Patterson Recruitment

Patterson Recruitment is an independent, founder-led recruitment agency specialising in senior executive and specialist placements for purpose-driven organisations. Led personally by Gab Patterson, the agency partners with boards, CEOs and people and culture leaders across not-for-profit, aged care, disability and education to find senior specialists and leaders who fit, stay and lift their teams. Every search is led directly by Gab Patterson with no hand-offs, ensuring deep understanding of each client's culture, values and genuine success criteria. The agency offers three core services: executive search through retained recruitment for the most senior and confidential appointments, permanent recruitment for senior specialist and leadership roles screened for capability and lasting fit, and contract and interim placements from quick business support through to senior interim cover and specialist project capacity.

Patterson Recruitment specialises across four distinct sectors. In the not-for-profit space, the agency recruits for peak bodies, foundations, community service organisations and member-based bodies, placing specialists in communications, fundraising and business development through to general managers and chief executives. For aged care providers, the agency focuses on senior recruitment across operational and clinical leadership, plus corporate roles in people and culture, finance and communications. The NDIS and disability sector receives dedicated expertise, with placements across NDIS providers, disability service organisations and community support agencies, covering specialist roles in people and culture, finance and quality through to practice leads, heads of service and executive leadership. In education, Patterson Recruitment works with universities, independent schools and registered training organisations, recruiting for non-academic senior roles in people and culture, marketing, advancement, operations, finance and compliance through to general manager and divisional head positions.

Based in Melbourne, Patterson Recruitment works with organisations across Australia, with a growing presence in Sydney and Brisbane. Clients choose the agency for its sector specialist knowledge, transparent communication and honest advice. Every candidate receives respectful communication at every step, protecting employer brand reputation. The agency's structured seven-step recruitment process, from role calibration and market mapping through to offer management and onboarding support, reflects a commitment to long-term fit over quick placement and depth over volume. Patterson Recruitment's founder-led approach, combined with a live network across all four sectors and a focus on realistic timelines and genuine market feedback, distinguishes it from larger generalist agencies.