Careers at Macquarie People

Considering a new career?

Learn from our trainees, graduates and managers. Learn about their backgrounds, why they chose recruitment and more importantly, given the large number of recruitment companies out there, why they chose to join the Macquarie People Recruitment & Human Resources team

What Our People Say about Macquarie

Jenny McGowan

LLB, LLM, Grad Cert (HRM), Bus.Dip (HRM), MRCSA
RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
NSW Manager - Legal Recruitment Division 

I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and after completing high school studied law at the University of Technology, Sydney. Shortly after completing my degree I returned to UTS to complete my Master of Laws. I have been practicing law since 1992. I first completed studies in Human Resource Management in the 1990s; I believe learning is a continual process, therefore I am still studying today. My previous and recent studies has qualified me to become an RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter.

Prior to joining Macquarie People, I had previously shelved the idea of a career change after taking on a partnership role in Penrith. Around that time I was accredited by he Law Society as a Personal Injury Law Specialist. Personal Injury Law used to be about finding help for people who had suffered injuries at work or on the road, but that has become difficult following the many changes the government has made to the system.  

I had come to the point where I was more interested in developing solutions  and by building long term relationships, rather than litigating. Recruitment for the legal profession was a perfect way of using my previous experience and qualifications, but drawing on my new learning and passion for human resources.

Macquarie impresses me with the focus it places on customer service excellence and the communication with its entire staff.


Ailsa McGuinness

Manager - Property Service Division

After an extensive career as an Executive Assistant working for some of the most demanding CEOs and General Managers in Brisbane, I was feeling frustrated and desperately sought a career path that would provide me with job satisfaction and ownership of my work. The path led me to recruitment, which enables me to build strong relationships with my clients and provide them with perfectly matched candidates to assist their businesses in growth and success. 

After an exhilarating start in recruitment with another firm, I jumped at the opportunity to join Macquarie People because of the high level of professionalism they bring to the industry. With specialist Human Resource services and skills testing also available for clients, Macquarie People certainly go above and beyond other firms – which suits me perfectly!


Rob Edmondson

 
Qld State Manager - Civil & Industrial Construction Recruitment Division 

With a 14 year management career in New Zealand with Thorn, Telecom, Frucor Beverages, Lion Nathan and Asia Pacific Breweries I was recruited by independent Distillers Australia in June 2005 to take up a role as NSW Sales Manager based in Sydney. I greatly enjoyed my time in Sydney but after two years leading 24 Area Sales Managers across the great state of NSW, I joined the migration north to Queensland and decided to take a change in career along with a change in scenery.

After 14 months with another Brisbane Based Recruitment Consultancy leading their Construction Division I jumped at the chance to join Macquarie People and further develop my career as a professional management consultant. I was attracted to Macquarie People because of the exceptional structure and professional consulting systems. With a Psychologist on staff, psychometric testing and behavioral profiling standard on all recruitment assignments, the service standards are second to none.

I personally wouldn't hesitate to recommend Macquarie People to any potential client, candidate or recruitment consultant. It is a great culture brimming with enthusiasm, energy and a clear desire to provide value-added end-to-end HR solutions.


Richard Hope

Manager - ICT Recruitment Division

Originally born in Christchurch New Zealand, I moved to Australia in my teenage years with golden beaches and crystal clear surf cemented in my thoughts.

Within my customer and client focused career I've come from a Retail and Property Marketing Consultant background of 10 years before embarking on a  stint living in London with weekend and weekly travel throughout Europe. After settling in I pursued a career within the fast paced and highly competitive London IT Recruitment market where I worked for almost four years. However after many paintful English winters I decided it was time to get back to the warmth and lifestyle of Australia and focus on building my recruitment consulting career.

After a successful beginning in London, it was important for me to continue my career within a company that had a much more personable and one-on-one manner in dealing with their clients, and this was one of the key deciding factors for me in joining Macquarie People. Macquarie People are not your standard order filling recruiter, they actually take the time out to sit and listen to both client and candidate needs and focus on what THEY want as opposed to their own needs. Macquarie People's interest lie in building relationships and ensuring those relationships last.

To quickly mention a few of my personal achievements I've run with the bulls in Pamplona, dined on the Eiffel Tower, learned to ski on the slopes in Switzerland and surfed some of the best waves in the world in Bali. I'm a big fan of giving of my all in whatever I do and generally make a million of my days sticking to the belief that there's always something new just around the corner, so long as I continue to look for it.


Kate Marks

National Manager - Mechanical & Water Engineering Recruitment Division

 

As a recruitment consultant I believe business excellence is driven through searching and sourcing the "right" candidate, to work in synergy with the culture and style of an organisation. Seeking a company that implements these values I began a six month's extensive search to find the correct organisation for me. I took vigorous notes on the cunsultancy firms that had a strong and reputable presence within the market place wanting to only work with the "best". I spoke with several recruitment industry leaders and was very impressed with the professional and innovative reputation Macquarie People had.

Taking a seat on the other side of the desk, I went through the typical recruitment procedures, up-dating my resume, nervously awaiting the initial phone call and attending interviews. During the interviews with Macquarie People my expectations were well exceeded. The client friendly business structure allows consultants within Macquarie People to genuinely partner with companies. They offer a real safety net for clients including a 12 month pro-rata candidate replacement guarantee, experienced recruitment consultancy advice and qualified Human Resource Services. Now working with an experienced and diverse team of specialists working within a range of industries, I look forward to delivering progressive business excellence through top performing people and partnering with clients to develop strong, long lasting business relationships.


Brett Morris

Dip Bus (HR), MAHRI, MRCSA, WHSO
RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
Manager - Training & Special Projects

I grew up in Northern NSW. After leaving school and completing an Accounting Diploma, I taught Accounting at Tafe and then tried a number of careers mainly in hospitality. When it came time to settle down and decide what I really wanted to do, I decided I wanted a long term career in Recruitment and Human Resources.  I applied to a number of companies and did a lot of research. As far as I was concerned it had to be the "right" company, one that would really have faith in my ability and help me develop my career.

I've now been with Macquarie People for almost 5 years. I've been provided with a great mentor program, world class training, they've paid for my Human Resource qualifications and given me countless opportunities. Despite being quite young when I joined Macquarie, I've received a number of promotions and worked in some really exciting roles. My first step into management was as Divisional Manager of our Legal & Professional Accounting Division. I've also worked in the Property Development & Construction Divison representing many of Australia's largest property development companies. I've recently been promoted and am currently responsible for inducting and training new people to the Macquarie People Team. Every day is different.  I love the variety, continual challenges and opportunites. There's a great career path mapped out for me at Macquarie. They have invested heavily in my continual development and training. Professionalism is very important in our company, which is why Macquarie pays for all accreditation training. All Macquarie People consultants are RCSA Accredited Recruitment Professionals. I've done lots of courses including a recent WH&SO course. I'm also planning to do several IR courses in the near future. 

One of the most rewarding things is I get to work with a fantastic team. Outside of work I enjoy working out and play several competitive sports, including cricket.


Greg Spencer

 
Manager - Professional Accounting & Financial Services Recruitment Division

Prior to joining Macquarie People I worked for the Commonwealth Bank for 23 years. I'd worked in a diverse range of areas including senior management and relationship development roles. As a part of my role I also worked very closely with top tier and boutique accounting firms and a diverse range of corporate clients providing strategic business advice.  I've also ran my own businesses. Throughout my career I've been responsible for recruiting key staff and have also partnered with a diverse range of recruitment agencies. Some provided good service, but with some I felt there was a lot of room for improvement.

I'm from the old school. I believe customer service is everything. Without it, you just can't form long term partnerships with your clients. A close colleague who has been a long term client with Macquarie People referred them to me when I was looking for a career change. When I sold my last business I was at a cross road and really had no idea what to do next.

My friend had often spoke about the great service he had received and how Macquarie People had partnered with him over the years. He asked them to chat with me about what options were available. I was delighted when they offered me a key role within their team. I now manage their Accounting and Financial Services Division. I love what I do now. I've got that "fire in my belly" again and I'm actually excited about getting to work each day. Macquarie have a great training and mentor program. They also offer a flexible management style. If you need structure and guidance you have it. If you don't you won't be micro-managed. They believe in empowering you to do your job. This definitely is the career move and challenge I was searching for. I love my role and work with a great team. Best of all I know I really do make a genuine difference to the clients I represent.

Just a few of the many clients I now represent include PKF, KPMG, RDG Capital,  Dickfos Dunn, McKern & Associates, Delfin Group, Hacketts, Price Waterhouse, BDO, Grant Thornton, Howard Group, Croftworth Group, JPT Enterprises, Macquarie Bank, Bank West, Commonwealth Bank, Suncorp Metway & Colonial Services. This really is a great job!


Ebru Dogan

LLB, MRCSA, RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
Manager Legal & Insurance Recruitment Divisions
Gold Coast Office

After completing my Law Degree and working within the legal profession for 5 years I was looking for a career move.

I am very appreciative that Macquarie People have given me the opportunity to step into the recruitment industry with no previous experience.  I no longer wanted to practice as a solicitor however I didn't want to leave the legal profession completely. Macquarie People saw a lot of synergies between the legal and insurance professions. So when they offered me an opportunity to manage both their Legal and Insurance Divisions I jumped at the opportunity. 

Macquarie People have offered me first class training in recruitment and given me a head start in my new profession. I  am still learning about the industry everyday and I am looking forward to gaining further experience in other divisions. The office environment is always friendly and it is the support of my collgeues that allows me to excel in my role today. Everyday in this job is a new and exciting challenge and there is no better feeling than the satisfaction of knowing you represent candidates and clients who are often recognised as the best in their industries. Its great to know you are really making a positive impact on businesses and candidates lives. Macquarie has a very professional, honest approach. They definitely aren't a "bums on seats" agency. We are heavily focused on adding value and building long term relationships. Its a really good feeling when you are really proud of your role and company. If you're considering a career move, I can definitely recommend a career with Macquarie!


 

Carl Tui

MRCSA, RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
National Manager - Industrial Recruitment Division Building, Construction & Trades
Parramatta Office

I've been working within the Recruitment Industry for in excess of 10 years and specialise in key account and state management. Before I joined Macquarie People I had worked with some very large companies. These included Waycon, Tesa and Skilled Engineering. After Tesa was acquired by Skilled I decided it was time for a career move. I've never been one to jump around, I'm a pretty loyal individual, so it was really important to me to find the right company that shared the same vision, passion and commitment that I do. When I make a commitment to a client, it is important to me to stand by my word. Letting them down isn't an option.

Two of my previous work colleages from Tesa had joined Macquarie People and approached me to join the Macquarie Team. Macquarie was far smaller than other companies I have worked for and approached me to take on a key role establishing and driving the national growth of their specialist building and construction labour hire operations. This meant starting up new offices from scratch, identifying and establishing great recruitment, business development and customer service teams and helping to drive the company's growth nationally.

I love a good challenge, really liked the management and people at Macquarie People and could see a solid career path there so joined their management team. They've delivered on all their promises. They have purchased a magnificent new office at Parramatta which is the first of many new offices to come and we are slowly building our team. It's really important to both me and the company that we have the right people.

I've been in this industry a long time and like to build long term relationships. You can only do that with people who share the same professionalism, honesty and service culture as the rest of the team.  We have a great team, enjoy a laugh, however we are also very committed to producing strong results. 

I love what I do. If you are looking for a career and not just a job, we would love you on our team!

Just a few of the many long term key accounts I have represented includes Abigroup, Leighton Contractors, Expanded, Ward Civil, Siemens Ltd, Ford Civil, Buildcorp Australia, John Holland, Arenco, Acquatec Maxcon, Alstrom Power, AW Edwards, BCS Infrustructure, Bilfinger Berger, Baulderstones, Balticare and Thiess. 


 

Renata Lopes

LLB, MRCSA, RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
Manager Legal Division - Brisbane CBD Office 

I started my career as a Solicitor in 1999 and have a real passion for the Legal Industry. I’ve dealt with major clients such as BHP, WorkCover and Worrells and acted in complex matters both nationally and internationally. As a part of my role I worked very closely with several accounting firms and corporate clients providing strategic asset protection and commercial legal advice.

After working within the legal profession for so long I was looking for a career move where I could still use my skills and experience. I decided to move into Recruitment and after extensive research I’ve joined Macquarie People as the Manager of the Legal Division. Recently I was also given the opportunity to manage the Public Practice Division. 

Working with Macquarie People has been a very good experience. They have a great culture, flexible work arrangements and first class traning so I can perform my best. Their values are based on professionalism and trust so if you don’t like to be micro-managed this is the place to be!  I am very proud of being part of such a great team.

 


Robert Haviland

MRCSA, RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter
Senior Recruitment Consultant 
Gold Coast Office

I was born in the UK, however I've lived in a large number of countries throughout my career. Prior to joining Macquarie People I was 2IC of Security and Training at JFK Airport in New York. I was responsible for the recruitment, rostering and OH&S for approximately 900 security staff. Macquarie is my first role within the recruitment industry, however I found many of the skills I have learned during my earlier roles were transferable so I settled in pretty quick.

I joined Macquarie People as a Resourcer however I've been promoted to several other roles. My role is really interesting. I recruit people across a diverse range of backgrounds, education and skills levels. I also work with a wide variety of clients which gives me great exposure to a large number of companies and industries, which I find really interesting. I am constantly learning something new about how things are made every day.

Industrial and Labour Hire recruitment is very different to professional recruitment. We still need to make sure we screen people well to ensure we place the right people into the right roles, however industrial is very fast paced. You need to be able to think on your feet. No day is ever the same. I work within a diverse team of recruitment professionals. I love the variety, flexibility and autonomy. I also like that we have access to some of the greatest mentors within our industry and that Macquarie map out a career progression plan for you and also allow you to transfer between branches or states.