I recruit salespeople for the building products industry. BDMs, specification managers, and state managers across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. A&D, commercial, residential, civil and infrastructure, and lighting.
James Bowesman, Specialist Recruiter at Specified Select Group · Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
Why this site exists
Hiring, job hunting, or just after a straight answer: the tools here are free, no sign up. If I can help you directly one day, even better. I'm part of the team at Specified Select Group, and I know hiring and hunting are both hard. I'm here to help.
Client & Candidate Reviews
"James is an absolute delight to partner with. Professional, personable and in tune with what we need. James is a rare talent in an otherwise ruthless industry, and his approach and considerate manner means he is our 'go to' recruiter for sales role."
Lara
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"Very responsive and understood the assignment well resulting in quick hire."
César Antonio
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"James was very well versed in the lighting industry and provided extremely high level candidates that were hard to pick between, which was a great problem to have!"
Alisa
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"What really set him apart was how much time he took to understand not just what I was looking for in a role, but what I wasn't interested in. He never wasted my time with roles that didn't align with my goals. His communication was consistent, honest, and reassuring."
Julian
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James was easy to communicate with, supportive throughout the process, and strongly advocated on my behalf, which ultimately helped me secure the role."
Tomai
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James helped secured a role was off market, he matched my experience to a potential opportunity and made things happen from there."
Sam
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"It was a pleasure working with James Bowesman, he was easy to communicate with and very supportive throughout the process. The process itself was seamless and very well managed."
Fabio
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James has a wonderful manner within his approach. His communication skills are a perfect fit for a recruiter. He shows genuine interest in your needs and guides you to the most suitable role."
Dom
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James is an absolute delight to partner with. Professional, personable and in tune with what we need. James is a rare talent in an otherwise ruthless industry, and his approach and considerate manner means he is our 'go to' recruiter for sales role."
Lara
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"Very responsive and understood the assignment well resulting in quick hire."
César Antonio
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"James was very well versed in the lighting industry and provided extremely high level candidates that were hard to pick between, which was a great problem to have!"
Alisa
Employer
Verified review via Sourcr
"What really set him apart was how much time he took to understand not just what I was looking for in a role, but what I wasn't interested in. He never wasted my time with roles that didn't align with my goals. His communication was consistent, honest, and reassuring."
Julian
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James was easy to communicate with, supportive throughout the process, and strongly advocated on my behalf, which ultimately helped me secure the role."
Tomai
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James helped secured a role was off market, he matched my experience to a potential opportunity and made things happen from there."
Sam
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"It was a pleasure working with James Bowesman, he was easy to communicate with and very supportive throughout the process. The process itself was seamless and very well managed."
Fabio
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
"James has a wonderful manner within his approach. His communication skills are a perfect fit for a recruiter. He shows genuine interest in your needs and guides you to the most suitable role."
Dom
Candidate
Verified review via Sourcr
From the blog
Most reps who want a management role are already in the best place to get one. What businesses actually promote on, what to do in the year before, and why leaving to get the title is usually harder.
The order to work in when you start looking. Six steps, starting before you open your CV.
The honest version: why I only recruit sales talent in building products, lighting and A&D, what specialist knowledge actually changes on a brief, and how I work.
About James
National headhunter for sales and specification roles in building products. I find BDMs, Spec Managers, Account Managers, and Sales Managers for manufacturers, importers, and design-led brands across building envelope, interiors, civil and infrastructure, and lighting. 250+ placements across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane since 2017.
Read more about JamesWhere I work
Cautious lately, but civil and infrastructure are busy and remedial work keeps demand up. Melbourne territory is awkward to cover, which shapes every field role.
Building products sales recruitment in VictoriaSydney does not stop. The new-development market runs harder and longer than elsewhere, with steady civil infrastructure behind it. I also cover the ACT, Tasmania and at times South Australia.
Building products sales recruitment in NSWBooming, driven by population growth and people relocating north. The most relationship-driven of the three markets, split across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
Building products sales recruitment in QueenslandSectors I cover
Building Envelope
Roofing, cladding, facades, insulation, windows, waterproofing
Learn moreInteriors
Flooring, tiles, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, decorative surfaces
Learn moreCivil & Infrastructure
Concrete, drainage, construction chemicals, structural products
Learn moreLighting
Architectural, commercial, external, industrial, emergency
Learn moreArchitectural & Design
Interior finishes, surfaces, fixtures and lighting sold into the design community
Learn moreNo obligation, no hard sell. Just a useful chat about the market.