Technology Scale-Up (Bristol)
Sourcing a Senior Platform Engineer to Accelerate Cloud Automation and Service Reliability
The Challenge
Our client, a rapidly growing technology scale-up based in Bristol, was expanding its platform engineering team to improve automation and reliability across its SaaS platform. The company required a Senior Platform Engineer skilled in Kubernetes, Terraform, AWS, and CI/CD, capable of driving cross-functional collaboration and scale.
The client needed a partner who could deliver both specialist sourcing and local market intelligence to benchmark compensation across South West England and hybrid remote markets.
Cleantech Infrastructure Start-up
Sourcing a Senior Infrastructure Engineer to Build Scalable Cloud Systems for Energy Analytics
The Challenge
Our client, an early-stage Cleantech start-up, was developing a digital platform to help utilities and grid operators analyse high-volume renewable energy data in real time. To deliver on this mission, the company required a Senior Infrastructure Engineer to design scalable, secure, and efficient cloud systems.
The ideal candidate needed experience in AWS, Kubernetes, and Terraform, with a passion for sustainability and start-up agility. The main challenge was attracting talent from established firms while understanding market positioning in the emerging Cleantech space.
AI Workflow Intelligence Scale-Up (London)
Hiring a Senior Full-Stack Engineer to Build and Scale an AI-Native Workflow Insights Platform
The Challenge
Our client, a fast-growing London SaaS scale-up, was building an AI-native workflow intelligence platform used by large enterprises to understand, optimise, and automate complex operational processes across compliance, customer operations, finance, and risk. The platform connected the systems, steps, and interactions that underpin critical workflows, allowing organisations to identify bottlenecks, reduce cycle times, and maintain evidence-based operational control.
Following a successful Series B round, the business was entering an accelerated scale-up phase. Their engineering team needed to evolve the platform from supporting dozens of enterprise teams to supporting hundreds of global customers, each requiring secure, scalable, real-time workflow intelligence and AI-driven insights.
To support this expansion, the company needed a Senior Full-Stack Engineer with deep experience in Typescript, React, AWS serverless technologies and event-driven architecture. They needed someone who could work across the stack, contribute to product shaping, and design infrastructure to support high-volume workflow analytics in regulated environments.
The challenge was identifying engineers who combined hands-on full-stack capability with a product mindset, cloud-native architectural depth, and experience delivering end-to-end features at pace. The leadership team also needed market intelligence on compensation, stack alignment, and available talent pools before scaling their engineering organisation.
Global Banking Institution
Sourcing a Senior Software Engineer to Build Secure Generative AI Tools and Strengthen Cloud-Native Capabilities
The Challenge
Our client, a global banking institution with a major technology hub in Northern Ireland, sought to expand its cloud engineering and AI security capabilities by establishing a new function focused on Generative AI (GenAI) security. The team’s remit was to protect large language model (LLM) applications from adversarial attacks and ensure responsible AI deployment across regulated environments.
The role required a Senior Software Engineer with hands-on experience in Python, cloud-native development, and security engineering, along with exposure to LLM frameworks and automated testing.
The challenge was identifying engineers who combined software engineering rigour, AI awareness, and security understanding in a small regional market. The client needed a recruitment partner who could map the local talent landscape while providing data-led insights on availability and compensation.
National Clinical Data Services Organisation
Sourcing a Data Infrastructure and Applications Engineer to Support Mission-Critical Operational Systems
The Challenge
Our client, a national clinical data services organisation responsible for supporting life-saving operational workflows across the UK, was modernising its internal digital platforms. The organisation managed several mission-critical databases that supported donor information, laboratory systems, logistics operations, and time-sensitive clinical processes used daily across hospitals and clinical teams.
To improve system resilience and prepare for a phased cloud modernisation programme, the organisation required a Data Infrastructure and Applications Engineer with strong experience in SQL Server administration, data integrity, incident response, and hybrid on-premise and cloud environments. The role combined operational support with project delivery, including upgrades, environment stabilisation, and supplier coordination.
The hiring challenge was significant. The organisation needed an engineer comfortable working in environments where uptime is critical, data accuracy is essential, and stakeholders span clinical, operational, and digital teams. Many engineers capable of supporting this mix of legacy systems and modernisation had moved towards pure cloud engineering roles, making the targeted skill set harder to source.
Energy Infrastructure SME
Sourcing a Senior Data Engineer to Enhance Analytics and Optimise Asset Performance
The Challenge
Our client, a mid-sized energy infrastructure company, was expanding its renewable energy portfolio and needed to improve data quality, unification, and analytics. The organisation sought a Senior Data Engineer experienced in cloud-native data platforms, real-time analytics, and asset performance monitoring.
As this was the first senior data engineering hire, the company lacked visibility into market availability, skills depth, and salary expectations. They required a partner capable of providing both technical search and recruitment intelligence.
Stealth Fintech Company
Sourcing a Head of AI Engineering to Build an AI-Driven Risk Intelligence Platform
The Challenge
Our client, a London-based stealth fintech venture, was developing an AI-driven risk intelligence platform to help digital financial institutions detect and manage real-time risks such as fraud and credit exposure. To accelerate product delivery, the company required a Head of AI Engineering to design and lead its AI function from inception.
The ideal candidate needed experience in AI and machine learning engineering, real-time decisioning systems, and cloud-native architecture, along with the ability to operate within regulated financial settings. The challenge was identifying professionals who could combine deep technical leadership with practical delivery capability.
Global Financial Institution
Sourcing a Senior Engineer to Strengthen AI-Driven Risk and Cloud Automation Capabilities
The Challenge
Our client, a global financial institution with a large technology presence in London, was modernising its cloud infrastructure and AI-enabled risk systems. To accelerate this transformation, they required a Senior Engineer capable of designing and implementing distributed systems that supported automation, observability, and real-time intelligence across critical financial platforms.
The successful candidate needed expertise in Java, Kafka, Kubernetes, and multi-region architectures, alongside experience in building AI-assisted automation frameworks. The client had struggled to identify individuals who could combine deep engineering expertise with applied AI understanding. They needed a search partner who could access passive engineering talent within major banks, fintechs, and AI-led platforms, while providing a data-backed view of the market.
National Donor and Clinical Operations Organisation
Hiring a Digital Systems and Engagement Platforms Manager to Support Mission-Critical Public Services
The Challenge
Our client, a national organisation responsible for donor engagement, booking systems, operational ordering platforms and clinical data flows, was mid-way through a digital modernisation programme. Their digital estate spanned:
• A core CRM supporting the donor lifecycle
• High-volume public booking and self-service portals
• Operational ordering systems used by hospitals and clinical teams
• Multiple integrations across communications, authentication and internal tools
These services required high reliability, accurate data and consistent improvement.
However, after several months of advertising, the organisation struggled to hire a Digital Systems and Engagement Platforms Manager. Most applicants required work permits, and the small number of UK-based candidates with CRM, SQL and integration experience were off the market quickly. Critical upgrades, portal improvements and integration fixes were being delayed, and teams lacked a single technical owner to drive the roadmap.
The organisation needed a partner who could reach a niche talent pool combining CRM configuration, integrations, SQL, system administration and user-centred digital thinking.
Data Services and Research Organisation
Sourcing a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer to Stabilise Core Systems and Modernise Database Infrastructure
The Challenge
Our client, a national data services and research organisation, was modernising its digital estate to support rising demand for secure, reliable, and high-availability access to its information systems. The organisation managed multiple mission-critical applications used daily by internal teams, external partners, and operational support staff.
To strengthen service reliability and prepare for a phased cloud transition, the organisation needed a Data Platforms and Applications Engineer with experience in SQL Server administration, database optimisation, data integrity, incident management, and hybrid on-premise/cloud environments. The engineer would be responsible for maintaining key databases, supporting application services, resolving operational incidents, and collaborating with third-party suppliers on system upgrades and improvements.
The organisation faced a challenge common in the current market. Many engineers with SQL Server and operational database expertise had moved towards cloud-only roles, creating a skills gap for employers requiring hybrid experience. The client needed a partner who could identify candidates motivated by technical ownership, systems reliability, and meaningful organisational impact, rather than pure greenfield engineering roles.
Specialist Logistics Provider
Hiring an Applications & Data Systems Engineer to Strengthen Internal Operational Platforms
The Challenge
Our client, a specialist logistics services provider supporting time-critical deliveries across the UK, was modernising its internal operational systems. Their Business Systems team managed a blend of SQL Server databases, bespoke scheduling tools, and a growing suite of Power Platform applications used daily by operations, compliance and finance teams.
After an internal restructure, the business needed an Applications & Data Systems Engineer who could support day-to-day incidents, maintain SQL Server stability, and help expand automation through Power Apps and Power Automate. Previous direct hiring attempts produced very limited suitable interest. Most applicants were non-UK citizens requiring sponsorship, which the organisation could not support. Of the small number of UK-based candidates who were a technical match, they were moving off the market almost immediately, often securing new roles before interview availability could be arranged.
The challenge was finding a mid-level engineer with credible SQL Server experience, application support exposure, and the communication skills to work effectively with both technical and operational teams.
Empowering Analytics
Attracting top-tier talent to enhance data-driven solutions in the financial sector.
The Challenge
Our client, a prominent analytics firm headquartered in London, specialises in delivering behavioural data analytics to professional investors. To maintain their competitive edge, they sought to expand their team by hiring a Quant Developer with expertise in business intelligence.
This role required a professional adept at developing quantitative models, implementing complex algorithms, and transforming data into actionable insights to support investment decisions. Given the specialised nature of the position and the competitive London job market, attracting candidates with the requisite skills and experience was a significant challenge. The client engaged Xist4, confident in our proven track record of sourcing high-calibre professionals for niche roles within the analytics and financial sectors.
Financial Intelligence Firm
Sourcing a Senior Business Analyst to Automate Processes and Drive Data-Driven Decision-Making.
The Challenge
Our client, a growing London-based financial intelligence firm, sought to enhance their analytics capabilities by recruiting a Senior Business Analyst with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). This role was pivotal in advancing the organisation’s ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making and automate departmental processes, driving operational efficiency.
Having never recruited for a position like this before, the company needed guidance to navigate the hiring process confidently. They required a strategic recruitment partner who could access both active and passive talent pools to source a professional with a rare combination of business analysis expertise, technical proficiency in AI, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven track record in process automation.
Scaling-Up Bristol-Based AI and Data Analytics Firm
Sourcing multiple Applied Data Scientists and Data Analysts to support a high-growth phase.
The Challenge
Scaling rapidly presents unique challenges, particularly when it involves hiring for multiple business-critical roles in a competitive talent market. Our client, a Bristol-based AI and data analytics firm, was scaling up its operations to meet growing demand for their innovative solutions. To support this growth, they needed to fill several key positions, including Applied Data Scientists and Data Analysts, to expand their technical capabilities and drive business intelligence.
Having multiple vacancies to fill simultaneously, the company required a recruitment partner with a proven track record in sourcing data and technology professionals for high-growth organisations. Xist4 was engaged to deliver a strategic hiring solution that could scale alongside their needs.
Scaling Wealthtech Start-up
Sourcing Senior Cyber Security Analysts and BI Managers to support rapid scaling.
The Challenge
The Wealthtech sector is evolving rapidly, with innovative start-ups leveraging technology to enhance portfolio management, improve client outcomes, and streamline operations. Based in London, our client, a scaling Wealthtech start-up, was focused on transforming the investment advisory process with their cloud-based platform. This platform enabled wealth managers and financial advisors to provide real-time insights, optimise portfolio performance, and automate compliance processes for greater efficiency.
To continue scaling successfully and meet growing market demand, the company needed to recruit a Senior Cyber Security Analyst and a BI Manager. These roles required specialised expertise, including robust skills in securing financial platforms, advanced data visualisation capabilities, and a strong understanding of financial datasets. Finding candidates with the technical proficiency and the ability to thrive in a high-growth start-up environment presented a significant challenge.
International Cyber and Information Security Consultancy
Sourcing an IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Consultant to Support Business Expansion.
The Challenge
When an international cyber and information security consultancy relocated their operations from London to Cheltenham, they faced the challenge of hiring an IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Consultant—a highly specialised and niche role.
This position required a candidate with a rare blend of technical expertise, financial sector experience, and the flexibility to travel across the UK and Europe. Additionally, the candidate needed to be based in the South West of England, further narrowing the talent pool. Aware of the complexity of this search, the client sought a recruitment partner with proven experience in identifying and securing top talent for hard-to-fill roles.
Cultural and Heritage Institution with Multi-Site Operations
Successfully sourcing top-tier talent for a wide range of senior and technical roles across London and Cambridgeshire.
The Challenge
A world renowned museum with offices in London, Cambridgeshire and Manchester approached Xist4 many years ago after struggling to find a recruitment agency capable of handling their diverse technical hiring needs.
The institution needed a recruitment partner capable of delivering across diverse roles, from technical specialists like Cyber Security Analysts, Linux Administrators, and Application Developers to senior and leadership positions such as Infrastructure Team Leaders, Technical Web Managers, Infrastructure Managers, and Head of Platforms & Development. Equally important was a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by organisations in this sector. With budget constraints as a key consideration, they sought an agency that could balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality placements.
Global Biotechnology Company
Sourcing a Data Scientist for a Site-Based Role in Cambridgeshire.
The Challenge
Operating in the highly competitive biotechnology sector, our client—a leading company specialising in genomic research and advanced biotechnology solutions—required a Data Scientist to join their Cambridgeshire-based team.
The role was pivotal to their operations, focusing on analysing complex genomic datasets to support groundbreaking discoveries and innovation. To succeed, the candidate needed not only strong technical expertise in data science tools and techniques but also a deep understanding of the biotechnology and life sciences industry.
The Cambridgeshire location added another layer of complexity. Attracting top-tier talent to a site-based position in this area is particularly challenging, given the demand for highly skilled professionals and the competitive market for biotech roles.
Leading Financial Services Organisation
Sourcing a Senior Business Intelligence Professional to Drive Data-Driven Decision-Making and Strategy.
The Challenge
A prominent financial services organisation sought to enhance its data capabilities by hiring a Senior Business Intelligence (BI) professional. This pivotal role was tasked with driving data-driven decision-making, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring effective reporting across multiple departments.
The ideal candidate needed extensive experience managing complex BI projects, advanced knowledge of tools such as Power BI and Tableau, and the ability to translate large datasets into actionable insights. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills were also essential for liaising with senior leaders and contributing to cross-functional initiatives.
Given the competitive nature of the financial services sector, attracting top-tier talent for such a specialised role posed a significant challenge. The organisation turned to Xist4 to find a professional who could deliver both technical expertise and strategic impact.
Data-Driven Growth in Agritech
Bolstering Data Capabilities for an Agritech Startup
The Challenge
A fast-growing Greentech agritech startup sought to enhance its data capabilities by hiring a skilled Data Analyst. The role was critical for driving sustainability goals, optimising operations, and delivering actionable insights to support key projects.
As a startup in a competitive sector, the organisation faced several challenges:
- Employer branding: Limited visibility in the market as an employer of choice, competing against larger, more established organisations.
- Tight timelines: The need to fill the role quickly to support critical ongoing projects.
- Limited resources: Balancing recruitment efforts with the organisation’s primary focus on growth and innovation.
Recognising the complexity of this search, the organisation partnered with Xist4 to identify and secure the ideal candidate.