Joe Hemingway never set out to be a recruiter. In fact, like many in the industry, recruitment found him by chance. After studying to become a teacher and giving it a shot, Joe realised early on that the classroom wasn’t quite where he was meant to be. A casual conversation with a rugby teammate opened the door to something entirely unexpected, a career in recruitment. Fast forward 15 years, and Joe is now leading as a Business Manager in Auckland, on the complete opposite side of the world from where it all began.
After spending seven years honing his craft in the UK, Joe made the move to New Zealand in 2018. While the volume of work here was smaller, the transition brought its own unique set of challenges. “One thing you learn very quickly,” Joe says, “is just how vital your relationships are, whether with clients or candidates.” In a smaller market like New Zealand’s, reputation matters, and building trust becomes the foundation for success.
Joe’s approach to recruitment is built on one clear principle: show up. For him, great service isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about being available, responsive, and most importantly, visible. “When we’re on site with our clients, we don’t just build stronger relationships — we actually understand their world,” he explains. That on-the-ground insight helps Joe and his team add real value, both to businesses and to job seekers looking for their next step.
With over a decade of experience across the UK and New Zealand, Joe’s built a deep understanding of the blue-collar space, from logistics to civil and construction. But despite his seniority, his mindset hasn’t changed: keep learning, stay visible, and always put people first. His advice to anyone starting out in recruitment is simple but powerful: look after your candidates. “They’re the ones who pay the bills,” Joe says. “Treat them well, and they’ll do the same for you. You never know, the person you place today might be your client tomorrow.
Keen to connect with someone who puts people first?
Reach out to Joe to learn more about how our Auckland South team can support your next hire, or your next career move.
