Talented Hires

At Talented Hires, we partner with tech founders to help them build the world-class teams they need to achieve breakout growth, secure funding, and deliver on the promise of artificial intelligence.

Beyond recruiting, we provide strategic guidance to help you:

◦ Define your ideal tech stack and organizational structure
◦ Implement best practices for onboarding, training, and career development
◦ Foster a mission-driven culture that aligns with your values
◦ Position your startup's technical vision to attract investors and top talent

Having scaled talent solutions for Fortune 500 companies and hired over 2,000 engineers, I bring a wealth of insights and best practices to help you navigate the unique challenges of scaling a startup with AI. 

If you're looking for a strategic partner to help you build an elite team, secure funding, and achieve your world-changing vision, let's connect. 

I'm always happy to share insights, make warm intros to VCs and experts in my network, or brainstorm how we can leverage AI to create a better future.

Founder and CEO

Project People

Global technology search & placement 
Specialised focus on AI & DevOps
Over 2,000 successful appointments from CTO to Senior Software Engineers
Retained Search projects for critical niche hires
Impactful Diversity and Equality initiatives
Deep customer relationships built on partnership, trust, and continuous innovative delivery

Senior Search Director, AI & DevOps

Rethink

Search Director

Experis

Search Consultant

Tech Founder | AI Enthusiast | DevOps Expert

Fellow founder and CTO,

I understand the challenges of building an elite team to bring a vision to life and navigate the complex funding landscape. 

My journey began at age 8 when my father brought home a computer, sparking a lifelong passion for technology. 

This led me to study Computer Science in 1999, where I discovered the potential of AI.

Frustrated by recruiters' lack of technical understanding, I realized my CS degree could be a powerful asset in building world-class tech teams. 

Over the past 20 years, I've partnered with founders to:

✓ Clarify Talent Needs: Develop winning hiring strategies
✓ Foster Innovation: Create a culture that retains top talent
✓ Attract A-Players: Identify & recruit elite engineers
✓ Achieve Growth Milestones: Build the right team to secure funding and scale
✓ Navigate Fundraising: Provide warm introductions to VCs and domain experts

After scaling Fujitsu's talent solution to £500M annually, I founded Talented Hires to help startups achieve their world-changing visions. 

Here are some of our success stories:

Pienso

— Hired 2 dream engineers (DevOps & FS)
— Secured Series A funding
— Launched 2 new products and signed $XXM in customers

Mersive Technologies

— Hired 8 dream engineers (DevOps, FS, FE, BE)
— Established a new engineering division
— Signed a $XXM contract with WeWork

Spacelift

— Hired a critical DevOps Engineer after 3 interviews in 14 days
— Engineer promoted to Chief Product Officer
— Increased customer base by 400%

GSR & Lake Parime

— Made 4 business-critical hires for each company (DevOps, SRE, Go, CTO)


✅ VC APPROVED

— Approved by Insight Partners due to positive customer feedback
— One of 11 IT globally recognized recruiters


As a strategic partner, I share battle-tested insights on scaling teams, nurturing culture, and navigating the evolving AI landscape. 

Whether you're hiring your first critical engineer in 14 days or scaling your team to 50+, I'm here to support you.

Let's chat about your startup journey, swap founder stories, or brainstorm how AI can positively impact society.

Join over 1,000 tech leaders who receive my newsletter, 'Hiring Tips from 2K+ Recruits': 

Subscribe here: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7184211996072951812

Rich Roberts

Bartek Ingredients

I oversee full-cycle recruitment and HR initiatives at Bartek, an ISO and British Retail Consortium Global Food Safety Standard certified company. My responsibilities include crafting engaging job ads, developing effective interview questions, and conducting thorough applicant pre-screens and interviews. I have been recognized for my persistence in filling challenging roles by board members.

I have successfully developed and facilitated new orientation training from scratch, answering queries on company policies and benefits. I have also developed policies, plans, and training modules for AODA and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, underscoring my commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. My involvement in developing Recruitment KPIs and a candidate scoring matrix illustrates my strategic approach to HR practices. 

I've played a key role in the management negotiation team for the Collective Bargaining Agreement and partnered with the HR Director in rolling out new benefits and RRSP programs, ensuring smooth implementation and employee understanding. Additionally, I am leading a special project integrating HR practices into Bartek's ESG strategy. 

My coaching of employees adheres to the International Coaching Federation standards, and I mentor managers on best practices in various HR aspects. I also manage employee attendance data and administer disciplinary action in collaboration with supervisors. My role in a communication project with the CEO aimed to increase employee engagement, reflecting my innovative approach to HR.

Human Resources Generalist

FELLFAB®

I spearheaded full-cycle recruitment at this ISO/Aerospace certified textile manufacturing firm, including crafting creative job ads and conducting applicant evaluations. I developed and executed a successful recruitment strategy with an immigration consultant during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting aggressive hiring targets. 

My proactive management of workplace injuries and development of Work Refusal and Return to Work policies demonstrate my commitment to employee safety and organizational compliance. I contributed to the Employee Handbook, led the JHSC committee, and created tailored safety forms and occupational safety dashboards. 

My facilitation of Smartsheet training programs for over 100 employees and development of a new HR KPIs workbook highlight my focus on enhancing HR processes and strategic decision-making. 

As Chairman of the FELLFAB® Cares Committee, I organized significant charity initiatives, showcasing my leadership and community involvement.

My favorite initiative here was the Document Control Project, where I designed and implemented a system that was instrumental in passing an ISO audit.

HR Generalist

I managed full-cycle recruitment and facilitated new hire orientations. Additionally, I mentored supervisors on disciplinary actions and streamlined JHSC inspection forms, improving inspection efficiency. My role in this position was integral to enhancing HR processes and ensuring fair and consistent employee management practices.

HR Coordinator

Hamilton Specialty Bar (2007) Inc.

I managed full-cycle recruitment for various roles and scheduled approximately 200 hourly employees weekly at this ISO/TS certified mini mill. My responsibilities extended to sourcing PPE, recovering revenue through AR collection calls, and developing policies for TS/IATF 16949 certification. 

My administrative duties included managing payroll data and ensuring the accuracy of employee training records, demonstrating my versatility and capability in handling diverse HR functions.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds

At this landscape design firm, I managed full-cycle recruitment and health and safety duties. My role involved developing HR policies, facilitating employee evaluations, and handling various administrative tasks. 

I implemented a goal-oriented evaluation model, contributing to aligning employee performance with company objectives. I also managed health and safety meetings and ensured legal compliance in HR practices, reflecting my commitment to employee well-being and organizational excellence.

HR Administrator

Senior managers in small to mid-sized businesses are expected to achieve aggressive targets with fewer resources.

Almost 80% of them do not have the support they need that can help them attain their goals.

You are growing increasingly frustrated because:

1. You are overworking yourself.

2. Your employees are not cooperating.

3. You are dissatisfied with your performance.

You walk into the office.

Your team lead calls in sick. (wink wink)

Your project will miss its deadline if you don't act.

You work 14 hours to do someone else's work.

All other tasks are neglected.

You arrive home.

Your home life?

What's that?

You are too tired, eat junk food, and go to sleep.

Are you excited to repeat this tomorrow?

What if you had a trusted partner who could help you...

--> use your energy wisely

--> manage your employees more effectively

--> exceed your expectations

What would that mean to you?

As an executive coach, I help senior managers like you prioritize, improve performance, and set work-life boundaries.

I have coached senior leaders from diverse backgrounds and helped them realize their potential in ways that were new to them.

There are several customized coaching options available to suit your unique needs:

--> 4 Sessions
--> 8 Sessions
--> Weekly or Bi-weekly

All coaching options can be renewed according to your needs.

Coaching tools are included to assist you further on your journey to success.

If you want a change, the first step starts with you.

Book an appointment with me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to see what possibilities are available to you.

taplio

The Battle

Rich Roberts

Igor Ristevski, ACC, CHRL

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