a unique perspective to his role.
His professional yet approachable style has made him a trusted consultant, respected for his in-depth knowledge of the residential market.
With almost four years of experience at GKR, Bradley excels at handling senior-level roles and navigating complex negotiations, always delivering tailored solutions and a personal, attentive service to both clients and candidates.
How did you get into recruitment?
My journey into recruitment wasn’t straightforward. I found myself at a bit of a crossroads, unsure of my next steps. Coincidentally, my wife was contacted by a GKR consultant on LinkedIn. At the time, she had experience working in estate agency, and after learning more about GKR, she recommended me to them.
I wasn’t actively seeking a role in recruitment at the time, but the consultant really impressed me, and I was intrigued by the way they worked. This curiosity led to a deeper conversation, and I ended up meeting Michael Woda, Partner, and Grant Kaveney, Founder of GKR. Before meeting them, I didn’t know much about recruitment, but after researching the industry and understanding the importance of relationship building and managing multiple priorities, I felt like it was a field where I could excel.
Although I hadn’t initially planned to move into this field, it’s been a rewarding experience, and I’m glad I took that leap. I also now play five-a-side football every week with the consultant who first reached out!
Tell us about a placement that made you feel like a hero!
One of my most memorable placements was for a senior role within the commercial and investment sector. The candidate had over 20 years of experience in investment and development, making it one of the most high-level placements I’ve worked on. While it wasn’t the most straightforward process, it was incredibly rewarding.
The client was cautious about making the hire, as they were conducting a market mapping exercise to ensure they found the right fit. The candidate’s expectations were reasonable, but we needed to refine the package to align with both their priorities and the client’s needs. Through careful negotiation and strategic guidance, we reached an agreement that worked for both sides, ensuring a smooth transition.
This placement was particularly rewarding because the candidate had been on our radar for some time. We originally placed them in an estate agency role three years ago, which highlights the importance of long-term relationships. Staying connected with talented professionals means that when the right opportunity arises, we’re able to introduce them to roles where they can thrive.
If you could give one piece of advice to candidates, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to job seekers, it would be to partner exclusively with a recruiter you trust. Find someone who is honest, communicates clearly, and has strong credibility in the market. Recruitment is all about building long-term relationships, and working with too many recruiters can hinder your chances of securing the right role.
Sending your CV to multiple recruiters often results in lost opportunities, duplication, and a lack of control over your job search. The right recruiter will take the time to understand your goals, position you effectively, and negotiate the best outcome for you.
At GKR, I work with the majority of my candidates on an exclusive basis because it allows me to deliver real results. I don’t make promises I can’t keep; when I commit to a candidate, I ensure they have access to the best roles at the right time, with the strongest chance of success.
What recruitment trend excites you the most right now?
The trend that excites me (and scares me) the most right now is the rise of AI in recruitment, as it is undeniably changing the landscape of how we work. Tasks that used to be manual, like drafting job ads, are now automated, which is no doubt saving a lot of time. I’m particularly excited about how AI can assist in business development as it continues to get smarter. Even using tools like ChatGPT, I am able to gather detailed lists of curated potential clients for a specific role or geographic region in seconds.
That said, I think AI is a stark reminder that recruitment is still about people. AI can’t replace the human touch - real conversations, listening authentically, subtle understanding of tone and body language. AI can’t replicate our ability to connect and truly understand clients' needs or candidates' aspirations. My advice: use AI as a tool to enhance your efficiency, but never forget that our role is rooted in human connection and expertise.
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your recruitment career?
The best piece of advice I’ve received, and something I always keep in mind, is: “There’s always another question to ask.” This comes from a James Caan video I watched early in my career, and it really stuck with me.
It’s so easy to make assumptions, but you should never stop asking questions. “Has anything changed?” Digging deeper is often the key to uncovering crucial information. As recruiters, if we don’t ask the right questions, we risk missing important details that could derail a deal or a candidate’s placement.
This advice helps me avoid cutting corners and ensures I’m always in the know. In recruitment, a small piece of information can make all the difference, especially when you're dealing with high-level roles and complex client needs in the real estate sector.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I grew up on a farm. I worked there for four years, waking up at 5:30 AM every day to milk cows. It’s worlds apart from the career I’ve built in recruitment, but it shaped a lot of my values: discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
Working on the farm taught me how to handle pressure, adapt quickly, and stay committed, even when things get tough. It also gave me a thick skin, which is invaluable in recruitment. The biggest lesson I carry with me is grit; whether I’m advising candidates, negotiating offers, or guiding clients through hiring decisions, it’s the foundation of everything I do.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Bradley! If you’re looking for expert recruitment support in the residential property sector, connect with him on LinkedIn: Bradley Hellier.
