Source and approach software engineers, data/ML/AI profiles, and technical leaders for fast-moving startups and scaleups. Run multi-channel outreach and nurture a long-term talent pool. Collaborate with the founder/lead consultant on search strategy and feedback loops.
Key Highlights
Technical Skills Required
Benefits & Perks
Job Description
Talent Sourcer – Tech Startups & Scaleups
£28,000 - £35,000 + uncapped bous
Fully Remote
Howrecruit exists to help exceptional tech startups scale with world-class engineering talent. Our focus is Staff Engineers, JavaScript/TypeScript experts, and product-minded builders. In the past 18 months we’ve partnered with some of the most exciting companies in live streaming, marketplaces, SaaS, and AI.
We operate on trust and output, not hours. If you want a place where you’re empowered to grow into a true subject-matter expert, you’ll fit right in.
This role is all about proactive sourcing, relationship-building, and growing a high-quality pool of software, data, ML and AI talent for fast-moving startups and scaleups.
About the role
- Own the top of funnel: you’ll spend most of your time on LinkedIn, GitHub and other communities identifying and engaging high-calibre engineers for early-stage companies (pre-seed to Series C).
- Run multi-channel outreach: messaging on LinkedIn, email, phone, and video to start thoughtful conversations, not spam.
- Nurture a long-term talent pool: keep in touch with great people, understand their career drivers, and match them with the right opportunities at the right moment.
What you’ll be doing
- Source and approach software engineers, data/ML/AI profiles and technical leaders using Boolean search, talent mapping and market research.
- Run structured first-touch calls to qualify fit, understand what “great” looks like for both candidate and client, and position roles clearly and honestly.
- Build and maintain clean talent pipelines in our CRM/ATS, with clear notes, tags and stages so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Experiment with different outreach angles, sequences and content to improve reply and conversion rates, inspired by playbooks from top UK tech recruitment partners.
- Collaborate closely with the founder/lead consultant on search strategy, shortlists and feedback loops so each new search is sharper than the last.
What you’ll bring
- 1–3 years’ experience in sourcing or candidate generation (agency, RPO, in-house, or similar), ideally in tech.
- Confident using LinkedIn Recruiter and Boolean; comfortable on the phone and on video with senior engineers.
- Clear written communication and an ability to write concise, personalised outreach that doesn’t feel like a template.
- High ownership mindset: you track your own pipeline metrics, follow through on every candidate, and care about quality over volume.
- Curiosity about startups, product-focused engineering, and the challenges of hiring for 0→1 and scaling teams.
Nice to have
- Experience sourcing for startups/scaleups, or for Java / Kotlin / JavaScript / backend-heavy roles.
- Familiarity with recruitment sequencing / sourcing tools (e.g. SourceWhale, Apollo, Clay) and basic data hygiene in CRMs.
- Previous exposure to AI, ML, or video / streaming engineering roles is a bonus, not a requirement.
Why this role is interesting
- Direct impact: every introduction you make can change the trajectory of a startup and a candidate’s career.
- Learn fast: work closely with a specialist consultant who lives and breathes technical hiring for high-growth companies.
- Career growth: a clear path to Talent Partner / 360 or Principal Sourcer as you develop full search ownership and client exposure.
If this sounds like you, send over your CV or LinkedIn profile and a short note on the most challenging role you’ve ever sourced for, and why.