Your permanent job search starts here
No ghosting. No false promises. Just real conversations with people that get you!
It’s not just about your next job, we’re with you for the long haul.
With dedicated permanent recruitment teams in both Auckland and Wellington, Potentia has been helping people across New Zealand find permanent jobs in the tech sector for more than two decades. But we’re so much more than just a technology recruitment agency – we’re embedded in our communities with networks that run deeper than anyone else in the space.
From the latest Kiwi startups to some of New Zealand’s biggest brands, let us take the pressure off your permanent job search. If you’re keen to chat to a tech recruiter that gets you, reach out to the team.
Wellbeing discovery
Our support doesn’t stop when you start your new role.
The first few months of a new job can take its toll on people’s mental health. All placed Potentia candidates receive access to our unique wellbeing discovery programme, with in-house wellbeing expert, Gayle Johnston
What is wellbeing discovery?
The concept of hauora (physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing) has been embedded within Potentia for years, something our team knows and loves. Through 1-1 sessions, our wellbeing discovery programme is all about helping you be your best self in the workplace – without sacrificing your mental health. Think of it as an extra support blanket as you adjust to your new job environment.
How does it work?
Completely self-managed by you, simply book in a 30-minute slot with Gayle as and when you need a little extra support with your wellbeing. Whether you’re just after a one-off session, or a few, all sessions are held over the phone and are 100% confidential.
FAQ
Software engineer salaries reflect current demand for talent and skills. Currently, the median salary for a Senior Software Engineer in New Zealand is NZ$130,000 per year, depending on experience and environment.
We compile local salary trends in our compensation report so you’re up to date on how market demand is influencing Software Engineer salaries year on year.
A recruitment agency is most valuable when hiring requires more than advertising and screening applicants. This includes situations where market conditions are uncertain, the skill set is niche, or access to passive candidates is necessary.
In the New Zealand tech market, the talent pool is relatively concentrated and many experienced professionals are not actively applying for roles. Agencies with established networks can access candidates who are open to the right opportunity but not visible through job boards.
For permanent roles in New Zealand, recruitment agency fees typically range from 15 percent to 25 percent of the candidate’s first year base salary. The exact figure depends on the seniority and complexity of the role, how competitive the market is, and the level of involvement required.
For contract positions, agencies usually apply a markup to the contractor’s hourly or daily rate. This markup covers the cost of sourcing, payroll, compliance, and ongoing management for the duration of the contract, as well as the agencies profit margin.
In New Zealand, a common estimate is that a bad hire costs at least 30 percent of the employee’s annual salary. In many cases, the true cost is closer to six to nine months of pay once lost productivity, rehiring time, and management distraction are considered. For example, if a role pays NZ$140,000 per year, the cost of a bad hire can range from roughly NZ$40,000 to over NZ$100,000.
The financial impact is not just salary. It includes recruitment costs, onboarding time, team disruption, missed delivery targets, and the cost of restarting the hiring process.
In today’s market, the median salary for a Senior Business Analyst in New Zealand is NZ$122,000 per year in a permanent role and NZ$120 per hour as a contractor. What makes the difference is not just years of experience, but the type of problems being solved. Analysts who operate in niches, close to senior stakeholders or across major system change tend to command stronger packages.
For a clearer picture of where the market is moving, including recent shifts in demand, see our latest compensation report.
Hear from other jobseekers
“Working with Muy was an absolute pleasure. Her dedication, professionalism, and understanding of my career goals was instrumental in helping me secure my dream job. I am immensely grateful for her support throughout the entire process.”
Senior Project Coordinator
“I have been through many recruiters but Muy hands down has been the best one so far. From the start, she was very responsive and empathetic, which is something I find lacking in other recruiters. Her genuine care and understanding made me feel at ease and showed me that she really valued her candidates. All through the process she's kept me updated and in the loop so I never really had to chase up. Definitely recommend Muy if you want a personalised recruitment experience.”
Product Marketing Manager
“Muy is a wonderful recruiter who is helpful, friendly, empathetic and always available, I didn't just feel like another person for a role, she made me feel like THE person for the role - something that is rare in recruiters! I'd highly recommend her!”
Product Manager
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Muy from Potentia during my application process for a Product Manager role. From the very beginning, the professionalism, efficiency, and friendliness she displayed were remarkable. She was incredibly supportive throughout the process, consistently keeping me in the loop about my application status.”
Product Manager
Abe Naus
Auckland
Angela Butler
Christchurch
Anneke Kuypers
Wellington
Cory Richards
Dunedin
Courtney Shea
Dunedin
Elgan O'Donnell
South Island
Emma Howey
Christchurch
Greg Nicolas
Wellington
Jade Brett
Dunedin
Jenny Martin
Auckland
Julian Lambert
Auckland
Kayla Moore
Wellington
Kylee de-Blecourt
Wellington
Layne Carvalho
Dunedin
Muy Lov
Auckland
Narna Millett
Christchurch
Sam Nowell
Auckland
Sarah Craig
Dunedin
Sarah Mackenzie
Auckland
Sheenal Rebaza
Auckland
Sri Nanduri
Auckland
Tim Cooke
Wellington
