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We find the senior technology leader your next stage requires

Retained executive search: from your next CIO to your next tech specialist

The right senior technology appointment doesn't just fill a role, it unlocks where your organisation is heading next. That's why we find the person you really need, not just who is easiest to find.

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Spark Recruitment is a Sydney-based retained search firm specialising in senior technology appointments , from CIO and CTO through to specialist technical leads. Every search is personally led by Luke Singleton who has spent more than 25 years in IT recruitment and executive search.

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Specialists since 2009
More than 800 senior placements
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Satisfaction Guaranteed
100% of retained assignments completed
Known for solving "hard to find" briefs
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Longstanding Partnerships
We are lucky to have very strong repeat business
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Retained executive search: from your next specialist to your next CIO

The right senior technology appointment doesn't just fill a role, it unlocks where your organisation is heading next. That's why we find the person you really need, not just who is easiest to find.
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Strong Talent Community
More than 31,591 Sydney IT Professionals
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Specialist Recruiting
Over 850 unique roles placed, 60% exclusively
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Longstanding Partnerships
Most client relationships >5 years
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Tech Savvy
You won't have to explain the difference between microservices and distributed architectures
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Cultural Focus
Proprietary strengths profile for every shortlisted candidate
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Permanent & Contract
Specialist sourcing for any resource gap
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How we work

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We believe in the power of specialists. That's why we work exclusively on retained search for CIOs, CTOs and senior technology specialists, generally with base salaries in the $200k-$400k range. Our focus is on high impact, strategic technology roles in the Sydney metro area. This also means we purposely limit our concurrent searches at any point in time.

Technology moves too fast for a job description alone to capture what a role really needs. That's why we start by understanding where the business is going, the capability required to get there, and the culture that will make someone successful in it. We have specialist networks deep enough to fill a senior role quickly, and thorough enough to track down candidates for the roles that are genuinely hard to fill, sourcing locally and globally to reach people who aren't even looking to move, and who fit each unique mandate.

All retained searches are led from start to finish by Director Luke Singleton, who has over 25 years of expertise in the Sydney IT industry. Luke supports technical and non-technical leaders alike throughout the process, to ensure that placements are successful from the start.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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What is retained executive search?
Retained executive search is a dedicated, confidential search where a firm is engaged exclusively to fill a specific senior role, rather than competing with other agencies to get there first. It means more time spent understanding the brief and the business, and a search that isn't limited to who's easiest to find.

What's the difference between Spark Recruitment and Luke Singleton Technology Executive Search?
They're part of the same practice. Spark is the umbrella covering technology appointments from specialist level through to CIO, and Luke personally leads every retained search across it. Spark has been established since 2009. Because Luke is known for his expertise in the field, he also partners other specialist recruiters for technology search. When working in this way he operates under his name Luke Singleton, to eliminate confusion with brands.

How long does a CIO or CTO search take?
A retained search typically runs 8 to 12 weeks from brief to appointment, depending on the complexity of the search.

What does executive search cost?
Retained search is typically priced at 22 to 25% of the first year's total earnings, with fixed-price arrangements also available.

What roles does Spark recruit for?
Senior technology talent across Sydney and nationally, from specialist appointments such as Head of Engineering, Principal Architect and Head of Security, through to CIO, CTO and other C-suite technology mandates.

Case Studies

We Are

Executive Search for CIO, CTO & Technology Leaders Sydney

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