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For more information on our Building Products services, get in touch with

...

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Hundreds of 'Excellent' reviews

Building Products Executive Search

Helping Building Products companies unlock their next stage of growth

Specialisms We Cover

Accessories Acoustics Adhesives Aggregates Aggregates Bathroom Cabinetry Ceiling & Wall Cement Coatings Commercial Roofing Concrete Decking Doors Fasteners Glass Gypsum Insulation Insulation Kitchen Lumber & Millwork Metals Mining Pipes Plumbing PVC Ready Mix Residential Roofing Roofing Sealants Siding Speciality Doors Stone Tile Tools Trim Waterproofing Windows

The global building materials market exceeds $1.3 trillion in value and continues to grow, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure investment, and increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance construction solutions.

Building materials are fundamental to the development of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects worldwide. As construction markets evolve, manufacturers and suppliers face increasing pressure to deliver products that meet higher standards for performance, sustainability, efficiency, and design. Innovation across materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chains is reshaping how buildings are designed, built, and maintained.

We partner with building materials organisations across a broad range of product categories, including acoustics, cabinetry, ceiling and wall systems, cement and concrete, fasteners, flooring and decking, glass, gypsum, HVAC, insulation, kitchen and bathroom products, lumber and millwork, metals, mining and aggregates, plumbing and piping, roofing, siding, specialty doors, tile and stone, tools, trim and PVC, waterproofing, and windows and doors. Our deep sector expertise allows us to support manufacturers, distributors, and market leaders with the specialist and leadership talent required to drive growth, innovation, and long-term performance.

Building materials recruitment is driven by delivery, margin, and scale.

Manufacturers and suppliers operate in an environment defined by cost pressure, capacity planning, sustainability targets, and fluctuating demand. Hiring decisions often sit at the center of operational performance, making experience in production, supply chain, and commercial execution essential.

Recruiting effectively in building materials means understanding how these businesses really function. Sector specialists with strong market coverage can identify talent that aligns with operational reality, not just job titles — ensuring hires add value from day one.

Team

...

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

...

Sam Gilliland

Senior Consultant

...

Jack Wilson

Senior Principal Consultant

...

Stewart Boyd

Principal Consultant

Download the Building Products Brochure

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Learn more about our services, approach and the sectors we operate in.

Did you know?

Hiring the wrong candidate costs more than just time—it can waste salary, training resources, and opportunities. The Department of Labour estimates a bad hire can cost up to 30% of the role’s first-year earnings.

We hire right

Organisations are often reluctant to use external recruiters due the percieved cost. Think about it like this - what financial benefit could a top candidate bring to your business unit? You could make a 100x return on your investment.

  • 97% Placement Rate 1
  • 1.78:1 CVs Sent to Interviews 2
  • Avg. 32 Day Engagement to Placement 3

1. Based on all roles engaged on by a client on an exclusive basis from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

2. All CVs Sent from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

3. From Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

Stats

387 active opportunities
1,908 placements made across 25 sectors
262,736 companies in our CRM

"At Irving Knight, we don't just fill positions; we build lasting partnerships. Our commitment to understanding your unique needs ensures that we deliver leaders who drive success and embody your company's values. When it comes to identifying the high-performers of tomorrow, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our bespoke approach ensures every search is personal, diverse, and tailored from the ground up — delivering an individual, unrivalled experience for both clients and candidates. "

- Joe Davey, Group CEO of Irving Knight Group

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tonya Melton

USA

I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Ewan Ball After being with the same company for 1...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tim Mitchell

Division Plant Manager

Stewart did an amazing job representing me for a new opportunity

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Kay Witte

Global Director Performance Excellence

Joseph was instrumental in making my last professional opportunity happen. He was easy to work with, responsive, and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sandeep Kulshrestha

Formulation Director, US

Oliver is very good in matching skills of the candidates with the company’s requirements. I personally got benefits o...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Lucas Quadflieg

Sales Manager, Netherlands

Good vibes on finding a new opportunity... I was contacted by Aidan Kerr for a position of Sales Manager Benelux. Af...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Khoa Ho

Country Manager - Vietnam

I had a great experience with Irving Knight, especially working with Lily Newton. She was incredibly supportive and r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Ricardo Jesus

Commercial Manager - USA

Working with Garin was the best experience. He helped me a lot to find this position . Highly recommended

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Anja Florbach

Digital & Commercial Excellence Manager

Thank you so much Joseph! You have given me a great support. It was really nice to be in contact with you and I thin...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Valeria Pozzi

Procurement Category Manager, Italy

Working with Oliver has been a real pleasure!His highly professionalism and transparency made me comfortable to consi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Eduardo Valle

Development Mgr, US

This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jon Steele

CFO, US

Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Todd McBroom

District Sales Mgr, US

Great Experience!! This was my first time dealing with a recuiter and could not have been a better experience. Jack ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Erik Dubbeldam

BDM - Belgium

I came in contact with the Irving Knight Group by LinkedIn. After a detailed interview / conversation they brought m...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sarah Mirjamali

Quality Manager - Germany

I had a great experience working with Josh at Irving Knight Group. From start to finish he was professional, responsi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Nika Kuchaidze

Senior Continuous Improvement Chemist, US

It was a pleasure working with Joseph on transitioning to a position with a new company. Communication was prompt,...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Kerry Maye

Regional Sales Manager

Working with Joseph was a wonderfully positive experience from our first contact, through acceptance of my job offer....

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Christoph Snaga

Investment Manager, Germany

Christopher from Irving Knight handled the overall process well and we managed to get to a successful completion smoo...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Rania Metwall

Head of Sales, France

Would highly recommend working with Luca Dowdell. He helped me find the perfect job. Very professional, friendly and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Michael Wilson

Senior Account Manager

Working with Joseph was a seamless and positive experience from our first contact along with the various steps of the...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Mike S

Director - USA

Sam Frisby did an excellent job connecting me with job opportunities and providing support throughout the interview p...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tonya Melton

USA

I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Ewan Ball After being with the same company for 1...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tim Mitchell

Division Plant Manager

Stewart did an amazing job representing me for a new opportunity

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Kay Witte

Global Director Performance Excellence

Joseph was instrumental in making my last professional opportunity happen. He was easy to work with, responsive, and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sandeep Kulshrestha

Formulation Director, US

Oliver is very good in matching skills of the candidates with the company’s requirements. I personally got benefits o...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Lucas Quadflieg

Sales Manager, Netherlands

Good vibes on finding a new opportunity... I was contacted by Aidan Kerr for a position of Sales Manager Benelux. Af...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Khoa Ho

Country Manager - Vietnam

I had a great experience with Irving Knight, especially working with Lily Newton. She was incredibly supportive and r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Ricardo Jesus

Commercial Manager - USA

Working with Garin was the best experience. He helped me a lot to find this position . Highly recommended

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Anja Florbach

Digital & Commercial Excellence Manager

Thank you so much Joseph! You have given me a great support. It was really nice to be in contact with you and I thin...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Valeria Pozzi

Procurement Category Manager, Italy

Working with Oliver has been a real pleasure!His highly professionalism and transparency made me comfortable to consi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Eduardo Valle

Development Mgr, US

This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jon Steele

CFO, US

Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Todd McBroom

District Sales Mgr, US

Great Experience!! This was my first time dealing with a recuiter and could not have been a better experience. Jack ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Erik Dubbeldam

BDM - Belgium

I came in contact with the Irving Knight Group by LinkedIn. After a detailed interview / conversation they brought m...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sarah Mirjamali

Quality Manager - Germany

I had a great experience working with Josh at Irving Knight Group. From start to finish he was professional, responsi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Nika Kuchaidze

Senior Continuous Improvement Chemist, US

It was a pleasure working with Joseph on transitioning to a position with a new company. Communication was prompt,...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Kerry Maye

Regional Sales Manager

Working with Joseph was a wonderfully positive experience from our first contact, through acceptance of my job offer....

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Christoph Snaga

Investment Manager, Germany

Christopher from Irving Knight handled the overall process well and we managed to get to a successful completion smoo...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Rania Metwall

Head of Sales, France

Would highly recommend working with Luca Dowdell. He helped me find the perfect job. Very professional, friendly and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Michael Wilson

Senior Account Manager

Working with Joseph was a seamless and positive experience from our first contact along with the various steps of the...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Mike S

Director - USA

Sam Frisby did an excellent job connecting me with job opportunities and providing support throughout the interview p...

Up Next

Approach

Explore Our Approach

Why Us

Why Irving Knight

Trustpilot

FAQs

We’re here to make Executive Search easy to understand. Find answers to the most common questions below.

Our priority is fit, not speed. We take time to understand your background, goals, and motivations, then provide clear insight into each opportunity so you’re only considered for roles that truly align with your experience and ambitions.

We specialise in senior, specialist, and leadership appointments across the markets we serve. Our focus is on roles where experience, judgement, and cultural alignment are critical — typically mid- to senior-level management through to executive and board appointments.

You’ll gain honest market insight, access to high-quality opportunities, and clear guidance throughout the process. Our aim is simple: to help you make the right move, at the right time, with confidence.

No. Our services are completely free for candidates. We are retained by our client partners to manage their hiring processes, meaning there is never a cost to you at any stage.

Our role is to represent your interests professionally, provide guidance throughout the process, and help you assess opportunities objectively — without any financial obligation.

No — if anything, it gives you an advantage. We provide context, insight, and advocacy that ensure your experience and motivations are clearly understood from the outset. Our role is to strengthen your candidacy and guide you through a transparent, well-managed process.

We operate as a retained, partnership-led search firm rather than a transactional recruiter. That means fewer searches, deeper engagement, and a far higher level of commitment to outcomes. By combining sector specialism, market intelligence, and a disciplined search methodology, we deliver hires that are aligned not only to role requirements, but to culture, strategy, and long-term growth plans.

We don’t rely on databases or job advertising alone. Our searches are driven by proactive market mapping, targeted outreach, and insight gained from long-standing sector networks. Candidates are assessed on capability, leadership style, cultural alignment, and long-term potential — not just CV fit — ensuring a robust and well-informed shortlist.

Confidentiality is fundamental to how we operate. Every search is handled with discretion, clear communication, and controlled market engagement. As your representative in the market, we protect your brand, manage messaging carefully, and ensure sensitive information is only shared when appropriate — safeguarding both your business and your candidates throughout the process.

Our retained model is designed to deliver outcomes, not volume. Because we invest the time to fully understand the role, the business, and the wider context, we achieve a consistently high completion rate across our searches. More importantly, our focus is on long-term retention and impact, not short-term placement metrics.

While our process is designed to minimise risk, we recognise that circumstances can change. In the rare event a placement doesn’t succeed, we work closely with our client to address the situation and agree the most appropriate next steps. Our commitment is to the partnership and the outcome — not just the initial hire

Let's talk

Contact Irving Knight Group for Executive Search Enquiries