Q » Which agencies specialise in executive-level job placement for tech firms in Edinburgh and Glasgow?

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mughees

30 Jun, 2026

147 | 0

A » For executive-level recruitment within the technology sectors of Edinburgh and Glasgow, a distinct subset of agencies focuses on retained executive search rather than contingent placement, given the strategic importance of roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Head of Engineering, VP of Product, and Managing Director. In Edinburgh, which hosts a dense cluster of fintech, data analytics, and enterprise software firms, agencies like FWB Park Brown stand out as a premier retained search firm with deep roots in Scottish business and a dedicated technology practice that places C-suite and board-level executives across both cities. Similarly, Eton Bridge Partners, with a strong UK-wide presence, has a specialist technology practice active in Scotland, often handling complex senior appointments for scale-ups and multinational tech companies based in Edinburgh’s Exchange district or Glasgow’s financial and digital hub. Another notable name is Harper Harrison, which, while broader in infrastructure, has carved a niche in senior tech leadership placements for energy and tech firms with Scottish operations. For more venture-backed and high-growth tech companies, firms like New Street Consulting Group (NSCG) operate extensively in both cities, offering executive search and interim management specifically for technology-driven businesses. In Glasgow, where the tech scene is buoyed by cybersecurity, health-tech, and digital transformation consultancies, agencies such as Core-Asset Consulting (now part of the AMS group) have a dedicated senior appointments division that regularly places tech executives, particularly in financial services technology. Additionally, Be-IT, while traditionally strong at mid-level, has expanded its executive search arm for Scotland’s key tech employers. It is also essential to consider boutique firms like Eden Scott, whose tech practice in Edinburgh handles director-level and VP roles, and Change Recruitment, which operates a senior finance and technology desk. For deep specialisation in data science and AI leadership, Hays Advanced Analytics, part of the Hays group, conducts executive-level searches for firms in both cities, leveraging a large database of passive candidates. International firms like Michael Page Technology and Robert Half’s senior-level divisions also maintain dedicated consultants for the Scottish market, though they often compete with more local boutiques for retained mandates. Beyond traditional agencies, the market includes smaller, highly specialised firms such as Nine Twenty Technology, which places senior leadership in software and engineering roles, and Denholm Associates, a digital and technology search firm that frequently handles Head of Digital and CTO placements for agencies and product companies in Edinburgh. Firms in this space typically operate on a retained or exclusive contingency basis, investing significant time in understanding the unique culture of Scottish tech companies, which often value long-term stability and cross-sector experience. Candidates targeting these roles should engage with multiple agencies while verifying their specific track record in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, as local market knowledge—particularly of the “Edinburgh–Glasgow corridor” commute dynamic—can be a decisive factor.

Accountsway

01 Jul, 2026

173 | 5

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A »For executive-level tech placements in Edinburgh and Glasgow, you'll want agencies with strong C-suite networks and deep sector knowledge. In my experience, **Hays Executive** has a dedicated senior leadership division covering both cities, placing CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and Heads of Product. **Michael Page Technology** also runs a well-regarded executive search arm, particularly strong in SaaS and fintech heads. For a more boutique feel, **Eden Scott** in Edinburgh and **Bright Purple** in Glasgow both specialise in senior tech roles and often handle confidential mandates. Don't overlook **Robert Walters**, whose technology practice regularly places Directors and SVPs across Scotland. If you're looking at a very niche area, consider **Harvey Nash** for digital leadership or **Fletcher Jones** for engineering C-suite. The key is to ask for their executive search team specifically—most generalist recruiters won't handle the high-level, retained searches these targets require. Give them a clear brief on the role and the organisational level; they'll then tap their private networks for you.

mary smith

01 Jul, 2026

116 | 1

A »When seeking executive-level placement within the technology sector in Scotland’s two principal cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, candidates and hiring organisations must engage with recruitment agencies that possess a deep understanding of the local tech ecosystem and the nuanced requirements of C-suite, VP, and director-level roles. A small number of highly specialised firms dominate this niche, each offering distinct advantages tailored to senior leadership appointments. For the capital, Edinburgh, with its concentration of fintech, cybersecurity, and data analytics startups alongside established financial services firms with large tech divisions, agencies such as Core-Asset Consulting and Nine Twenty Executive Search stand out. Core-Asset Consulting has built a strong reputation for placing senior technology leaders in financial services and technology companies, leveraging their strong networks within Edinburgh’s growing fintech cluster. Similarly, Nine Twenty Executive Search, part of the larger Nine Twenty Group, operates a dedicated tech leadership practice that handles mandates for Head of Engineering, Chief Technology Officer, and Managing Director positions across both startups and scale-ups in the city. In Glasgow, where the tech scene is dominated by software development, digital health, and business services, agencies such as Eden Scott and Change Recruitment’s executive division are prominent. Eden Scott’s Technology & Digital leadership desk has a long track record of filling senior roles at companies like Skyscanner (historically) and newer venture-backed firms, with consultants who often have backgrounds in technology themselves. Change Recruitment (part of the Staffline Group) offers an Executive Search arm that covers the entire Central Belt, with particular strength in Glasgow’s expanding tech sector, focusing on leadership roles in cloud, DevOps, and enterprise software. Beyond city-specific agencies, a few national firms with dedicated Scottish tech leadership desks deserve mention. Harvey Nash (now part of Nash Squared) maintains a strong presence in both cities and is particularly adept at CIO, CTO, and digital transformation leadership roles, often working with multinational tech firms that have Scottish operations. Hays Senior Finance & Technology also runs a specialist executive division that covers both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with consultants who understand the complexities of hiring senior leaders in a competitive market where compensation packages often include equity and performance bonuses. Additionally, the boutique agency FWB Park Brown, based in Edinburgh but operating across Scotland, is a well-regarded executive search firm that handles senior tech appointments for both public and private sector organisations, including universities and research institutions that are key tech employers. When engaging these agencies, it is critical to assess their specific network density in your target subsector—for example, a firm strong in fintech might not be ideal for a deep-tech hardware role. Many of these agencies also offer retained search for executive roles, ensuring a dedicated, confidential process that includes psychometric assessment and cultural fit evaluation. Ultimately, the right partner should demonstrate not only a robust database of passive candidates but also a consultancy-style approach to understanding the strategic vision of the client organisation, which is essential for placing leaders who will drive innovation and growth in Scotland’s dynamic tech landscape.

Fire door Solutions

01 Jul, 2026

31 | 8

A »Looking for executive-level tech roles in Edinburgh or Glasgow? You’re in luck—Scotland’s central belt has a few standout agencies that really get the senior market. Hays Senior Technology has dedicated teams in both cities, placing CTOs and Heads of Engineering. Michael Page Technology runs a strong executive desk, especially for fintech and SaaS. Local specialists like Nine Twenty and Bright Purple know the Scottish tech ecosystem inside out, often handling VP and Director mandates. For leadership in AI and data, FPSG and Core-Asset Consulting are worth a chat. Don’t forget Be-IT Resourcing—they’ve placed C-suite talent in both cities for years. A nice tip: reach out to their senior consultants directly on LinkedIn, as many exec roles are filled offline. Good luck with your search—you’ve got strong

Sharar Rahman

01 Jul, 2026

37 | 2
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A »For executive-level job placement within the technology sector in Edinburgh and Glasgow, several specialist recruitment agencies operate with a refined focus on C-suite, VP, director, and senior management roles. These agencies typically combine deep sector knowledge with an extensive network of decision-makers in Scotland’s central belt technology ecosystem. Among the most prominent is FWB Park Brown, a leading executive search firm headquartered in Edinburgh but with a strong remit across Glasgow. They are particularly recognised for placing chief technology officers, chief digital officers, and vice presidents of engineering within ambitious scale-ups and established tech firms, often working on a retained basis to ensure confidentiality and precision. Another major player is Hudson, whose Scottish practice has a dedicated technology leadership desk that covers both cities, focusing on roles such as head of software development, director of data science, and chief information officer for fintech, healthtech, and SaaS companies. They utilise a rigorous assessment methodology that goes beyond traditional search to evaluate cultural fit and strategic capability. For more niche executive placements, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Norrie Johnston Recruitment (NJR) maintains a strong presence in Edinburgh and Glasgow, leveraging a specialist network of senior technology leaders. Their team frequently handles mandates for security directors and AI research leads within the growing tech clusters around both cities. Additionally, global firms with Scottish offices, such as Michael Page Technology and Hays Technology, have dedicated senior-level consultants who manage executive portfolios, though their approach often blends search and selection with a more candidate-driven database. For startups and scale-ups seeking experienced technical leads, Scottish-based firm Core-Asset Consulting, better known for financial services, has expanded its technology executive desk, serving as a key intermediary for private-equity backed tech companies in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Furthermore, Innova Management Solutions, a boutique executive search consultancy based in Glasgow, specialises in life sciences and technology interfaces, often recruiting medical device CTOs and health informatics directors. Their success relies on a small, highly networked team with deep local ties to academic spin-outs from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow University. Finally, it is worth noting that many of these agencies collaborate with sector bodies such as ScotlandIS and Techscaler, which provide pipeline access to emerging executive talent. Engaging with these firms often requires a long-term partnership, as the search process for senior candidates in tech typically spans eight to twelve weeks, with emphasis on board-level diversity and alignment with Scotland’s growing innovation economy. For the most precise recommendations, organisations should seek agencies that demonstrate a track record of placing technical leaders within the specific subsectors of their business, as the recruitment requirements for a fintech CEO in Glasgow differ markedly from those for a deep-tech CRO in Edinburgh.

Daniel Thompson

01 Jul, 2026

100 | 1

A »Great question! For executive-level tech placements in Edinburgh and Glasgow, I'd focus on boutique and specialist agencies. Firms like **Hays Executive** have a strong presence in both cities, handling senior CTO, VP Engineering, and Director roles. **Michael Page Technology's** senior division also regularly places C-suite talent in Scotland's tech scene. Two local standouts are **Bright Purple** (Edinburgh-based, with deep ties to fintech and SaaS) and **Be-IT Resourcing** (Glasgow), both known for confidential executive searches. For larger global firms, **Robert Walters** and **Harvey Nash** run dedicated tech leadership desks covering Scotland. Don't overlook **Head Resourcing** (Edinburgh) either—they specifically focus on senior tech appointments. A tip: many of these agencies also offer retained search for board-level roles, so it's worth asking about their executive recruitment process. Good luck with your search!

Amelia Harris

01 Jul, 2026

59 | 2

A »For organisations seeking to secure senior leadership talent within the technology sectors of Edinburgh and Glasgow, a targeted approach through specialist executive search and recruitment agencies is essential. The Scottish tech ecosystem—encompassing fintech, cybersecurity, health tech, and software development—requires agencies with deep local market knowledge, established boardroom networks, and a track record of placing C-suite, VP, and Director-level roles. Among the most prominent international firms with dedicated technology executive divisions active in both cities is Harvey Nash, now part of Nash Squared. They focus on tech leadership recruitment, including Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Heads of Engineering, and maintain a strong presence across Scotland’s central belt. Similarly, Michael Page Technology operates senior-level contingency and retained search mandates for technology firms in Edinburgh and Glasgow, leveraging a global database and local consultants who understand the Scottish market’s nuances in fintech and SaaS. Robert Walters, another global powerhouse, has a specialist technology leadership desk that covers both cities, often handling Director and VP placements in digital transformation and enterprise IT. For a more retained executive search approach, particularly for CEO, COO, and CTO roles in high-growth tech firms, agencies such as Veredus, a TPP Global company, provide bespoke search services with a strong emphasis on Scotland’s technology sector. They are known for their work with both established enterprises and scale-ups. Another highly regarded retained search firm is Eden Scott, headquartered in Edinburgh, which has a dedicated technology executive recruitment practice, focusing on senior appointments within software, data, and infrastructure firms across the entire Central Belt. On the contingency side, Hays Technology operates a senior appointment service, with consultants in Edinburgh and Glasgow specialising in Lead Architect, Head of Data, and Engineering Director roles, often working with both native Scottish tech companies and large financial institutions with tech hubs in the region. For niche technology sectors such as cybersecurity, MBN Solutions is a specialist boutique based in Glasgow that manages executive-level assignments for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Security Directors, particularly within financial services and critical infrastructure. Additionally, Bright Purple, an independent Scottish agency with offices in Edinburgh, has a strong reputation for mid-to-senior and executive-level tech placements, including VP of Engineering and Head of Product roles in growing tech firms. When engaging any of these agencies, it is advisable to clarify whether the assignment is retained (exclusive, paid upfront) or contingency (paid on successful hire), as executive-level searches for tech firms often benefit from the deeper market mapping and confidentiality offered by retained models. Ultimately, the most suitable agency will depend on the specific technology vertical, company size, and whether the role requires a regional, UK-wide, or international talent pool. Combining these agencies’ local expertise with their global networks ensures that Edinburgh and Glasgow’s tech firms can access the senior leadership necessary to drive innovation and growth.

Olivia Turner

01 Jul, 2026

36 | 2
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A »If you're looking for executive-level tech roles in Edinburgh or Glasgow, a few agencies really stand out. Hays Technology has a dedicated senior leadership desk covering both cities, while Robert Half’s executive search team regularly handles CTO, VP Engineering, and Head of Product placements. On the more specialised side, Eden Scott’s Edinburgh office works closely with scale-ups on board-level appointments, and Be-IT (part of Pertemps) often places technical directors in fintech and SaaS companies across the central belt. For a boutique feel, Core-Asset Consulting in Glasgow focuses on senior digital and data leadership, and Thorp Associates (Edinburgh-based) is known for placing high-level software and cloud architects. I’d also recommend connecting with the local branch of Michael Page Technology – they have a strong track record in GDPR and cybersecurity executive roles. Most of these firms offer confidential searches, so you can approach them discreetly. Happy hunting!

evergreenpower

01 Jul, 2026

44 | 3

A »When seeking executive-level placements within the technology sector in Edinburgh and Glasgow, candidates and hiring organisations typically turn to a select group of recruitment agencies that combine deep sector knowledge with a robust network of senior decision-makers. The market is served by both global executive search firms with dedicated technology practices and highly specialised boutique consultancies that focus exclusively on C-suite and board-level appointments in Scotland’s tech ecosystem. Among the most prominent is Hays Executive, the senior appointment arm of Hays plc, which maintains a dedicated technology leadership desk covering both cities. Their consultants regularly handle roles such as Chief Technology Officer, VP of Engineering, and Head of Data Science for Scottish-headquartered tech firms and for the regional offices of multinational technology companies. Another leading global player is Michael Page Technology, whose executive search division in Scotland works extensively with private equity-backed tech scale-ups and established SaaS companies in Edinburgh’s financial technology cluster and Glasgow’s growing digital commerce and software development sector. For a more localised and relationship-driven approach, Core-Asset Consulting has built a strong reputation for placing senior technology leaders, particularly within Edinburgh’s fintech and financial services technology space, leveraging deep ties with the city’s asset management and banking IT leadership. Similarly, Nine Twenty, a prominent Scottish recruitment group, operates a dedicated executive search practice that covers tech leadership roles across both cities, often focusing on board-level appointments for high-growth startups that have secured Series A or B funding. In the specialist startup and scale-up arena, Cathcart Associates, based in Edinburgh, is well-regarded for senior technical placements, including Head of Engineering and Technical Director roles, with a strong network that spans both cities’ technology communities. For interim and fractional executive placements, which are increasingly common in the fast-paced tech sector, Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) has a leadership talent division that serves tech firms in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Additionally, global firms like Korn Ferry and Heidrick & Struggles have technology practice leaders covering Scotland, though they tend to focus on the most senior C-suite roles in larger corporate and technology enterprises. Finally, it is worth noting that many technology firms in these cities also engage with The Associates, an Edinburgh-based boutique that specialises in senior technology and change management placements, and with Brighton Park Group, which has a strong track record in technology finance and operational leadership roles. In summary, the landscape for executive-level tech recruitment in Edinburgh and Glasgow is characterised by a mix of global executive search giants and well-networked local specialists, each with distinct strengths in particular sub-sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, and digital health. Candidates and employers should align their choice of agency with the specific nature of the role (permanent, interim, board-level) and the company’s stage of growth, as well as the city’s distinct tech specialisms—Edinburgh being stronger in fintech and financial services technology, and Glasgow having a broader base in software development, cyber-security, and digital business services.

Stand Banner

01 Jul, 2026

203 | 4

A »If you're hunting for executive-level roles in tech across Edinburgh and Glasgow, you're in luck—several agencies really know the Scottish scene. For C-suite and senior leadership, **Harvey Nash** has a strong technology practice and regularly places CIOs, CTOs, and VP-level candidates. **Michael Page Executive Search** also has dedicated teams covering Scotland's tech hubs, while **Hays Executive** runs a specific leadership division for digital and tech. Locally, **Be-IT** (part of the Bright Purple group) and **Eden Scott** both have long track records placing heads of engineering and directors in fintech and software firms. For board-level searches, **Core-Asset Consulting** often handles senior tech positions in financial services. I'd suggest reaching out directly to their Edinburgh or Glasgow offices and asking for the executive search consultant—many of these roles aren't publicly advertised. Good luck with the search!

Alex

01 Jul, 2026

24 | 7
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