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 founded 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 fitness enthusiast and has represented Great Britain and Wales in international StandUp Paddle Surfing championships. 

Matt Thompson

Associate Director

Matt joined Penguin in 2010 as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant and has worked his way up to Associate Director, helping to grow the business and shape its strategy while building long-standing relationships with consultancies and specialists across the UK. He plays an active role in managing and developing teams, ensuring the business continues to deliver for both clients and candidates, and has a particular interest in geotechnical engineering, contaminated land, and remediation.

Before recruitment, Matt spent several years in football, coming through the academy at Swansea City and later playing semi-professionally. A career highlight was playing in a UEFA Cup qualification match, a memory that still pops up whenever football comes up in conversation. 

After football, Matt turned his competitive energy to triathlons and now focuses on running, competing whenever he can. Outside of formal races, much of his training comes from keeping up with his two young children, which often also requires carbon-plated shoes!

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.

Mikaela is passionate about connecting the right people with the right opportunities, and she prides herself on a personable, honest, and results-driven approach. Supporting both clients and candidates through important career decisions is something she finds incredibly rewarding.

Outside of work, Mikaela is a busy mum to two young boys who keep life fun and fast-paced. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, going on long walks, spending days at the beach, and making the most of time with friends and family.

Amir Gharaati

Senior Sales Manager – Engineering and Environmental Recruitment

Amir joined Penguin Recruitment in 2012 and has since progressed from Consultant to Senior Sales Manager and Training Manager. He now leads an office of specialist engineering and environmental recruiters working with a range of clients, from SME design specialists through to global multidisciplinary consultancies. Outside of work Amir enjoys spending time with his family, trail running and going to the gym.

Harriet Roige

Senior 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.

Outside of work Harriet can normally be found running after her toddler and two dogs on the beaches of the Gower!