GCA’s Q1 report reveals shift back to field and office-based roles

Glen Callum Associates (GCA), a specialist recruitment agency in the automotive aftermarket, has published its Q1 2025 recruitment report, revealing a noticeable shift in working styles and continued skills-based hiring from allied sectors.

The quarterly report provides a snapshot of current recruitment trends, equipping businesses with practical insight to inform their hiring strategies in a competitive market.

In Q1, there was a significant lean towards traditional working styles, with 43 percent of placements being office-based and a further 43 percent field-based. In contrast, hybrid roles accounted for just nine percent, and remote placements dropped to five percent, suggesting a growing preference for on-site presence across the industry.

Kayleigh Bradley, Senior Recruiter at GCA, said: “The return to field and office-based roles reflects a renewed confidence in face-to-face business. We’re seeing employers actively seek candidates who thrive in customer-facing environments and are ready to hit the ground running. It’s about building strong, in-person relationships and driving commercial success.”

In terms of industry alignment, 83 percent of placements were within the automotive aftermarket, while 17 percent were placed in allied sectors. Notably, however, 43 percent of candidates placed came from allied sectors, reinforcing the industry's strategic shift toward skills-based hiring to address ongoing talent shortages.

Kerrie Richards, Director at GCA, said: “The continued integration of talent from allied industries demonstrates how vital transferable skills have become to the success of recruitment strategies. Businesses that embrace a broader talent pool are not only filling vacancies more efficiently but also benefiting from diverse thinking and new approaches.”

Q1 also revealed that 100 percent of roles placed were non-executive, with a strong emphasis on commercial and technical positions. Sales, Marketing and Operations roles led the way at 83 percent, followed by Technical roles at 17 percent. There were no executive-level placements during the quarter, suggesting a short-term focus on operational performance and day-to-day business growth.