Hire the tech talent your roadmap depends on.
Data, AI, Cloud and DevOps skills are hard to find and harder to assess. We do both, so you can focus on interviewing the right people.
Why hiring tech talent feels so hard.
Generalist recruiters send keyword-matched CVs. Job ads attract volume, not quality. Strong data and cloud engineers are often off the market within weeks, and every empty seat holds up a project.
We fix that with specialist knowledge, a genuine network and a process that respects your time. You meet fewer candidates, and hire better ones.
What you can expect
- Recruiters who understand the roles they fill
- Technical screening before every shortlist
- Honest advice on salaries, rates and market supply
- Regular updates, with no chasing required
- Support from offer through to onboarding
Ways to hire.
Pick the model that suits the role, the timeline and your budget. Many clients use all three.
Permanent recruitment
Long-term hires who strengthen your team, found through search, network and technical screening.
Learn more ContractContract recruitment
Specialist contractors for projects, migrations, peaks and backfills, ready to contribute from week one.
Learn more LeadersLeadership search
Confidential, research-led search for heads of data, AI and cloud, and principal architects.
Learn more TeamsTeam builds
Standing up a new platform or programme? We plan and fill the whole team, permanent and contract.
Discuss a team build AdviceRole scoping
Not sure what you need? We help shape the role, level and package before you go to market.
Ask for advice SpecialismsRoles we fill
Data engineering, AI and ML, cloud, DevOps and platform, analytics and BI, and leadership.
See specialismsWhat makes us different.
Technical screening
We assess real delivery experience, not keyword matches.
Focused shortlists
A handful of strong, interested candidates, with notes on each.
Market insight
Frank advice on salaries, day rates and how competitive your offer is.
Aftercare
We check in after the start to make sure the placement is working.
Common questions.
What does it cost to use Ascend Talent?
For most permanent roles you pay a fee only when the person you hire starts. Contractors are charged at an agreed hourly or daily rate. Senior and confidential searches can be retained. We confirm everything in writing before we begin.
How quickly can you present candidates?
It depends on the role, seniority and market supply. We start from an existing network rather than a cold job ad, so we move quickly, and we agree a realistic timeline with you at the briefing.
Do you recruit outside Melbourne?
Yes. We're based in Melbourne and recruit for employers across Australia, including Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, for on-site, hybrid and remote roles.
Can you assess technical skills?
Yes. We bring hands-on data and cloud experience to every screen, so we assess how candidates have designed, built and run systems, not just which tools appear on their CV. We can also coordinate your own technical tests.
Do you recruit for government roles?
Yes. We understand the security clearance requirements common in federal and state government roles, and can source candidates holding Baseline, NV1 and NV2 clearances.
Got a role to fill?
Tell us what you need. A specialist recruiter will reply within one business day.