Connecting Businesses to People
Trusted People Partner for growth businesses across Manufacturing, Mining, Defence and Technology.
About TESS.
The Executive Search Specialists support growth businesses in Australia across Technology, Defence, Manufacturing and Mining industries. Our Value Proposition to you, is our commitment and genuine curiosity to understand business critical issues and effectively leverage our targeted search knowledge and authentic approach to attract and retain ‘hard to find’ talent within disruptive industries.
Meet Our Founder.
Bringing more than 15 years of experience, connecting talent with visionary business leaders globally, Donna collaborates with executive leadership teams to develop and implement roadmaps for success, leveraging her industry knowledge and valuable network of trusted advisors. Bridging the gap between transactional hiring and executive search campaigns, Donna is focused on partnering with likeminded people, who share core values of integrity, commitment, authenticity and well-being. Donna is committed to delivering ethically and she is known for her resilience, honesty and determination by industry leaders across the globe.

Our Services.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Understanding market trends and strategic hiring needs, allow us to effectively navigate industry-specific challenges so that we can provide value to growth businesses in manufacturing, mining, defence, and technology industries. Our executive search practice focuses on senior executive, board and c-suite appointments, collaborating with senior leaders and board directors to appoint executives who have the skills and mindset to enhance company culture and performance. More broadly, we consider factors such as cultural fit, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development to attract and retain the best in class across the globe.
STRATEGIC ADVISORY SERVICES
Going beyond the traditional search process, TESS Search Partners are committed to understanding the unique challenges for our clients and we work collaboratively with leaders and stakeholders to ensure talent acquisition strategies are aligned to overall business objectives. By investing time in a needs analysis, researching the market and developing business leaders, we become a trusted partner and ensure our clients strategically build and maintain high-performing leadership teams that contribute to overall business success.
EXECUTIVE COACHING
Professional coaching for one-on-one or group sessions where you can discover how to be the best version of yourself… a more intuitive and empowered leader. Helping you to achieve performance and wellbeing by breaking through the hidden barriers to your success! Our approach is values-based, pragmatic and tailored to your specific aspirations and needs. Our leadership programs include Thinking styles for Leaders and Teams, Leading with Influence and Impact, Compelling Communication, Resilience for Change Leadership and New approaches to Leadership Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience.
Our Expertise.
C-Suite & Senior Appointments
Software Development
Cloud DevOps & Automation
Projects & Transformation
Data & Analytics
Product & UX/UI Design
Infrastructure & Network Support
Cyber Security
Sales, Marketing & Communications
Why We Are Different.
We are thought leaders using modern technology platforms to identify and engage with technical and executive talent for emerging markets globally.
We are not transactional. We strive for long-term meaningful relationships through the development of strategic retention strategies to ensure high performing talent is retained.
Our goal is to improve positivity and productivity in the workplace, working collaboratively with likeminded people who share our core values of integrity, commitment, authenticity and wellbeing.
Some of Our Partners.












Testimonials.
Some FAQs.
1. What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised recruitment service that recruits highly qualified candidates at executive and senior levels across a variety of sectors. An executive search provider also seeks out highly skilled roles, typically for those that are very competitive in the job market. Acting as an extension to the company’s HR/Recruiting function, providing a holistic hiring solution
2. What are the differences between executive search and headhunting?
Executive search and headhunting are both the same types of professional recruitment service providers that help companies find the right candidates for a high-level position. Similarly, they are paid by the hiring company, not by the candidate. Both types of firms typically specialise in recruiting for a particular industry or function and use a similar process to identify candidates.
3. What are retained search services?
The difference between contingency and retained search is in the pricing model and the service level agreement. In a retained search the recruiter is paid an upfront or scheduled fee and works on an exclusive basis, meaning they, and only they, will be working on the search. In contrast, contingency recruitment works on what would be best described as a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
4. What is the executive search process?
An executive search process may vary depending on what role you are looking to fill. A typical executive search process timeline keeps your recruiting efforts on track and on schedule. It outlines the major milestones you need to hit when searching for someone to fill a senior leadership position and how long each step should take.
5. What are the advantages of executive search?
Executive search is much more than providing candidates. It is about filling talent gaps that will in turn immensely benefit your company. It is crucial to us to not only provide a candidate that is qualified but also a candidate that will seamlessly fit into the business’ culture. Here are some of the key benefits of executive search:
- Cost-effective
- Decrease time to appoint
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Access to an extensive database of candidates
- Time-efficient
- Recruit passive candidates
- Confidentiality
If you want to find the best possible candidate during your executive search efforts, you will not discover them on the job market. Often, your top talent candidates are currently working for your competitor. Executive search recruiter knows how to tap into these passive talent pool and provide an exceptional sales pitch—one that conveys the strength of your employer brand to potential candidates.
6. How to select an executive search firm?
It is vital to spend time researching the options available to you when selecting your Executive Search company. It is crucial that you choose the Executive Search company that best match your hiring needs. Below are some general guidelines that will help you to reach the right decision. Look for an executive search firm that specialises in your industry or area of work. Now, many agencies do a little bit of everything, and you need to find an executive search and recruitment firm that is an expert in your field. You can also consult your friends or colleagues in similar fields. Ask whom they have used in the past, and for some recommendations. A reputable Executive Search company will source at least a third of its new clients/candidates via word of mouth from satisfied customers, so this is one of the quickest and most effective ways of finding an excellent executive search company.
Want to know more?
To find out how TESS Search Partners can help you attract and retain ‘hard to find’ talent, book your free discovery call below.

Supporting growth businesses with sourcing and retention of their most valuable assets.
To book a free discovery call, please click here.
Get in Touch
Suite 3027, Level 30, Westpac House,
91 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000