Top 11 IT Recruitment Agencies in Manchester

Meri Sargsyan

Last updated on November 6, 2024 | 17 min read

RankingRecruitmentUK

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Manchester has rapidly evolved into a major tech hub in the UK, attracting startups, established companies and investors alike. As the city’s tech ecosystem continues to expand, IT recruitment has become a critical factor in supporting this growth and innovation. With numerous firms vying to attract top talent, finding the right recruitment agency is more important than ever for both employers seeking skilled professionals and job seekers looking for the best opportunities.

In 2022 alone, tech companies in Manchester secured an impressive £532 million in funding, the largest amount raised outside of London and the South East. This influx of investment has fueled demand for highly skilled IT specialists across various sectors, making the recruitment landscape even more competitive.

This guide highlights Manchester’s top eleven IT recruitment agencies, showcasing their unique strengths and how they can meet your recruitment or career needs in this dynamic and ever-evolving tech scene. Whether you’re a business aiming to scale your team or a tech professional looking to advance your career, these agencies are well-equipped to guide you through the process.

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall
2. Maxwell Bond: Best for startups
3. Recann: Best for the European market
4. Chroma Recruitment: Best for executive search

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall

   Company size: ~60 employees
   Founding year: 2016
   Website: https://devsdata.com/

   

   DevsData LLC, headquartered in Manchester, is an IT staffing and recruitment firm with access to some of the world’s most skilled IT professionals. They specialize in software development, AI and Big Data solutions, emphasizing high quality and flexibility to meet clients’ needs.

   Their thorough interview process ensures the selection of top candidates. With a team that includes professionals from the US and Europe, they deliver top-notch recruitment services.

   The firm has collaborated with large corporations, fast-growing startups, and hedge funds from all over the world, including the US and Israel. DevsData LLC can recruit up to 5 developers in the first month, 20 in three months, and 100 within a year. Their success fee model is based on the candidate’s annual salary, irrespective of the technology involved.

   When a London-based financial firm specializing in cryptocurrency algorithmic trading needed to hire highly skilled engineers with exceptional problem-solving abilities and financial sector experience, they turned to DevsData LLC for help.

   DevsData responded by dedicating three experienced recruiters to conduct a global talent search, scouring job boards, LinkedIn, social media and headhunting candidates from regions including Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the US. Their recruitment process includes several stages: initial screenings, timed coding challenges, soft-skill evaluations and in-depth technical interviews.

   This methodical approach led to the successful hiring of four engineers, which enabled the client to establish a new engineering branch in Poland.

   With a pre-vetted British candidate database of 65,000 professionals and over 8 years of industry expertise, DevsData LLC boasts a team of more than 40 senior technical recruiters based in Manchester, ensuring the delivery of top tech talent in under 10 days.

   Since its inception, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to client satisfaction, consistently earning top ratings on independent review platforms like Clutch and GoodFirms.

   

   It is worth mentioning that DevsData LLC holds an official recruitment license, which underscores its credibility and commitment to industry standards.

   They also offer the option to meet clients in person at their Manchester office for personalized consultations.

   Key features:

   • Offers global recruitment services for large corporations, startups and hedge funds, with specialized expertise in markets across the US, UK and Israel.
   • Utilizes a team of over 40 senior technical recruiters based in Manchester, providing personalized, high-quality recruitment solutions.
   • Holds an official recruitment license, reinforcing its credibility and commitment to industry standards.

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

   🎧 Schedule a meeting
   
   For more information, visit www.devsdata.com or contact them at general@devsdata.com.

   Address:
   DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Manchester
   50 Chancery Pl, Brown St,
   Manchester M2 2JG, UK
   manchester@devsdata.com Copy email

   Email copied

2. Maxwell Bond: Best for startups

   

   Company size: ~50 employees
   Founding year: 2016
   Website: http://www.maxwellbond.co.uk

   Maxwell Bond is a well-known recruiting consultant serving the tech, digital, sustainability and energy industries in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. They thrive on building open interactions that produce exceptional results.

   The firm’s distinctive feature is its commitment to employee well-being, which fosters a supportive, adaptive and team-oriented environment. They provide training and development opportunities, helping their team make a meaningful impact. By concentrating on producing top-tier recruitment consultants, Maxwell Bond equips its team with specialized training and resources to deliver effective recruitment consultancy services to customers and candidates in the IT and digital industries.

   Startups often require highly adaptable and innovative talent, and Maxwell Bond’s commitment to fostering a supportive, team-oriented environment enables them to attract and retain top-tier professionals who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic settings.

   Key features:

   • Emphasizes open, transparent interactions that foster trust and lead to exceptional recruitment outcomes.
   • Invests heavily in developing consultants who specialize in matching talent with business needs.
   • Offers extensive training and development opportunities to its team, ensuring consultants are equipped with the skills to deliver top-tier recruitment services.

3. Recann: Best for the European market

   

   Company size: ~20 employees
   Founding year: 2016
   Website: http://www.recann.co.uk

   Recann makes it easier to recruit top talent or find exciting career opportunities. They pair tech professionals with innovative businesses, bridging skill gaps and moving the industry forward. They provide a range of services, including permanent recruitment, contract staffing, freelance and self-employed placements, as well as executive search, using advanced recruitment technology.

   Recann is a trusted recruitment partner in Europe, with a strong presence in countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, offering region-specific expertise to meet local market demands. Their deep regional expertise allows them to offer tailored recruitment solutions that cater to the unique needs of local markets. At the same time, their global network ensures access to a broad talent pool.

   The company’s adaptable recruitment services make them an ideal partner for the evolving European tech industry. Their ability to accommodate both short-term and long-term staffing needs ensures they can meet the diverse demands of clients, from fast-growing startups to established enterprises. This flexibility, combined with their regional expertise and global reach, positions Recann as a valuable recruitment ally for organizations looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing tech landscape.

   Key features:

   • Strong presence in multiple European countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, providing tailored recruitment solutions for local markets.
   • Flexible in meeting the dynamic demands of the European tech industry, offering recruitment options across various employment types.
   • Combines advanced recruitment technology with expert teams to streamline the hiring process and ensure successful placements.

4. Chroma Recruitment: Best for executive search

   

   Company size: ~30 employees
   Founding year: 2016
   Website: https://chromarecruitment.com/

   Chroma Recruitment focuses on IT, digital, and engineering recruitment, serving individuals and businesses across the UK. They provide customized permanent and contract staffing solutions, tailoring their approach to unique customer needs.

   Founded in 2016, Chroma Recruitment has built its reputation on core values of listening, understanding, consulting, and delivering exceptional service. The company prioritizes both clients and candidates, emphasizing quality over quantity in its recruitment efforts. With a skilled team dedicated to providing support, Chroma’s personalized approach ensures that candidates are effectively matched with opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. The company places a strong emphasis on aligning technical skills with cultural and personal fit to achieve the best possible matches.

   Chroma Recruitment stands out as a top choice for executive search due to its consultative, personalized approach that prioritizes quality and cultural alignment. In the realm of executive search, where finding the right cultural and personal fit is just as important as technical proficiency, Chroma excels by maintaining a focus on creating a perfect match between candidates and organizations.

   Key features:

   • Tailors staffing strategies to match each client’s needs, ensuring a highly personalized and effective recruitment process.
   • Excels in executive search by focusing on both cultural and personal alignment, providing a consultative, quality-driven approach for high-level recruitment.
   • Since its founding in 2016, the firm has maintained a competent and dedicated team, guaranteeing fast and effective candidate placements.

Do you have IT recruitment needs?

🎧 Schedule a meeting

Now that we’ve reviewed our top four choices, let’s look at the other options that may also suit your requirements.

5. Applause IT Recruitment

   

   Company size: ~10 employees
   Founding year: 2000
   Website: https://applauseit.co.uk/

   Applause IT Recruitment is a specialized IT recruitment agency that expertly connects top-tier tech and digital talent with both permanent and contract roles across the UK. With a strong emphasis on client and candidate experience, the agency offers versatile recruitment solutions, including multi-agency, exclusive, and retained models. These approaches are managed through a single point of contact or in collaboration with specialist consultants, ensuring recruitment strategies are precisely aligned with each client’s unique needs—from job specification creation and candidate mapping to selection and onboarding.

   Since 2000, Applause IT has established long-term partnerships with clients and candidates, often supporting professionals through various stages of their careers and witnessing client companies return to expand their teams. Their enduring relationships contribute significantly to business growth, as they continually adapt their recruitment strategies to meet evolving client needs, ensuring high-quality candidates are consistently provided.

   With locations in key UK cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London, Applause IT is well-positioned to attract top talent from major tech hubs. This strategic reach enables them to connect clients with a diverse and skilled candidate pool. Applause IT specializes in roles across Software Engineering, DevOps, IT Support, Sales, Marketing, Infrastructure, and Project Management, serving a broad range of clients, including software houses, large IT users, and IT service firms.

   Key features:

   • Focused expertise in sourcing top talent for tech and digital roles across the UK, covering permanent and contract positions.
   • Provides end-to-end recruitment support, from writing job specifications and candidate mapping to selection and onboarding for a smooth hiring process.
   • Expertise in placing candidates in key areas like Software Engineering, DevOps, IT Support, Sales, Marketing, Infrastructure, and Project Management for various IT-driven organizations.

6. In Technology Group

   

   Company size: ~60 employees
   Founding year: 2019
   Website: https://www.intechnologygroup.com

   In Technology Group is widely recognized for delivering exceptional recruitment services across the technology, IT, and digital sectors in the UK, Europe and the United States. With deep industry expertise and critical market insights, they leverage their network to access top active talent while maintaining a robust pipeline of passive candidates, ensuring they meet even the most demanding talent needs.

   The company is built on a team of dedicated industry professionals committed to providing an outstanding recruitment experience. In Technology Group prioritizes continuous investment in its personnel, cultivating a highly skilled and motivated recruitment workforce. Their strong work ethic and in-depth market knowledge uniquely position them to deliver consistently high-quality recruitment services that exceed client expectations.

   In Technology Group’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships with both clients and candidates sets them apart in the recruitment industry. They emphasize a personalized approach, taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs and company culture, as well as each candidate’s career goals and skill sets. This attention to detail allows In Technology Group to create precise matches that contribute to lasting success for both parties, making them a trusted partner in achieving sustainable growth within the IT and digital sectors.
   

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

   🎧 Schedule a meeting
   
   Key features:
   • Maintains a strong pipeline of active and passive candidates, ensuring clients have access to top talent in the market.
   • Regularly invests in the development and training of their team, ensuring a highly knowledgeable and motivated workforce.
   • Stands out for their strong work ethic and in-depth market knowledge, which enhances the quality of their recruitment services.

7. Canda

   

   Company size: ~40 employees
   Founding year: 2020
   Website: http://www.canda.io/

   Canda is a specialized global talent solutions provider focused on partnering with fast-growing, impact-driven companies and visionary leaders across sectors such as mobility, sustainability, education, and healthcare. By working with businesses that are shaping the future through innovative technology, Canda has carved out a unique niche within talent sourcing for emerging fields requiring specialized skill sets. This focus allows them to effectively serve companies prioritizing social impact alongside growth.

   Instead of traditional recruitment methods, Canda employs a branded, Direct-to-Talent approach that reduces the time and costs typically associated with hiring. By leveraging advanced sourcing technology and offering customized employer branding services, Canda integrates seamlessly with clients’ teams, adapting to each organization’s culture and specific hiring needs.

   This model has proven particularly effective for high-potential scale-ups, established public tech companies like UiPath, Trainline, and HelloFresh, as well as venture-backed startups. Canda’s Direct-to-Talent model supports sustainable talent acquisition strategies, enabling businesses to scale with quality placements that align with strategic workforce goals. This tailored approach has positioned Canda as a trusted talent partner, particularly for businesses aiming to drive positive change through technology and innovation.

   Key features:

   • Collaborates with established tech giants, high-growth scale-ups, and innovative startups backed by notable venture capital firms.
   • Manages the entire recruitment process, allowing clients to focus on growth while achieving high-level hiring outcomes.
   • Equips technological and creative organizations with the tools and talent needed to fuel growth and drive transformative hiring strategies.

8. Langley James

   

   Company size: ~25 employees
   Founding year: 1999
   Website: https://www.langleyjames.com/

   Langley James Ltd is a UK-based HR and IT recruitment consultancy recognized for its personalized approach to talent sourcing for SMEs, mid-market enterprises, and various public and private sector organizations. With over two decades of industry expertise, Langley James has successfully matched top-tier tech talent with over 2,000 clients, becoming a trusted recruitment partner renowned for its quality-driven and project-focused recruitment campaigns. Their deep commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs—ranging from job specifications to team dynamics and organizational culture—enables them to deliver strategic, targeted recruitment solutions.

   A key feature of Langley James’s service is its comprehensive recruitment support, encompassing salary guidance, interview coordination, offer delivery, and onboarding assistance. Their onboarding support is designed not only to integrate new hires smoothly but also to improve long-term talent retention.

   By facilitating an effective onboarding experience, Langley James helps clients reduce turnover rates and ensure project stability, which is essential for companies needing consistent, reliable team performance. This tailored onboarding approach reinforces employee satisfaction and promotes long-term alignment with company goals, supporting clients in achieving sustainable workforce growth.

   Key features:

   • Renowned for delivering recruitment solutions on time and within budget, tailored to each client’s project needs and organizational goals.
   • In-depth consultation to understand each client’s specific needs, team dynamics, and culture, helping them develop detailed job specifications and hiring roadmaps.
   • Comprehensive services, including salary guidance, interview coordination, resignation assistance, offer management, and onboarding support, ensuring a smooth hiring journey.

9. The Candidate

   

   Company size: ~20 employees
   Founding year: 2012
   Website: http://www.thecandidate.co.uk/

   The Candidate is a specialized recruitment agency with expertise in Marketing, Digital, Technology, Creative, and Analytics roles. Since its founding in 2012, it has become a prominent player in the North West and beyond, matching high-caliber talent with organizations ranging from agile startups and SMEs to large corporations and global media groups.

   Taking a dual approach, The Candidate tailors its recruitment strategies to meet each client’s unique needs. For startups, the agency provides flexible, targeted strategies that address the evolving demands of growing teams, often focusing on roles that drive digital strategy and business development. For larger corporations and media groups, they offer structured, high-volume recruitment solutions that accommodate organizational scale and complexity. These services include senior executive search, contingency recruitment, and temporary placements, supporting both immediate and long-term hiring objectives.

   The Candidate’s ability to cater to diverse business needs, from digital strategy alignment to technical project execution, underscores their commitment to quality and adaptability. By working closely with both client-side and agency-side businesses, they align top-tier talent with roles that match both job requirements and company culture, fostering lasting success for candidates and clients alike. This strategic, personalized approach—combined with deep industry knowledge and a commitment to precision in placements—has established The Candidate as a trusted recruitment partner across various sectors.

   Key features:

   • Provides recruitment services across the UK and beyond, establishing a strong presence in the North West and serving businesses throughout the country.
   • Works with a diverse client base, from start-ups and SMEs to large corporations and global media agency networks, providing talent solutions across various business sizes and types.
   • Specializes in recruiting for marketing, digital, technology, creative, and analytics roles, with a deep understanding of the unique talent landscape in these sectors.

10. FJR group

    

    Company size: ~70 employees
    Founding year: 2011
    Website: https://fjrgroup.com

    FJR Group prioritizes relationships and has cultivated an inclusive work environment that fosters passion and a sense of adventure within its team. It has established three specialized divisions—finance, technology, and HR—offering interim and permanent market opportunities.

    By placing people first, they have built a successful recruitment agency that values more than just revenue. Their market expertise and passion for delivering excellent results have established them as a human-centered, industry-leading recruiter with a remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

    FJR Group’s deep expertise in both finance and technology makes them the ideal partner for fintech recruitment, uniquely positioned to meet the industry’s complex demands. With specialized divisions dedicated to these areas, FJR Group is uniquely positioned to understand the complex needs of fintech companies. Their finance division brings valuable insights into the financial landscape, while their technology division focuses on sourcing talent skilled in cutting-edge tech solutions—critical for innovation in fintech.

    Key features:

    • Prioritizes building strong relationships and fostering an inclusive work environment that promotes passion and adventure within the team.
    • Leverages deep market knowledge and a commitment to excellence to establish themselves as leaders in the recruitment industry.
    • Known for an outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, further enhancing its reputation as a values-driven agency.

11. Forward Role Recruitment

    

    Company size: ~50 employees
    Founding year: 2008
    Website: http://www.forwardrole.com

    Forward Role Recruitment specializes in sourcing top talent for marketing and technology roles. The company partners with some of the fastest-growing brands in the UK. It assists employers in attracting the brightest talent and empowers candidates to build exciting careers. Whether seeking the next step in a career or an employer looking to find exceptional talent, Forward Role is ready to assist.

    The agency excels at partnering with unicorn companies, high-growth startups valued at over $1 billion, to meet their unique talent needs. These companies are known for their rapid expansion and disruptive innovations, often requiring top-tier talent to maintain their growth momentum.

    Forward Role excels at sourcing talent with specialized skills in marketing and technology, making them a perfect fit for unicorn companies. They understand the high-pressure environments of these fast-paced companies and excel at finding candidates who thrive in dynamic, high-growth settings.
    

    Do you have IT recruitment needs?

    🎧 Schedule a meeting
    
    Key features:
    • Particularly well-suited for unicorn startups, recognized for sourcing talent with the niche skills required to meet the demands of rapidly growing, high-value companies.
    • Works closely with both employers and candidates to ensure successful placements that align with business goals and individual career aspirations.
    • Helps employers attract exceptional candidates while empowering individuals to build exciting careers, offering support at every stage of the hiring process.

Interesting to know

Salary range for IT personnel in Manchester

The salary for IT specialists in Manchester depends on various factors, such as the candidate’s experience, specialized function, degree of education and the organization for which they work. However, here’s a broad summary:

Top tech universities in Manchester

Manchester is home to several major universities that contribute significantly to its reputation as an academic and innovation hub:

• 1. The University of Manchester

  The University of Manchester is a globally recognized institution with a student body of over 40,000. Renowned for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, the university’s Faculty of Science and Engineering is one of the largest in the UK. It offers innovative programs in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science, positioning itself at the forefront of technological education and research.

• 2. Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

  Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), with around 38,000 students, is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, industry-relevant education. MMU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering offers a broad range of tech-related programs, including software engineering, cybersecurity and digital media technology. The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, with state-of-the-art labs and strong industry partnerships that give students valuable experience in real-world tech environments.

• 3. University of Salford

  The University of Salford, with approximately 21,000 students, is recognized for its close ties to industry, particularly in technology and media. The university’s School of Science, Engineering, and Environment offers specialized programs in robotics, virtual reality and environmental technology. Salford’s approach to education is deeply intertwined with its industry connections, ensuring that students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in high demand in the tech sector.

Conclusion

In summary, these agencies excel at connecting skilled IT professionals with top companies, meeting the diverse needs of Manchester’s expanding tech industry. Whether you’re looking for a job or seeking top talent, these agencies offer tailored solutions and deep industry knowledge to efficiently meet your IT recruitment needs.

If you’re seeking top tech talent in Manchester, DevsData is the answer. Their specialized knowledge and experience in recruitment will help you find the perfect fit for your team, saving you time and ensuring quality hires.

With a local office in Manchester and additional locations across the UK, including London, Birmingham, and many more, DevsData LLC offers comprehensive support for your hiring needs. DevsData LLC also provides additional support like legal and tax advice, HR guidance and outsourcing solutions. The company’s challenging interview process ensures the IT professionals it recommends are highly skilled and great communicators. The process consists of multiple stages, including a rigorous 90-minute session with technical experts and challenging tasks. As a result, only the best candidates are offered to their clients.

For more information, email DevsData LLC at general@devsdata.com or visit their website at www.devsdata.com. They’re committed to delivering excellent recruitment services for clients and job seekers alike.

Address:
DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Manchester
50 Chancery Pl, Brown St,
Manchester M2 2JG, UK
manchester@devsdata.com Copy email

Email copied

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Meri Sargsyan Copywriter and Marketer

With three years of experience in the industry, Meri has authored articles on a wide range of topics including crypto, NFTs, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. As an avid learner, Meri continuously seeks out new knowledge, enrolling in various courses regardless of her busy schedule.

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