Best 13 Industrial Automation Recruitment Pros
Meet the leading recruiters in industrial automation, recognized for their expertise and success in sourcing the most qualified candidates for critical roles. ↓
Below is a curated list of leading individual recruiters in the industrial automation domain.
Each recruiter has a strong online presence and specializes in areas such as robotics, control systems, manufacturing technology, or related subdomains. They handle placements ranging from highly technical engineering roles to executive leadership positions. The profiles highlight their background, focus areas, and influence, followed by links to their public profiles.
- Jordan Humphreys
- Robbie D’Agostino
- Gerard Hegney
- Michael Frankland
- Josh Olgin
- Alex Gillespie
- Alan Carty
- Skip Freeman
- Nick Pearce
- Cian Denvir
- Derrick Harrison
- Oksana Rodionova
- Phil Clay
Below we provide more detailed profiles of each recruiter.
Jordan Humphreys
Nationality: American
Jordan launched JMH Talent Solutions in late 2019 to focus exclusively on recruiting for industrial automation and controls roles across the U.S.. Coming from a general recruiting background, he immersed himself in the automation niche by building an extensive LinkedIn network of controls engineers, PLC programmers, OT/ICS specialists, and robotics professionals.
Jordan is known for his consultative approach – he famously would ask engineers technical questions (about ladder logic, AOIs, etc.) to learn the field, which earned him credibility with both candidates and hiring managers. By proactively engaging with the automation community (rather than just cold-calling), he has positioned himself as a trusted talent partner, successfully placing numerous controls engineers, technicians, and sales leaders for systems integrators and OEMs.
- LinkedIn: Jordan Humphreys
Robbie D’Agostino
Nationality: Australian
Robbie is a recruitment expert in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on service and maintenance roles within industrial automation. With 5+ years of recruitment experience (and over 10 years in sales), he specializes in connecting skilled technicians and engineering leaders with employers in sectors like airport automation, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Robbie’s expertise includes filling positions such as baggage handling and conveyor systems technicians, site managers, and electrical/mechanical maintenance engineers across APAC. He is valued for his deep industry knowledge – understanding the technical and operational challenges of automation – which enables him to quickly match the right professionals to the right roles.
Committed to quality and long-term success, Robbie provides flexible, tailored hiring solutions and has become a go-to recruiter for companies seeking to build reliable maintenance teams for automated systems.
- LinkedIn: Robbie D’Agostino
Gerard Hegney
Nationality: British
Gerard is a global recruitment expert with over 16 years of experience in the automation and robotics engineering arena. As a senior director at Proactive Global, he has solved complex staffing challenges on an international scale, partnering with leading organizations to fill niche technical roles across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Gerard offers a broad range of talent solutions – including retained searches, contingent recruiting, RPO and MSP engagements – tailored to each client’s needs. He has an extensive worldwide network and a deep understanding of how different sub-sectors of industrial automation (robotics, AI, Industry 4.0, etc.) intersect.
Under his leadership, Proactive has become a true talent partner to many high-growth automation and robotics companies, ensuring they acquire the key professionals needed to thrive in a competitive market.
- LinkedIn: Gerard Hegney
Michael Frankland
Nationality: British
Michael is a globally recognized recruiter in the industrial automation industry, known for his proactive and far-reaching approach. Over the years, he has placed well over 150 automation professionals across 6 continents and 40+ countries, leveraging a personal network of 18,000+ industry contacts worldwide.
Formerly with a larger search firm, Michael founded Frankland Automation to provide agile, specialized recruitment services in drives & motors, motion control, robotics, machine vision, and related fields. His philosophy centers on working in true partnership with clients and candidates – focusing on long-term value rather than short-term transactions.
Genuinely passionate about automation technology, he often creates collaborative content and thought leadership pieces, and encourages potential clients to check his recommendations and industry insights online.
- LinkedIn: Michael Frankland
Josh Olgin
Nationality: American
Josh has been laser-focused on robotics and industrial automation recruitment for over a decade. He specializes in areas like robotic integration, end-of-arm tooling, palletizing systems, and automation for diverse industries (from food & beverage to semiconductors).
A member of the Robotic Industries Association, Josh has built a vast network of robotics professionals and has even spoken about workforce trends at major automation expos. Known as one of the most resourceful robotics recruiters in the United States, he combines industry insight with a partnership approach – developed during 12 years in a prior career – to successfully place high-impact talent in mission-critical roles.
- LinkedIn: Josh Olgin
- X (Twitter): @Josh_DRI
Alex Gillespie
Nationality: British
Alex co-founded Gillespie Manners in 2003 and has since spent 20 years helping companies around the world find top executive talent in advanced technology sectors. Under his leadership, the firm has developed specialty practices in robotics, industrial automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technology, reflecting Alex’s keen focus on these high-growth areas.
He works closely with clients ranging from robotics startups to large industrial corporates, often placing CEOs, CTOs, VPs, and other senior leaders who can spearhead innovation. Alex is known for a hands-on approach and building long-term partnerships – many of his clients have worked with him for years as their businesses grew.
Now celebrating two decades in business, Gillespie Manners (with Alex at the helm) is recognized globally for its track record in matching visionary leaders with organizations pushing the boundaries of automation and AI. Alex’s deep understanding of the talent landscape in Industry 4.0 has positioned him as a thought leader; he frequently comments on hiring trends and the skills gap in forums and industry reports, guiding companies on how to secure the leadership they need for the future.
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LinkedIn: Alex Gillespie
Alan Carty
Nationality: American
We live and breathe industrial automation recruitment, using our deep domain knowledge and industry connections to successfully place engineers and technical leaders.
Alan is an industry veteran who has worked in automation since earning his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman. Before founding his recruiting firm, he spent 11 years as an Automation Specialist and Sales Engineer at a major Rockwell Automation distributor, and also worked as a field engineer, plant engineer, and systems programmer.
Leveraging this hands-on technical background, Alan launched Automationtechies (and previously the online media platform Automation.com) to connect employers with top-tier talent in industrial controls and automation. With over two decades at the helm of Automationtechies, he has built it into a trusted recruitment partner in the factory automation and process control sectors.
Alan and his team “live and breathe” industrial automation recruitment, using their deep domain knowledge and industry connections to successfully place engineers, programmers, and technical leaders who drive long-term success for their clients.
- LinkedIn: Alan Carty
Skip Freeman
Nationality: American
Skip has 15+ years of experience recruiting technical and sales talent in HVAC, smart buildings, manufacturing, and industrial automation sectors. He is the CEO of the Smart Buildings Industry (SBI) Talent Network (also known as Ascentof.AI), where he connects companies with top professionals in building automation, IoT, and controls.
Skip is widely known for his book “Headhunter Hiring Secrets,” which established him as one of the nation’s top executive recruiters and a go-to career advisor. On social media, he brands himself as a recruiter who “uncovers top talent others miss” and a “professional people matcher,” reflecting his knack for finding hidden-gem candidates.
Skip brings over 20 years of real-world team-building experience to his recruiting practice, having built successful teams prior to becoming a headhunter.
- LinkedIn: Skip Freeman
- X (Twitter): @Skip_Freeman
Nick Pearce
Nationality: British
Nick is a recruitment entrepreneur who helped establish Alexander Daniels Global as the first agency specialized in additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing) talent acquisition. Starting in the mid-2010s with a focus on the emerging 3D printing industry, Nick expanded AD Global’s reach into broader Industry 4.0, robotics, and advanced manufacturing domains.
He has a deep understanding of the talent market in these cutting-edge fields and publishes annual salary surveys and hiring trend reports for the AM (Additive Manufacturing) sector (providing valuable insights to both employers and candidates). Nick often shares his expertise at industry events – for instance, he has spoken on the Formnext stage about AM talent dynamics.
Under his leadership, AD Global connects world-class engineering and leadership talent with innovative companies worldwide, from agile robotics startups to large industrial OEMs. Approachable and tech-savvy, Nick Pearce remains a key influencer in the advanced manufacturing recruitment space, bridging the gap between rapidly evolving technologies and the people needed to drive them.
- LinkedIn: Nick Pearce
Cian Denvir
Nationality: American
Cian leads Proactive Global’s North American recruitment team, overseeing 17 recruiters across 4 countries and three major verticals: warehouse automation, airport/baggage handling automation, and automation maintenance services. With around 5 years of experience in the U.S. automation hiring market, Cian has been instrumental in helping high-growth systems integrators and automation solution providers achieve their goals by recruiting the industry’s top performers.
He manages end-to-end talent acquisition strategies for clients, from plant-floor controls engineers up to executive-level hires, ensuring that each business unit has the right people to scale. Based in Atlanta, GA, Cian has cultivated a strong network across America’s automation hubs and emphasizes understanding each client’s long-term vision.
Under his leadership, Proactive’s presence in North America has expanded rapidly – his team is known for filling roles at “speed with quality”, which is critical as companies race to implement advanced automation solutions.
- LinkedIn: Cian Denvir
Derrick Harrison
Nationality: American
Derrick transitioned from an engineering career in industrial automation to recruiting, bringing 10+ years of industry experience to the talent space. In 2023, he co-founded Seekers Technical to address the growing need for specialized talent in automation. His firm provides staffing solutions for executive and technical positions – from VP of Sales and Directors to controls engineers and project managers – primarily for systems integrators and automation vendors.
Derrick leverages his hands-on engineering insight in combination with formal recruiting expertise (he earned multiple recruiting certifications) to deliver candidates that truly fit the technical and operational needs of clients. Known for working fast and proactively, he balances inbound candidate interest with direct outreach, often filling roles via a deep personal network in manufacturing automation.
In just over a year, Seekers Technical has gained a reputation for quickly and reliably filling critical automation roles by “speaking the language” of both candidates and hiring managers.
- LinkedIn: Derrick Harrison
Oksana Rodionova
Nationality: Ukrainian
Oksana is a highly regarded recruitment team leader with a focus on automation and engineering talent in Europe. With over 15 years in the recruitment industry, she is known for exceptional people-management skills and an ability to recognize and nurture potential in both her team and candidates.
Oksana spearheads efforts to find the best engineering talent globally for clients in robotics, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Proactive’s European clients (including systems integrators and manufacturing OEMs) can find scarce skill sets – from PLC and robotics engineers to technical project managers – even in a competitive market. Colleagues describe her as dedicated and insightful; she builds strong relationships and has a knack for achieving “deep culture fit” placements that last.
Oksana’s leadership has been integral to Proactive’s reputation for delivering quality results and seamless recruitment processes for automation roles across borders.
- LinkedIn: Oksana Rodionova
Phil Clay
Nationality: American
Phil is a seasoned recruiter (20+ years experience) with a passion for all things industrial automation. At TRAC Recruiters, he specializes in finding controls engineers, automation sales leaders, and robotics experts for clients in manufacturing and material handling industries. Phil markets himself as someone who “uncovers top talent others miss” – a motto that highlights his proactive search techniques and extensive network in the automation field.
He is highly active on LinkedIn, regularly sharing insights on hiring best-practices; for example, he posts “Hiring Tip” videos and articles (such as his recent “Be Boringly Brilliant in 2025” series aimed at helping employers improve their recruiting strategy). Phil’s professional approach, combined with a personable touch (he even jokes about being a “Dog Foster Dad” on his profile), has made him a trusted advisor to both candidates and companies.
Whether filling a plant automation role or an executive operations position, he focuses on clear communication and alignment of priorities to ensure long-term fits.
- LinkedIn: Phil Clay
Sum Up
These leading recruiters have made a significant impact on the Industrial Automation sector by successfully sourcing top-tier executives, driving innovation, and fostering growth in emerging automation markets. However, working directly with these professionals can be difficult, as they are often in high demand or come with a high price tag.
An effective alternative is partnering with EchoGlobal, where our in-depth industry knowledge and expansive global network can seamlessly connect you with the right talent to fuel your growth.
Note: We’ve dedicated significant time and effort to creating and verifying this curated list of top professionals. However, if you believe a correction or addition is needed, feel free to reach out. We’ll gladly review and update the page.
Lou Reverchuk