Headquarters:

Level 11 Brookfield Place, 10 Carrington Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Year founded:

2021

Number of employees:

Phone:

021 740 993

Email:

louise@altituderecruitment.co.nz

Website:

altituderecruitment.co.nz

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/company/altituderecruitment

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Louise Hall-Strutt

Managing Director

Amanda Harriss

Client Services Partner

Pamela Gray

Vice President, Program Development

Leadership

Louise Hall-Strutt is the owner and managing director of Altitude Recruitment, based in Auckland. Originally from London, she moved to New Zealand 10 years ago in search of a better work-life balance. With over eight years of experience in legal recruitment, she has successfully partnered with a variety of clients, from top-tier to boutique firms, and specialises in placing New Zealand lawyers returning from overseas. Since launching Altitude Recruitment in 2021, Hall-Strutt has earned several accolades, including the Sourcr Awards for Best Legal Recruiter and Best Legal Agency, as well as NZ Lawyer’s Service Provider Award. These achievements highlight her dedication to providing exceptional service and building long-term relationships with clients and candidates alike. Hall-Strutt takes the time to understand the unique needs of those she works with, ensuring successful placements while upholding her values of compassion, integrity and honesty in every interaction.

Managing Director

Louise Hall-Strutt

Amanda Harriss, founder and client services partner at Harriss Wagner, brings more than 25 years of experience delivering strategic, impartial guidance to the legal sector. Renowned for her expertise in transformation, she excels at conducting diagnostic reviews, building business cases for change, evaluating and negotiating systems, streamlining processes and leading complex change management programs. Her client portfolio is both diverse and global, spanning private law firms, patent attorneys, public prosecution bodies, in-house legal teams and emerging legal enterprises across Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, North America, Singapore, Thailand, the UK and Vietnam. Through her thoughtful leadership, the firm continues to shape the future of legal operations with clarity, precision and an unwavering focus on value.

Client Services Partner

Amanda Harriss

Pamela Gray, vice president of program development at BioTalent Canada, has been instrumental in the organization’s success since joining in 2015. She leads the team developing new partnerships and revenue streams, delivering major projects including labour market intelligence, national occupational standards, and labour demand and supply analyses. Gray began her biotech and health career in the cosmetic and nutraceutical sector, gaining nearly a decade of experience. Before BioTalent Canada, she was director of career services at Everest College Canada, leading a team that achieved the country’s highest placement rate for six consecutive years.

Vice President, Program Development

Pamela Gray

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Andy Krampitz

Director of Sales

Andy Krampitz, along with his outstanding national sales team, plays a pivotal role in earning Edge the prestigious title of one of the Best Places to Work. With over three decades of experience in the school photography and yearbook industry, he is a visionary leader who champions transforming school prospects into loyal customers. His dynamic approach, fueled by a passion for customer satisfaction, has propelled Edge’s brand to new heights. Krampitz’s dedication to fostering a sales team that is not only successful but also enjoys their work exemplifies Edge’s commitment to a positive workplace culture.

Director of Sales

Andy Krampitz

Bernadette Rodrigues

Director of Operations

Bernadette Rodrigues is the director of operations at Edge Imaging, where she has dedicated the past 18 years to driving efficiency, quality, and an outstanding customer experience. Known for her meticulous approach to process and performance, she ensures the seamless execution of Edge’s photography and yearbook operations while always looking for ways to innovate and improve. She believes that operational excellence goes hand in hand with team engagement, and she regularly creates opportunities for her team to connect through fun activities that foster collaboration and camaraderie. Rodrigues’ leadership has been central to Edge's reputation as a trusted industry leader, and her commitment to both efficiency and culture makes her a cornerstone of the company's success.

Director of Operations

Bernadette Rodrigues

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Megan Pesant

Director of Marketing

Kane Bueler

Director of IT

Darren Watt

Commercial Director

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Megan Pesant is the director of marketing at Edge Imaging, where she has spent the past 12 years driving brand strategy, communications, and product innovation while championing a workplace culture that is collaborative, creative, and fun. With over a decade of experience in the education and photography industries, she believes that people are at the heart of every successful organization and is deeply passionate about making work meaningful and enjoyable. Pesant’s career has also taken her abroad, from teaching in Korea to working with the National Olympic Committee for the Pan Am Games, experiences that have strengthened her global perspective and commitment to building thriving, people-first workplaces.

Director of Marketing

Megan Pesant

Kane Bueler is the technological backbone of Edge. With unparalleled in-depth expertise and knowledge, he ensures the company’s digital infrastructure remains robust, secure, and innovative. His team’s proactive approach to technology empowers Edge’s team to excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Bueler’s dedication to creating a seamless, efficient, and continually improving tech environment reflects the company’s commitment to employee empowerment without compromising security. His IT leadership is pivotal to organizational success, ensuring that Edge continues to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital age.

Director of IT

Kane Bueler

Darren Watt is the commercial director at Stuartholme School, bringing over 20 years of experience in auditing, accounting and business management within the education sector. Since joining in May 2022, he has overseen the school’s commercial operations, including financial strategy, procurement and business services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, a Bachelor of Arts (General), a Graduate Certificate in Business, is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). As a key member of Stuartholme’s leadership team, Watt plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission within the Sacred Heart network.

Commercial Director

Darren Watt

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

“Clients can expect a strategic partner, not just a recruiter. I understand their firm, their culture, their expectations – and I bring market insight to help them grow with the right people”

Louise Hall-Strutt, Altitude Recruitment

“I believe in quality over volume, in long-term fit over short-term fill, and in making connections that last across careers”

Louise Hall-Strutt, Altitude Recruitment

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Altitude Recruitment has emerged as a go-to recruitment solution for the New Zealand legal industry, pairing in-depth industry knowledge with distinctive customer care. Leading the firm’s success is owner and managing director Louise Hall-Strutt, who has cultivated a boutique style that ensures clients are given the utmost care and attention. This close client care and focus on long-term successes is underlined by her flawless 100% retention rate. “I’m small by design, so each law firm and ambitious lawyer gets my full attention,” Hall-Strutt says. “I believe in quality over volume, in long-term fit over short-term fill, and in making connections that last across careers. I operate with trust, discretion and genuine care for each person’s future.” Operating within this boutique framework, Hall-Strutt is responsible for every component of Altitude’s operations, and she thrives is this role. “As the founder and sole recruiter, I lead every part of the business – strategy, service, delivery and relationship. That means the standards are mine, the results are mine, and the reputation is built directly through how I show up for clients and candidates. My performance is driven by consistency, care and a clear commitment to long-term success.”

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

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Benefits

Compensation

Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

Reputation

Sustainable programs

Overall

Altitude’s approach provides insightful guidance to its clients, giving recruitment teams access to potential recruits that fit not only their expectations but also the culture of their legal teams. “I help law firms avoid costly mis-hires by finding talent that’s not only qualified but truly aligned. I help ambitious lawyers find roles that reflect their values and vision, not just a job title,” Hall-Strutt says. “The biggest problem I solve is lack of fit – and I’ve built my business around solving that with precision.” What truly sets Hall-Strutt apart is her expertise on the legal industry. She understands the complex needs of both clients and candidates, then uses her deep knowledge of the industry to find the right solution for all parties. “I focus exclusively on lawyers and legal talent, so I understand the nuance of this industry inside and out.” She adds, “Clients and candidates work directly with me – not passed between recruiters – and I bring 10 years of experience, including five years running my own agency.”

Always operating with her eyes firmly set on the long term, Hall-Strutt delivers solutions that go far beyond filling gaps, leading to tangible business results and recruitment savings for clients. “Clients can expect a strategic partner, not just a recruiter. I understand their firm, their culture, their expectations – and I bring market insight to help them grow with the right people,” she notes. “Candidates can expect honesty, care and guidance – I take their career seriously and advocate for the roles that fit where they’re heading.” Hall-Strutt has also been developing overseas relationships to support those set to depart the country for opportunities abroad. “We can’t outpace the outflow of talent, but we can support it with care, strategy and long-term thinking. For me, innovation will always be about serving people better – with sharper insight, deeper connection and consistent results.”