Permanent recruitment for purpose-driven organisations

Finding the right person for the long term — screened for capability, culture, and lasting commitment.

About our Permanent Recruitment Services

A permanent appointment is one of the most significant decisions an organisation makes. Done well, it shapes your team, your culture and your outcomes for years. Done poorly, the cost — financial and human — is significant.

Patterson Recruitment manages permanent recruitment for senior and mid-level leadership roles with a structured, high-touch process. We don’t just find someone available — we find someone who belongs.

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A selection of permanent placements

Head of People & Culture — Primacy Group Australia
Chief of Staff — Melbourne Legacy
Director, Marketing & Communications — Optometry Australia
General Manager, Student Services — Monash University
Manager of External Relations — Wildlife Victoria
Finance Manager — Environment Justice Australia

How permanent recruitment works

Our permanent recruitment follows a structured 7-step process — from understanding your organisation and culture through to offer negotiation and onboarding support. Every step is personally led by Gab Patterson.

See our full 7-step process

Sectors we recruit for

Not-for-profit

People & culture, operations, fundraising, communications, finance

Aged care

People & culture, operations, business development, clinical management

NDIS & Disability

People & culture, operations, service delivery, executive

Education

People & culture, operations, student services, project leadership

Frequently asked questions about permanent recruitment

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What is included in your permanent recruitment service?

Our service covers the full recruitment process: role scoping, search and advertising, candidate screening and assessment, shortlist presentation, interview coordination, reference checks, offer negotiation, and onboarding support. See our full process for detail on each step.

How long does a permanent search take?

Most permanent searches take 4–8 weeks from brief to offer, depending on the seniority of the role and the candidate market. We’ll give you an honest timeline upfront.

What guarantee do you offer on permanent placements?

We offer a guarantee period on all permanent placements. If the candidate doesn’t work out within the guarantee period, we’ll conduct a replacement search. Contact us for specific terms.

What types of roles do you recruit for permanently?

We focus on senior and mid-level leadership roles across people & culture, operations, communications, finance, and executive leadership. We don’t recruit for entry-level or frontline positions.

How much does permanent recruitment cost?

Permanent recruitment is typically run on an exclusive contingency basis — no upfront fee, but exclusive engagement ensures focused attention. Fees vary depending on the role. Contact us for a confidential discussion.