Meet the Experts Behind Penguin Recruitment

Jim Richardson

Director

Jim graduated in 1989 from Birmingham University’s Department of Civil Engineering. Following a career in sales across a broad range of sectors, in 1999 Jim moved into recruitment and progressed rapidly as consultant, sales manager and sales trainer. In 2004 Jim set up Penguin Recruitment with the objective of creating a company that was both hard working and energetic but also supportive and fun. The name Penguin was chosen as an embodiment of our ideals – hardy, brave, dependable and fun.

Jim’s specialist recruitment areas are Civil, Geotechnical and Geo Environmental engineering. Outside of work Jim is a keen surfer and has represented Great Britain and Wales in international Stand UP Paddle Surfing Championships.  Jim owns three large dogs who like to bark.

Matt Thompson

Associate Director

Matt has been with Penguin for over 4 years and in that time has developed excellent relationships with clients ranging from international multidisciplinary consultancies, SME’s and specialist engineering contractors. Matt offers a proactive and personable approach and as a result he has an advanced candidate and client network across the Engineering market in particular within Geotechnical, Contaminated Land, Remediation, Hydrogeology and Hydrology sectors.

Having been deeply involved in sport since a young age Matt will compete at anything whether it’s a charity golf day or a cracker eating contest in the office! Matt is torn when it comes to his greatest sporting achievement – it’s either playing football at professional level in a European cup match or currently holding the Penguin Office Golf Trophy!

Mikaela Rabaiotti

Associate Director

Mikaela graduated from Cardiff University in 2011 having gained a degree in Business Management and Accounting and has been working in recruitment ever since, working her way up from Trainee Consultant to Associate Director level. Outside of work Mikaela enjoys regularly socialising with friends and family. She enjoys frequent travel abroad and has visited many countries in Europe and further afield including the Middle East and Asia. When not in work, Mikaela can usually be found enjoying long walks around the wonderful beaches of Gower with her two dogs - Dave and Frank (a Pug and a Labrador).

Amir Gharaati

Senior Sales Manager - Engineering and Environmental Recruitment

Amir joined Penguin Recruitment in 2012 as a Recruitment Consultant and has successfully progressed to Team Leader. He now manages a team of Consultants that cover a range of Engineering and Environmental disciplines. Amir personally specialises within the Noise and Vibration, Air Quality and Emissions markets across the UK.

In his spare time Amir competes across the country in Kick Boxing tournaments and when he’s not busy competing in sport, he can be found on long country walks with his lively Springer Spaniel named Ruby!

Harriet Allan

Sales Manager – Planning and Sustainability

Harriet has over ten years recruitment experience and started her Penguin career by helping to build and expand the Sustainability function which she still heads up. She also helps to run the Town Planning team, which includes building, maintaining and improving relationships with clients and candidates, supporting consultants to hit targets and training new members of the Penguin team.