Frequently Asked Questions
New to Samuels Donegan? Here's the quick version of who we are, how we work and what to expect, whether you're looking for your next HR role or your next great hire.
For Job Seekers
For Employers
What recruitment services does Samuels Donegan offer?
Samuels Donegan offers four HR recruitment services: Executive Search for senior and executive People and Culture appointments, Permanent recruitment, On Demand Talent for contract, temporary and interim HR professionals, and Team Build for organisations hiring several HR roles at once. See all services.
How quickly can Samuels Donegan fill an HR role?
Samuels Donegan's average time to fill a permanent role is 17 days, and interim hires through On Demand Talent average 2 days. Timeframes depend on the role and market, and we'll give you an honest estimate when you brief us.
Does Samuels Donegan recruit for senior and executive HR roles?
Yes. Samuels Donegan's Executive Search service handles senior and executive People and Culture appointments, including Heads of People, HR Directors and Chief People Officers. We map the market, use warm referrals and trusted networks, and reach the strong candidates who aren't actively looking.
Does Samuels Donegan recruit roles outside HR?
No. Samuels Donegan recruits exclusively within HR, People and Culture and Talent. That focus is what lets us move quickly, benchmark accurately and know who's genuinely good in the market.
What size organisations does Samuels Donegan work with?
Samuels Donegan works with organisations of every size, from businesses hiring their first HR person to ASX-listed companies and large public sector organisations. If you're hiring in HR, we can help.
How much does it cost to use Samuels Donegan?
Samuels Donegan's fees depend on the service and the role, for example a permanent placement, an executive search or an On Demand Talent engagement. We'll walk you through the costs upfront before any work starts, with no surprises. Get in touch for a conversation about your role.
How do I brief Samuels Donegan on a role?
The fastest way is to fill in our hiring form and upload a position description if you have one, or email hello@samuelsdonegan.com.au. A Talent Partner will be in touch to take a full brief, including the parts that never make it into a PD: your team, your culture and what success really looks like.
What makes Samuels Donegan different from a generalist recruitment agency?
Samuels Donegan only recruits HR, and our team comes from the HR world. We get to know candidates as people (their motivations, working style and what they actually want next) so we can protect your culture, not just fill a seat. It's how we get it right the first time.
Can Samuels Donegan help us hire several HR roles at once?
Yes. Samuels Donegan's Team Build service is designed for organisations creating or rebuilding an HR function, or hiring multiple People and Culture roles at the same time. We plan the hires together so the team works as a whole, not as a set of separate vacancies.
On Demand Talent
What is Samuels Donegan's On Demand Talent service?
On Demand Talent is Samuels Donegan's service for contract, temporary and interim HR professionals. We keep a bench of experienced, already-vetted HR people ready to step in, whether you need cover for parental leave, extra hands on a project or a specialist for something tricky like an Enterprise Agreement.
How fast can I get HR support through On Demand Talent?
Interim hires through Samuels Donegan's On Demand Talent service average 2 days from brief to placement. Because our On Demand Talent are already interviewed and referenced, you skip most of the usual wait.
What kinds of HR professionals are available through On Demand Talent?
Samuels Donegan's On Demand Talent covers the full HR spectrum, including HR administrators, HR advisers and business partners, talent acquisition specialists, and employee and workplace relations experts. You can see some of the people available right now on our On Demand Talent page.
I'm an HR professional. Can I join On Demand Talent?
Yes. If you're open to contract, temporary or interim HR work, Samuels Donegan would love to hear from you. Submit your CV and mention you're interested in On Demand Talent, and a Talent Partner will be in touch.
About Us
What is Samuels Donegan?
Samuels Donegan is a specialist HR recruitment agency based in Melbourne. We match HR, People and Culture and Talent professionals with organisations across Australia, from first-time HR coordinators through to Chief People Officers. Our approach is simple: get to know the whole person, not just their resume, so the fit lasts.
Where is Samuels Donegan based?
Samuels Donegan is based in Melbourne CBD, at 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000. We recruit for roles right across Australia, so you don't need to be in Victoria to work with us.
Who founded Samuels Donegan, and when?
Samuels Donegan was founded in 2019 by Evelina Samuels and Sarah Donegan. Between them they'd spent years in HR and recruitment and placed thousands of people, and they were tired of watching good hiring get done badly. Today we're a female-led team of HR talent specialists.
Why does Samuels Donegan only recruit HR roles?
Samuels Donegan specialises in HR because that's where we come from. Our team has worked in and around People and Culture, so we understand the roles, the language and what good looks like. Focusing on one profession means deeper networks, sharper market knowledge and better matches.
Who has Samuels Donegan worked with?
Samuels Donegan has partnered with more than 500 organisations across Australia, of every shape and size. Clients include Xero, BHP, the ABC, REA Group, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the University of Melbourne, along with plenty of growing businesses hiring their first HR person.
Has Samuels Donegan won any awards?
Yes. Samuels Donegan was named Sourcr's Best Agency 2025 for Human Resources in Victoria. We're pretty proud of that one.
How do I contact Samuels Donegan?
You can email Samuels Donegan at hello@samuelsdonegan.com.au, use the form on our Contact page, or visit us at 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000. If you'd like to speak to someone specific, you'll find the whole team on our Meet the Team page.
Is Samuels Donegan hiring?
Sometimes. Samuels Donegan lists any open roles in our own team on our Careers page. If you love HR, love people and want to do recruitment differently, keep an eye on it.
Resources
Does Samuels Donegan publish an HR salary guide?
Yes. The Samuels Donegan HR Salary Guide benchmarks salaries across HR, People and Culture and Talent roles in Australia. It's free to download, and it's built from the real conversations we have with candidates and clients every day.
Where can I find Samuels Donegan's insights on the HR market?
Samuels Donegan shares news you can use on our Insights blog, covering hiring trends, salary movements and career advice for HR professionals. You can also find guides and templates in our Resource Hub, or join The Take, our live Q&A sessions.
I’m a Jobseeker
Submit your CV and let's find you your perfect match.
I’m an Employer
Find your next dream hire with us.
