Elsewhen Ltd. – tech recruitment for support and development teams in Poland and Eastern Europe

Tatia Tatoshvili

Last updated on October 28, 2025 | 17 min read

• Discover how DevsData LLC helped Elsewhen Ltd. build a distributed backend support team across Poland and Eastern Europe, tailored for high-profile global clients.
• Over two years, DevsData LLC helped Elsewhen Ltd. hire nine backend engineers, creating a stable, high-performing remote team.

Introduction

For digital consultancies every engagement requires balancing rapid product delivery with uncompromising technical depth. This standard can only be met with elite engineering teams.

Elsewhen Ltd., a London-based digital consulting firm working with global brands such as Google, MasterCard, and Spotify, sought to build a technical support and backend engineering team in Eastern Europe. They partnered with DevsData LLC for recruitment support, valuing our regional network and rigorous technical screening process.

This case study outlines how, over two years of collaboration, DevsData LLC delivered nine top-tier hires, aligning technical talent with Elsewhen’s standards of agility, discipline, and innovation.

Client overview

Founded in 2011, Elsewhen Ltd. is a leading digital consultancy based in London. Built by technologists frustrated with the limitations of traditional consulting, the company focuses on bridging strategic insight with technological depth. Their work spans Digital Strategy, Product Design, and Digital Transformation, serving industries such as finance, insurance, advertising, construction, and big data. Elsewhen Ltd. employs around 100 people and has an estimated annual revenue of approximately $21.1 million.

With a client list that includes Microsoft, Spotify, Citi, ASOS, and Bupa, Elsewhen Ltd. is known for combining strategic insight with strong technical execution across digital projects.

As part of their growth strategy, Elsewhen Ltd. partnered with DevsData LLC to build a remote engineering team across Poland and Eastern Europe, focused on support, bug-fixing, and proactive infrastructure monitoring.

Challenge

As Elsewhen Ltd. expanded its internal engineering capacity to meet the demands of its growing portfolio of high-profile clients, the company encountered a complex set of recruitment challenges. These challenges were shaped by the technical nature of the roles, the company’s remote-first setup, and its commitment to operational excellence:

Specialised, non-standard role requirements

Elsewhen Ltd. wasn’t hiring for conventional product development roles. Instead, they required backend engineers with a unique blend of capabilities:

• Deep proficiency in Python, including experience with frameworks like Flask;
• Strong command of cloud technologies, particularly Google Cloud Platform and BigQuery;
• Comfort working with large-scale relational databases and writing complex SQL queries;
• Familiarity with Bash scripting, API integration, OAuth, and OIDC protocols;
• Ability to identify bugs from event logs, assess security vulnerabilities, and proactively maintain system reliability.

Beyond backend expertise, Elsewhen Ltd. looked for engineers who thought like system custodians: focused on reliability, monitoring, and automation rather than just building new features.

Long-term, staggered hiring needs

Elsewhen Ltd. wasn’t looking for a quick hiring fix. They were seeking a long-term recruitment partner capable of delivering multiple hires gradually over a two-year period, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving business priorities. Each hire had to be thoroughly vetted and aligned with both technical expectations and long-term team fit, making consistency and precision essential over time.

Remote-first team model, with London-based integration

While the engineering team would be fully remote, primarily across Poland and Eastern Europe, it was crucial that new hires fit seamlessly into Elsewhen’s London-based operations. This required excellent communication skills in English, the ability to collaborate asynchronously across time zones, and alignment with Elsewhen’s core values of agility, discipline, and a strong preference for autonomy. Cultural adaptability was equally important to ensure successful integration into a fast-paced, globally distributed consulting environment.

Elevated internal standards for talent

Elsewhen Ltd. had previously experienced underwhelming results with traditional recruitment methods. Past efforts often delivered candidates who lacked technical depth, were weak in documentation and process adherence, or required excessive oversight. To maintain Elsewhen’s consulting-grade quality and responsiveness, only senior-level, self-directed engineers would suffice. A more specialised, technically fluent recruitment partner was needed, one that could rigorously assess backend capability, systems-level thinking, and communication skills before shortlisting.

DevsData LLC’s approach

At DevsData LLC, we view recruitment as a long-term investment in organisational capability rather than a short-term hiring solution. Rather than a one-off hiring push, we designed a recruitment process that evolved alongside Elsewhen’s projects and long-term goals. For Elsewhen Ltd., a digital consultancy known for its precision and agility, we implemented a high-trust, regionally attuned recruitment framework optimised for remote delivery across Poland and Eastern Europe.

Recognising the importance of continuity and cultural alignment in a distributed technical team, we assembled a dedicated recruitment unit with deep expertise in backend engineering and remote team building.

Our team for Elsewhen Ltd. included:

• An account manager responsible for maintaining partnership continuity, managing candidate feedback loops, and aligning hiring delivery with Elsewhen’s quarterly targets.
• A senior sourcing specialist focused on identifying engineers with both technical depth and a systems-oriented mindset across Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.
• Two technical interviewers who conducted role-specific backend assessments, covering Python, SQL, Google Cloud Platform, Bash scripting, and automation experience.
• A regional talent advisor, providing strategic insights into local salary expectations, cultural nuances, and availability of niche backend profiles in the region.

Key elements of our process

Phased, wave-based hiring strategy

Rather than bulk hiring, Elsewhen’s long-term roadmap called for staggered, high-precision recruitment. We structured the hiring process into waves, ensuring steady delivery of new engineers without overloading the client’s capacity to onboard. This approach allowed us to adapt seamlessly to shifting project scopes while delivering consistently strong profiles every 4–6 weeks.

Backend-centric technical evaluation

All shortlisted candidates underwent rigorous, multi-stage screening focused on backend infrastructure and support readiness. Evaluations included:

• Live coding tasks relevant to Elsewhen’s core stack (Python, SQL, BigQuery);
• Scenario-based assessments testing automation, bug detection, and log analysis;
• Targeted questioning around cloud-native development (GCP), API integration, and infrastructure monitoring.

Real-time collaboration and transparency

We created a shared digital workspace, including a custom candidate dashboard and integrated Slack communication channel, to ensure full visibility at every stage. This enabled:

• Continuous feedback exchange on candidate profiles and performance;
• Rapid alignment on interview schedules and hiring priorities;
• Instant adjustments based on evolving team needs and technical specifications.

Optimised candidate experience

Because Elsewhen Ltd. places a premium on professionalism and cultural fit, we made sure every candidate’s journey reflected those values. Our recruiters emphasised the consulting nature of the role, the expectations around autonomy, and the company’s engineering philosophy, resulting in stronger alignment and reduced drop-off rates during later stages.

Strategic advisory throughout the partnership

Beyond sourcing, DevsData LLC acted as a consultative partner, providing:

• Compensation benchmarking to align offers with regional norms and candidate expectations;
• Insights into local competition for backend roles and employer branding perceptions;
• Feedback loops that helped refine job descriptions and recalibrate hiring criteria as Elsewhen’s needs evolved.

Strategic advantages delivered

A repeatable, long-term hiring engine

Over the course of two years, we didn’t just fill roles, we created a recruitment infrastructure that Elsewhen Ltd. could rely on for sustained, high-quality delivery. Each wave of hiring was executed with consistent standards, providing predictability and scalability.

Strong technical and cultural alignment

Our rigorous screening ensured that engineers not only met the technical requirements but were also capable of thriving in Elsewhen’s remote-first, outcome-driven environment. This alignment helped reduce onboarding time and increased long-term retention.

Market intelligence integration

With each hiring cycle, we fed live regional market data, such as salary shifts, candidate expectations, and skill availability, back into the recruitment process. This allowed Elsewhen Ltd. to remain competitive and responsive in a rapidly evolving European tech landscape.

Through a collaborative, agile, and insight-driven model, DevsData LLC enabled Elsewhen Ltd. to grow a reliable backend engineering and technical support team, laying the groundwork for future scalability, smoother operations, and a stronger global service delivery capability.

Our solution

To support Elsewhen’s evolving technical needs over a two-year period, DevsData LLC designed and implemented a targeted, multi-phase recruitment strategy optimised for backend support roles across Poland and Eastern Europe. The solution focused on long-term scalability, precision in candidate matching, and seamless integration with Elsewhen’s remote-first operating model.

Our multi-layered recruitment strategy included:

Regional market focus

We concentrated sourcing efforts on high-performing engineering hubs in Eastern and Central Europe, specifically:

• Poland – known for its deep talent pool, strong backend engineering expertise, and cultural compatibility with UK-based organisations;
• Romania – offering highly educated developers with robust experience in infrastructure and cloud-based systems;
• Ukraine – despite geopolitical challenges, a resilient market with top-tier backend specialists and a strong freelance/remote culture.
• Serbia and the Balkan region – combining solid technical education, growing backend expertise, and strong English proficiency.
• Georgia – featuring a rapidly expanding IT sector, competitive backend engineering talent, and strong cultural and time zone alignment with European clients.

Our location strategy was informed by ongoing market research, enabling us to prioritise regions with favourable time zone overlap, high English proficiency, and a mature engineering ecosystem, characterised by strong technical talent, robust digital infrastructure, and proven readiness for remote collaboration.

Targeted candidate profiling

Together with Elsewhen’s technical leadership, we developed a detailed hiring persona to ensure only high-fit candidates progressed. Ideal candidates demonstrated:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Python, including work with Flask and API integration;
• Proficiency in large-scale data systems, with a strong command of SQL and Google BigQuery;
• Practical knowledge of Bash scripting, automation tooling, and cloud-based environments, especially Google Cloud Platform (GCP);
• A systems-focused mindset with a proactive approach to bug detection, event log analysis, and infrastructure stability.

This clarified profile enabled our sourcing team to target a niche subset of backend engineers with strong documentation habits, attention to compliance, and systems-thinking aptitude, key to Elsewhen’s consulting workflows.

Accelerated interview and selection process

Understanding the importance of speed in competitive markets, we deployed a fast-track screening pipeline designed to move candidates efficiently from sourcing to the offer stage. Key elements included:

• Pre-screening and technical interviews completed within 7 days of candidate identification;
• Flexible client-side availability for interviews, ensuring fast alignment across time zones;
• Immediate post-interview feedback loops to accelerate decision-making and avoid drop-offs.

This time-sensitive process allowed Elsewhen Ltd. to stay ahead of competing offers, particularly in high-demand regional markets.

Structured onboarding support

DevsData LLC worked closely with candidates and Elsewhen’s internal team to facilitate a smooth onboarding experience. Our approach included:

• Clear communication of company values, expectations, and day-to-day workflow to new hires prior to offer acceptance;
• Ongoing check-ins during the first weeks of onboarding to ensure alignment, resolve friction points, and gather feedback;
• Coordination with Elsewhen’s technical leadership to anticipate equipment, access, and documentation needs, shortening the ramp-up cycle.

This high-touch support helped new hires transition quickly into productive contributors while reinforcing Elsewhen’s professional and values-driven culture.

Sustained process optimisation

Throughout the partnership, we treated the recruitment framework as a dynamic system. With each wave, we introduced refinements based on market feedback and hiring team input:

• Adjusted sourcing tactics based on regional performance data;
• Fine-tuned interview questions to better detect cultural fit and autonomy;
• Recalibrated outreach messaging to improve passive candidate response rates;
• Reprioritised roles based on changing project scopes and resource availability.

These iterative improvements ensured that Elsewhen Ltd. consistently received high-quality candidates, with minimal waste in the pipeline and strong candidate-to-hire ratios.

Summary of key metrics

• Time-to-offer cycle: 7–10 days average
• Candidate interview-to-hire ratio: >70%
• Drop-off rate post-final interview: < 5%
• Number of hires over 2 years: 9 engineers
• Primary sourcing success: >80% from passive candidate engagement

Results

Through DevsData LLC’s tailored recruitment strategy, deep technical screening, and consistent delivery over two years, Elsewhen Ltd. successfully scaled its backend engineering and support functions with high-impact hires. This long-term collaboration strengthened the company’s remote operations and enabled faster, more stable service delivery for its global consulting clients.

Key achievements:

Strategic team expansion

Over the course of the partnership, DevsData LLC placed nine backend engineers across three hiring waves. These mid- and senior-level Python developers, sourced from Poland, Romania, and Ukraine, quickly became core contributors to Elsewhen’s remote-first support team. Their responsibilities included bug monitoring, event log analysis, infrastructure automation, and cloud-based system reliability.

Each hire brought specialised backend experience tailored to Elsewhen’s consulting workflows, helping the company maintain high service standards while scaling delivery capacity.

High candidate-to-client fit

Over the course of the two-year collaboration, DevsData LLC placed nine carefully selected backend engineers across three hiring waves. These mid- and senior-level Python developers, sourced from Poland, Romania, and Ukraine, were chosen not only for their technical proficiency but also for their ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, consulting-driven environment. Each hire brought hands-on experience in areas critical to Elsewhen’s delivery model, including bug monitoring, event log analysis, infrastructure automation, and cloud system reliability (primarily on Google Cloud Platform).

DevsData LLC maintained a candidate-to-interview ratio exceeding 70%, with most submitted candidates progressing to final rounds. This level of accuracy was a direct result of our thorough pre-screening for both technical depth and cultural compatibility, significantly reducing the burden on Elsewhen’s internal hiring team and increasing confidence in each shortlist.

Strong offer acceptance rate

With a 78% offer acceptance rate, DevsData LLC’s candidate engagement strategy proved highly effective. Key factors included:

• Transparent communication around job expectations and company culture;
• Alignment between candidate motivations and Elsewhen’s engineering philosophy;
• Efficient interview scheduling and responsive feedback loops that improved candidate experience and reduced offer drop-offs.

Low attrition and long-term retention

Of the nine engineers hired, eight remained with the company beyond the 12-month mark, a strong indicator of long-term fit. These low attrition rates were achieved through rigorous upfront screening for autonomy, documentation habits, and cultural values alignment.

The enduring success of these hires contributed to Elsewhen’s ability to reduce reliance on external contractors, stabilise internal workflows, and improve long-term engineering capacity planning.

Business impact

The partnership between Elsewhen Ltd. and DevsData LLC enabled the company to expand its backend support capacity without straining its London headquarters. The nine engineers hired through DevsData LLC took over critical infrastructure, automation, and monitoring tasks, allowing core developers to refocus on strategic initiatives. Within six months, Elsewhen Ltd. reduced bug resolution times by 35% and saw improved stability across key systems, contributing to a measurable rise in Net Promoter Scores from enterprise clients.

Beyond operational gains, the collaboration delivered long-term strategic value. DevsData LLC became a reliable talent partner, providing a repeatable hiring process that consistently aligned with Elsewhen’s technical standards and remote-first culture. The strong cultural fit of the new hires fostered better team cohesion, allowing the company to evolve its consulting delivery model while maintaining agility, quality, and responsiveness.

Case match: Is your company similar to Elsewhen Ltd.?

A short 3-question diagnostic:

1. Are you building a distributed engineering or support team in Central or Eastern Europe?
2. Do your client delivery standards demand both technical precision and cultural alignment?
3. Have you struggled to find backend or support engineers who can work autonomously and communicate effectively?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, DevsData LLC can help you scale smartly, just like we did for Elsewhen Ltd.

To discuss your hiring needs or request a consultation, contact DevsData LLC at general@devsdata.com or visit www.devsdata.com.

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Tatia Tatoshvili Copywriter and Marketer

Tatia Tatoshvili is a Marketing and Communications professional with deep expertise in digital strategy and project management. Tatia’s experience includes implementing strategic marketing campaigns, elevating brand visibility, and building partnerships that expand education and job opportunities in the digital sector. She is passionate about fostering innovation and advancing digital literacy to create lasting impact.

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