Meet Our Team

Jeremy Wilson

Director

Jeremy started his recruitment career in 2004 having been previously employed in business development and sales leadership in manufacturing and construction. Initially employed by one of NZ’s most recognised sales recruitment companies Jeremy progressed into management before starting his own enterprise in 2010. Build People was born from Jeremys extensive network of senior leaders and business owners in the building industry, as well as a hugely significant candidate database that only years spent specialising in a market can offer.

When not involved in the pursuit of talent and the running of Build People he enjoys Boxing, Motorsport, target shooting and coaching 1^st 15 Rugby. Jeremy lives in Remuera with his family and is a keen socialiser, most comfortable enjoying a catch up with mates over a wine or two!

Jo Wilson

Recruitment and Operations Director

As Recruitment and Operations Director, Jo Wilson is not only an expert recruiter providing exceptional service to a diverse customer base. She’s also responsible for growing the company, managing customer relationships and driving excellence throughout the business.

With 20 years’ New Zealand recruitment experience and an impressive track record growing one of the country’s best known independent recruitment companies, Jo has an immense amount of knowledge and expertise to offer any client wishing to grow their business, effect change or navigate new territory for business development.

Jo is well known for her professional yet frank approach, for her recruitment success with many of the country’s highest profile companies, and for having a significant impact on the growth of many smaller New Zealand businesses.

Jo’s speciality is working with mid-to-senior executives and business owners to re-engineer their companies from a talent and capabilities perspective; making crucial culture changes and ensuring the right people are in the right roles.

If you are looking to reduce the risk in your recruitment process and have serious goals to achieve, or if you are looking for your next career move and would like to have a confidential chat, talk to the recruitment expert. Talk to Jo.

Bryar Faamalepe

Operations Manager

Bryar started off at Build People as the Office Manager, but over a short period of time, showed her ability to manage a lot more than just the office!

Bryar's role is varied, assisting our 'house of brands' and working closely with Jeremy Wilson and Jo Wilson from an operational perspective. Operating out of the same premises, Bryar works across our four specialist brands, Build People, Gunn Talent, O'Neils Personnel and Construction Search, to maintain the smooth running of the business and making sure all systems and processes are pristine with a strong focus on the finances. 

When Bryar’s not running the show, she enjoys being outdoors with her partner and Golden Retriever puppy, hanging with her friends and family, and of course, a few vinos here and there.

Zac Berridge

Senior Recruitment Specialist – Merchant and Supplier

Zac has worked in the building industry for over 10 years, in senior roles across the distribution, retail and supply chain. After experiencing a broad range of recruiters over this time, Zac was impressed by Jeremy and Jo’s industry knowledge, relationships and passion for people – and he wanted to get involved! 

Zac delivers a broad range of commercial experience, along with an MBA – offering an exceptional mix of a practical ‘real world’ skillset with high level theory. Zac has joined Build People to specialise in sales management, regional management, branch management and senior operational roles. He is ideally placed to deliver you with the right talent to enable your business to meet and exceed its goals. Zac is exceptionally passionate about matching great people with great leaders.

In his spare time Zac can be found spending time with his wife and kids, supporting his rugby team The Chiefs, and sliding around on a softball diamond in the summer.

Matthew Ung

Head of Business Development

As Head of Business Development for our group of brands - Build People, Gunn Talent and Construction Search, Matt’s mission is to grow long term relationships with key decision makers and business owners. In short, Matt is ready to talk to you about how we provide the talent solutions you need in order to meet and exceed your business goals – both now and into the future. Feeling the pinch of the ‘talent shortage’? You won’t even notice it when working with us – and that’s guaranteed.

Like many young kiwis, Matt had planned to become an All Black. Unfortunately, injuries put an end to his rugby career and he channelled that energy into sales management and business development. He as never looked back! The opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and work with them to make a genuine difference to their business is a privilege for Matt. Even after twenty years, he finds every day is still different and always rewarding.

When was the last time you reviewed your hiring process? In a constantly evolving talent market, it’s absolutely critical you do so. To talk through your current and future strategies, contact Matt directly on (022) 580-7550.

Sophia Jeory

Team Leader - Sales

Sophia started with Build People as the Office Manager; supporting a busy team operationally and running around after Jeremy. After a year in this role she felt it was time to become a recruiter and we agreed! 

Given Sophia’s background in business development in Plumbing and Drainage it’s logical that she looks after our Plumbing and Electrical clients,  specialising in Sales and Marketing appointments.

When Sophia’s not working she spends time off hanging out with friends and family, cooking, hitting the beach (weather permitting) and like the rest of the team enjoys a nice glass of wine!

Alicia Barrington

Recruitment Specialist

Alicia started with our sister brand, Gunn Talent, and is now working in a hybrid role across Build People and Gunn Talent.

Alicia entered the recruitment world two years ago in a specialist recruitment role. She has specialised in proactive searching for candidates and her goal is to build long term relationships with clients and candidates alike, to ensure that the right candidates are matched with the right employer.

With a proven track record of success, Alicia is passionate about both recruitment and sales, and is committed to excellent service throughout the whole recruitment process.

Jayden Rowland

Southern Region Manager

Canterbury born and bred, Jayden has worked in the building and property industry for the last 10 years in roles across the supply chain. With experience in sales management, business development, key accounts, territory management and operations, you can take confidence from the fact that he has worked the roles you’re hiring for. This ‘at the coalface’ industry knowledge, along with the market leading expertise offered by Build People New Zealand, makes for a comprehensive, results-driven approach when recruiting key roles for your organisation.

Alongside Jeremy and Jo and the wider Build People and Gunn Talent teams, Jayden is excited to be part of this growth phase as he leads and grows our physical office presence in the South Island.

For a refreshing, honest and knowledgeable approach to your recruitment needs, give Jayden a call on (022) 523-0208 or email jayden@buildpeople.co.nz

Hannah Wallace

Sales Support Receptionist

Hannah is the welcoming face who greets you when you are visiting our offices! As well as ensuring all visitors to our premises have a great experience, Hannah is responsible for assisting the sales and management team with administrative and ad hoc tasks. She also works closely with our Operations Manager to ensure that all back-end aspects of the business are running smoothly.

Hannah comes from a background in management in the fashion retail sector, with a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Psychology and Human Development. The opportunity to join the Build People and Gunn Talent businesses made total sense for her, as she is immensely passionate about people and the way they interact with each other.

When not assisting the team with their day-to-day tasks, Hannah will most likely be found shopping up a storm - adding to her ever-expanding wardrobe, or meeting friends for a cheeky cocktail down at the Viaduct. 

Viviann Kinczyk

Senior Recruitment Consultant - Currently on extended maternity leave

Originally from Sweden and well travelled Viviann brings a breadth of worldly experience to the Build People team! Since stepping foot in New Zealand in 2009, Viviann has gained vital commercial experience within operations, account management and business development. Vivianns own success in sales gives her a unique insight into the different types of sales personalities and skills enabling her to identify performers. By nature a vibrant and confident people person, Viviann will impress with her ability through her assertive and professional approach, to ensure that you will only engage with the best available talent.

Outside of work Viviann is a keen equestrian and enjoys a rural lifestyle. Her true claim to fame comes from her ability to whip up a storm in the kitchen, especially when entertaining!