The right AI talent, beyond the hype.
AI investment only creates value when the right people can turn ambition into execution. Needus helps organisations identify and appoint specialist AI, machine learning, data and technology talent, from hands-on technical experts to senior AI leadership.
The AI talent we recruit
From hands-on builders to AI leadership.
These are the areas we focus on. If your requirement sits somewhere in between – or you're not yet sure what you need – that's a good place to start a conversation.
- AI Engineers
- Machine Learning Engineers
- Applied AI Specialists
- Generative AI Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Data Engineers
- AI Platform and Infrastructure Specialists
- Heads of AI and AI Directors
- Chief AI Officers
- AI Governance and Responsible AI Specialists
Where we add value
Clarity first. Then the right people.
- 01
Define the role
Clarify what the business actually needs and distinguish essential capabilities from unrealistic wish lists.
- 02
Look beyond active applicants
Identify relevant talent who aren't on job boards, including people not actively looking.
- 03
Assess against the real problem
Evaluate candidates against the business problem you're solving, not a list of buzzwords.
- 04
Know the distinctions
Understand the difference between AI research, applied AI, production engineering and AI leadership – and which one you need.
- 05
Run a discreet process
A well-managed, confidential recruitment process that respects both your business and the candidates.
Who we work with
Organisations at every stage of AI adoption.
- Established businesses introducing AI into existing operations.
- Technology businesses building AI-enabled products.
- Organisations expanding data and machine learning capabilities.
- Businesses hiring AI leadership to establish strategy, governance and execution.
Our approach
Four steps, handled personally.
- 01
Understand
Understand the business objective and the approved hiring need.
- 02
Define
Define the role, capability requirements and success criteria.
- 03
Search and assess
Identify, engage and assess suitable candidates.
- 04
Manage to start
Manage interviews, feedback, offer negotiations and onboarding.
Frequently asked questions
AI recruitment, answered
What AI roles can Needus recruit?
We focus on AI, machine learning, data and technology leadership roles – from hands-on AI engineers, ML engineers and data scientists through to Heads of AI and Chief AI Officers. If a role sits outside our focus, we'll tell you.
Can Needus help define an AI role before recruitment starts?
Yes. Many AI hires begin with an unclear brief. We can help you clarify the business problem, separate essential capabilities from nice-to-haves, and shape a role the market can realistically fill.
Do you recruit permanent and contract roles?
Get in touch with the details of your requirement and the type of engagement you have in mind. We'll be upfront about whether we're the right partner for it.
How does your search process work?
We start by understanding the business objective and the approved hiring need, then define the role and success criteria with you. We identify, engage and assess suitable candidates, and manage interviews, feedback, offer negotiations and onboarding.
How can a business discuss a confidential hiring requirement?
Use the enquiry form on this page or contact Sarah Friggieri directly. Confidential briefs are handled personally, and we're happy to agree how information will be shared before you go into detail.
Hiring beyond AI? See our technology and cybersecurity recruitment or executive search for Chief AI Officers and technology leaders.
Ready to discuss your AI hiring needs?
Tell us what you're building and who you need. Your brief goes directly to Sarah Friggieri, who leads Needus Technical.
Prefer to talk first? Speak with a specialist