
Get to know Chris
Chris is our General Manager at Trade Assist and one of its founding members. His journey with the company began at its inception when he transitioned from an HR role in the construction industry, driven by a desire to make a real difference for workers in the sector. With a vision to create a labour-hire company that put people first, Chris presented his business proposal to Trade Assist’s co-founder, Seb and together they brought the idea to life.
Chris’s talent for identifying top talent and building high-performing teams has been instrumental in Trade Assist’s success. What started as a Christchurch-based business has expanded into four major regions across New Zealand, offering staffing solutions nationwide. While the company initially focused on construction, it has since grown to cover more than ten industries including a rising white-collar recruitment division. Under Chris’s leadership, Trade Assist has built partnerships with some of New Zealand’s leading companies and globally recognised brands, even expanding into Australia and the UK. His commitment to continuous improvement and leading the team towards excellence has shaped Trade Assist into the award-winning recruitment agency it is today, as recognised by Sourcr.
With a strong background in business management and human resources, along with experience across multiple industries and countries, Chris understands that building trusting relationships is at the heart of successful recruitment. Clients and candidates value authenticity, exceptional service, and genuine care – qualities that Chris and his leadership team have embedded into Trade Assist’s culture.
Outside the office