In Melbourne’s competitive business environment, senior executives are more than leaders. They are the decision-makers who drive transformation and long-term growth. At Robert Half, we specialise in executive search in Melbourne, helping organisations appoint C-suite and senior leaders who deliver measurable impact. Find your next leader With more than 20 years in the Melbourne market, our executive search Melbourne team is led by a Senior Managing Director with 25+ years of local executive recruitment experience, supported by senior advisory consultants. 02 9240 0462

Melbourne’s trusted executive search partner

Q: What is the difference between executive search and executive recruitment in the Melbourne market?

In the context of Melbourne's senior job market, executive search is a highly confidential process focused on identifying and directly approaching top-tier, currently employed (''passive'') executives who are not actively seeking a new role. It is ideal for C-suite, Board, and highly specialised leadership positions. Executive recruitment , on the other hand, typically involves broader methods like advertising, using job boards, and searching professional networks and databases to find candidates who are actively looking. While both target senior roles, executive search is characterised by its discrete, research-intensive, and highly targeted approach to finding the absolute best fit for critical roles. As a Melbourne-based executive search firm, we combine both approaches where needed to meet the demands of Victoria’s competitive leadership market.

Executive recruitment Melbourne businesses can trust

Level 21/525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Located in the Melbourne CBD at Level 21, 525 Collins Street, we are among the executive recruitment agencies Melbourne organisations rely on, combining deep local knowledge with a global leadership network to appoint board and C-suite leaders with strong cultural fit.

Why partner with Robert Half in Melbourne

As a leading choice among executive recruitment agencies Melbourne businesses trust, our Melbourne team combine expert research with a rigorous, tailored methodology to deliver high-quality outcomes on every brief. For executive search Melbourne, we pair local insights with proven processes to secure the right leaders.

Our expertise, your advantage

Local market experience: More than 20 years in Melbourne means faster access to top C-suite talent

Faster results: Average search completion is eight weeks, compared with an industry benchmark of 14 to 16 weeks

Global reach, local expertise: Melbourne-based consultants supported by a global network of 300+ offices

Our executive search specialisations in Melbourne

Board and CEO

Finance

Technology

Human resources

Operations and risk

Marketing and sales

Find your next leader

Get in touch with one of our executive search experts

02 9240 0462

Position details

Brisbane

Melbourne

Melbourne South East

Perth

Sydney

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Find your next hire

Executive search across Melbourne’s key industries

With 75 years of global expertise, our executive search specialists partner with private equity firms, family-owned enterprises, and ASX-listed companies in Melbourne, helping organisations across both established industries and fast-growing sectors secure the leadership they need.

Here are just a few of the industries we serve in Melbourne:

Executive search property, construction, and engineering – Recruiting senior leaders to oversee large-scale developments, infrastructure projects, and real estate investments

Executive search FMCG and retail – Connecting businesses with executives who accelerate growth, strengthen supply chains, and enhance customer experience

Executive search healthcare – Appointing senior leaders across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and aged care to drive innovation and patient outcomes

Our executive recruitment process

As one of the leading executive recruitment agencies Melbourne businesses rely on, Robert Half follows a proven process to deliver clarity, confidence, and successful leadership outcomes. Our structured approach to executive search in Melbourne ensures organisations appoint senior leaders who can drive growth and transformation. Partner with us to find your next leader

Executive search success stories in Melbourne

A global design and consulting firm headquartered in Melbourne engaged Robert Half to appoint a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its digital transformation and modernise technology operations across six regions. The confidential search required a leader with global experience, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. The role was pivotal in strengthening IT infrastructure, driving innovation, and ensuring operational security across the organisation’s international footprint.

Working closely with the Global COO and Head of Technical Innovation, we defined the leadership capabilities, transformation objectives, and compensation framework for the position. A targeted global search across professional services and adjacent industries produced a shortlist of six exceptional candidates. Through a three-stage interview process, psychometric assessments, and detailed reference checks, the successful candidate was identified and secured within 10 weeks.

The appointed Melbourne-based CTO delivered measurable impact within the first year, optimising global vendor contracts, achieving significant cost savings, and introducing agile working practices to enhance collaboration and productivity. The leader also spearheaded a global technology uplift, implementing new digital systems and aligning IT strategy with long-term business objectives, positioning the firm for scalable and sustainable growth.

A Melbourne-based engineering firm partnered with Robert Half to appoint a strategic and hands on CFO to lead its finance function and support ambitious growth plans. Operating across Victoria’s engineering, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, the business required a finance leader with strong commercial insight, M&A experience, and the ability to optimise systems and reporting while strengthening executive leadership capability.

Leveraging our Melbourne network of senior finance leaders and deep sector expertise, we executed a targeted search for candidates with proven success in dynamic, growth oriented, and founder led organisations. A shortlist of six qualified CFOs was presented following a structured evaluation process and three interview stages involving the CEO, Chair, and senior leadership team. The successful candidate, previously both a client and candidate within our Melbourne network, was secured within eight weeks.

The appointed Melbourne CFO delivered immediate results, identifying supplier cost savings within the first month, improving ERP systems and financial reporting accuracy,

and implementing an insights driven approach to budgeting, forecasting and M&A readiness. Their leadership strengthened financial performance, transparency and strategic confidence across the organisation.

A rapidly expanding Melbourne-based healthcare needed to rebuild and scale its senior leadership team. The CEO sought a trusted executive search partner in Melbourne to strengthen commercial, operational, and cultural leadership across two independently run businesses. Four executive hires were identified as critical to transformation and future growth: Chief Growth Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, HR Director, and Head of Operations.

Working closely with the founders, we developed a deep understanding of the organisation’s values, vision, and leadership needs. Using our research intelligence and industry network, we executed targeted searches across healthcare, retail, and consumer sectors to identify proven leaders in growth, marketing, HR, and operations.

Each appointment followed a structured, multi-stage search process, combining market mapping, candidate evaluation, and stakeholder alignment. All shortlisted candidates underwent psychometric testing and comprehensive reference checks to ensure capability and cultural fit.

Each leadership hire delivered measurable impact:

CMO: Implemented HubSpot and a new go-to-market strategy, improving digital ROI within six months.

Chief Growth Officer: Opened new locations and expanded into untapped community segments.

HR Director: Embedded a unified performance framework and revised incentive structure.

Head of Operations: Improved workforce planning, rostering, and team engagement through new systems and processes.

Together, these appointments built a cohesive, high-performing leadership team positioned for sustained national growth.

Meet Melbourne’s executive search team

View more of the team

Cameron Eustice is the Senior Managing Director at Robert Half’s executive search division. Based in Melbourne, he specialises in C-suite retained executive search, partnering with Boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams to deliver transformative leadership appointments.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning executive search and commercial leadership, Cameron Eustice brings both strategic insight and commercial acumen to every search mandate.

Cameron’s client portfolio is diverse and expansive, ranging from ASX-listed companies and global multinationals to private equity-backed ventures, growthstage SMEs, and family-owned enterprises. He works across multiple sectors, including technology, financial services, mining and resources, healthcare, retail, consumer products, construction, professional services, and industrial manufacturing.

Explore insights and articles from Cameron Eustice, our expert in executive recruitment and talent strategy in Melbourne.

A search partner who listens and delivers

Known for his solutions-focused approach, genuine engagement style, and deep commitment to finding the right fit, Cameron is widely regarded as a trusted advisor in the executive search industry. He is candid and confident when offering insights, always prioritising the long-term success of the client and candidate alike.

“Successful executive search isn’t just about completing the mandate. It’s about unlocking the potential of leadership teams and ensuring connected teams achieve business growth with great culture.”

Experience

Before joining Robert Half in 2007, Cameron held senior commercial finance leadership roles with two major listed multinational firms, following his foundational career in Big 4 consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and has been a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) since 2001. Cameron is involved with supporting a number of advisory boards and is an active member of driving his cricket club’s coaching Committee.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Transformational leadership
Board advisory
Executive coaching
Region: Australia

Case studies

Building a scalable leadership team for a high-growth consumer health business
CFO placement for a leading engineering firm

Based in Sydney, Jennifer leads the Execution Team for Robert Half’s Executive Search practice, specialising in sourcing and placing C-suite and senior executives across all industries in the Asia Pacific region. A trusted partner to the firm’s Managing Directors, she has successfully completed many highly confidential search assignments across finance, sales and marketing, operations, technology, legal, and HR functions.

Strategic, discreet, and human-centred executive search

With over 25 years of experience in London and Sydney, Jennifer brings deep institutional knowledge and a rigorous, consultative search methodology. She is highly skilled in headhunting, succession planning, and engaging passive candidates, often for business-critical roles. Known for her discretion, influence, and emotional intelligence, she builds trust quickly with both clients and senior leaders.

Jennifer’s collaborative approach, process discipline, and attention to detail make her a valued advisor who consistently delivers results in complex leadership search mandates.

"Executive search is equal parts strategy, psychology, and precision. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about how you engage them, earn their trust, and align their potential with the future of your client’s business."

Experience

Jennifer joined Robert Half in 1997, starting her career in the Financial Services practice of the company. Over the past 25+ years, she has held a variety of operational and leadership roles in both London and Sydney, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the international Robert Half business.

John Pappas (known as JP) is a Senior Associate in Robert Half’s executive search division, specialising in C-suite retained search across a broad range of industries and functional areas. Based in Melbourne, JP brings a wealth of executive search and commercial leadership experience, partnering with clients across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region.

His client portfolio spans multinationals, growth-stage SMEs, private equity-backed ventures, and privately held businesses. JP has developed deep expertise in sectors including banking, financial services, private wealth, funds management, superannuation, asset management, healthcare, and professional services.

Precision meets partnership

As a Senior Associate, JP takes a research-led, detail-driven approach to every engagement. With a strong focus on market mapping and data-backed talent intelligence, he consistently uncovers high-calibre candidates others might miss. His commitment to creating a seamless candidate experience, paired with transparent communication and professional integrity, has earned the trust of senior executives and clients alike.

JP is known for his ability to manage complex search processes with efficiency and precision—from first outreach to final placement—ensuring every engagement is executed to the highest standard.

“Great search outcomes start with rigorous research, clear communication, and a commitment to getting the details right. Every interaction shapes the experience.”

Experience

Before joining Robert Half, JP was a senior leader at a domestic executive search firm and previously served as the owner and shareholder of an international executive search and advisory firm for over a decade. Prior to entering the executive search arena, JP worked in investment banking, specifically in mergers & acquisitions (M&A), successfully completing deals across various sectors and jurisdictions. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University. He also earned a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). JP is currently also a NonExecutive Director (NED) of an aged care facility in Melbourne’s east.

Executive insights

Frequently asked questions

In the context of Melbourne's senior job market, executive search is a highly confidential process focused on identifying and directly approaching top-tier, currently employed ("passive") executives who are not actively seeking a new role. It is ideal for C-suite, Board, and highly specialised leadership positions.
Executive recruitment, on the other hand, typically involves broader methods like advertising, using job boards, and searching professional networks and databases to find candidates who are actively looking.
While both target senior roles, executive search is characterised by its discrete, research-intensive, and highly targeted approach to finding the absolute best fit for critical roles.
As a Melbourne-based executive search firm, we combine both approaches where needed to meet the demands of Victoria’s competitive leadership market.

What is the difference between executive search and executive recruitment in the Melbourne market?

You should use a specialist executive search firm to access candidates who are not on the open market.
At Robert Half’s executive search division, we give you a competitive advantage in securing top leadership talent in Melbourne by:

Accessing passive talent: Directly engaging high-performing leaders currently excelling in their roles.

Confidentiality: Conducting the search with maximum discretion, which is essential for sensitive executive placements.

Time savings: Managing the complex, time-consuming process of market mapping, candidate assessment, and negotiation.

Specialised expertise: Applying deep industry knowledge and proven assessment methodologies to ensure a precise cultural and capability fit.

Why should my organisation use an executive search firm in Melbourne?

Accessing passive talent: Directly engaging high-performing leaders currently excelling in their roles.

Confidentiality: Conducting the search with maximum discretion, which is essential for sensitive executive placements.

Time savings: Managing the complex, time-consuming process of market mapping, candidate assessment, and negotiation.

Specialised expertise: Applying deep industry knowledge and proven assessment methodologies to ensure a precise cultural and capability fit.

An executive search in Melbourne typically takes 8 to 16 weeks. The timeframe depends on the complexity of the role, seniority of the position, and specific business requirements. The process includes briefing, market research, targeted candidate outreach, interviews, selection, and offer negotiation.
Working with experienced executive recruitment agencies in Melbourne can streamline this process and ensure access to the best leadership talent in the market.

How long does an executive search in Melbourne usually take?

Robert Half’s executive search Melbourne division partners with organisations across all major industries.
We have particular strength in:

Financial services and private equity

Technology and SaaS

Healthcare

Property, construction, and engineering

FMCG and retail

Mining and mining services

Industrials and manufacturing

Professional services (accounting, consulting, legal)

This broad sector coverage allows us to connect Melbourne organisations with senior leaders who drive growth, transformation, and long-term success.

What industries in Melbourne do you specialise in for executive recruitment?

Robert Half’s executive search Melbourne division partners with organisations across all major industries.
We have particular strength in:

Financial services and private equity

Technology and SaaS

Healthcare

Property, construction, and engineering

FMCG and retail

Mining and mining services

Industrials and manufacturing

Professional services (accounting, consulting, legal)

This broad sector coverage allows us to connect Melbourne organisations with senior leaders who drive growth, transformation, and long-term success.

Most executive recruitment agencies in Melbourne operate on a retained search fee model. This means fees are paid in stages and are usually a percentage of the appointed executive’s first-year salary package.
Typical elements of executive search Melbourne fee structures include:

Retainer model: Instalments at the start, mid-point, and completion of the search

Percentage of first-year compensation: Salary plus benefits

Staged payments: Linked to clear milestones for accountability

Agreed terms upfront: Avoiding hidden costs and ensuring transparency

This approach gives businesses confidence in the process, reduces hiring risk, and ensures access to top senior leadership talent.

How are executive search fees structured in Melbourne?

Retainer model: Instalments at the start, mid-point, and completion of the search

Percentage of first-year compensation: Salary plus benefits

Staged payments: Linked to clear milestones for accountability

Agreed terms upfront: Avoiding hidden costs and ensuring transparency

This approach gives businesses confidence in the process, reduces hiring risk, and ensures access to top senior leadership talent.

Our Melbourne executive recruitment process typically follows these stages:

What is your executive search process for roles in Melbourne?

Our Melbourne executive recruitment process typically follows these stages:

When selecting an executive search Melbourne partner, businesses should prioritise experience, industry expertise, and a transparent, research-driven methodology.
Qualities of trusted executive recruitment agencies in Melbourne include:

Proven track record of successful C-suite and senior leadership placements

Strong understanding of Melbourne’s local industry trends and competitive landscape

Structured executive search process with rigorous assessment

Focus on cultural alignment as well as technical expertise

Clear communication and client collaboration throughout the search

Strict confidentiality for sensitive leadership hires

Long-term focus on sustainable leadership success

What should a company look for in an executive search partner in Melbourne?

Proven track record of successful C-suite and senior leadership placements

Strong understanding of Melbourne’s local industry trends and competitive landscape

Structured executive search process with rigorous assessment

Focus on cultural alignment as well as technical expertise

Clear communication and client collaboration throughout the search

Strict confidentiality for sensitive leadership hires

Long-term focus on sustainable leadership success

Melbourne has one of Australia’s strongest professional services executive talent pools, spanning finance, law, accounting, and consulting. Many senior professionals have both local and international experience, making them highly attractive to firms seeking leadership with a global perspective.
Executive recruitment Melbourne specialists often target candidates with:

Experience at top consulting or accounting firms

Cross-border expertise in finance and law

A track record of advising and leading within complex organisations

Strong commercial acumen combined with technical expertise

This deep pool of senior talent makes Melbourne a competitive hub for executive search in professional services.

What is the executive talent pool like in Melbourne's professional services sector?

Experience at top consulting or accounting firms

Cross-border expertise in finance and law

A track record of advising and leading within complex organisations

Strong commercial acumen combined with technical expertise

This deep pool of senior talent makes Melbourne a competitive hub for executive search in professional services.

Let's work together

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Or contact us by phone 02 9240 0462