Mark Porter

Founder at Vertex Search - connecting elite talent with global leaders in the systematic trading and technology space

United Kingdom

About

Passionate Talent Acquisition leader with ~15 years of experience in the Technology Recruitment sector and 5+ years in leadership roles. I bring a proven track record of success in helping to scale organisations by identifying, hiring and retaining the best talent through innovative talent acquisition and people strategies.

Experience

  • Founder at Vertex Search
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Vertex Search is a leading boutique recruitment firm with more than 25 years’ worth of hiring expertise across leading finance, technology and startup/scaleup organisations. We have coverage across the UK, Europe, North America and APAC, in both leadership and IC capacities and have backgrounds within internal and agency settings. We partner closely with our selection of clients and bring a high-touch, collaborative and accountable style of delivery, often on an exclusive or retained basis, where we operate as an extension of your business. We have an exceptional track record of delivery into established global players along with startups and scaleups across tech and finance, with particular focus on the following areas: - Quant trading and technology - Discretionary and systematic trading - Crypto trading and technology - Multi-strats - Technology, AI/ML, SaaS and engineering organisations - Medical / biotech / tech for good - Startups - Scaleups We typically work on, but are not limited to, the following engagements: - AI / ML engineers, researchers and scientists - Quant researchers, analysts and engineers - PMs, APMs, Sub-PMs and risk managers/directors - Software, devops/SRE and infrastructure engineering, across the stack - Data scientists, developers and engineers - Product engineers, leads and directors - Information and cyber security We recruit across all levels, including: - Junior through senior and lead ICs - Tech leads, tech lead managers and managers, through to VP and CXO mandates - Senior appointments, confidential searches and replacement hires Feel free to reach out to the team on [email protected] to discuss a hiring requirement or your next move!

  • Recruiting Lead, ML/AI at Meta
    Apr 2022 - Mar 2023 · 1 yr

    Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. - Managed a talented team 10 remote staff in the UK and Israel, made up of of technical recruiters and sourcers. - Focused on scaling Meta's international Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence teams with the best talent in the world. - Set the team strategy including sourcing direction, metrics, and goaling. - Partnered with business and HR leaders in AI, meeting regularly to update on performance, plan new strategic initiatives and gain feedback. - Drove delivery of recruiters and sourcers to ensure success at the bottom, middle and top of funnel. - Onboarded & coached new hires along with performance management. - Partnered with recruiting leaders across EMEA and NORAM on projects and process to ensure a world class operating model.

  • G-Research (London, United Kingdom)
    • Talent Acquisition Manager - Engineering, Tech & Business
      Jan 2019 - Apr 2022 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      G-Research is a leading quant research and technology company. They apply scientific techniques to find patterns in large, noisy and real-world data sets, using the latest statistical and “big data” analysis methodologies to predict global financial markets. - Built and managed a high performing team of 8, comprised of seven 360 recruiters and one coordinator. - Oversaw recruitment of all contract and perm Experienced Hire talent into the business (upwards of 200 hires /year, around 80% of all hires) - Organised subteams focused on Quant, Software & Infrastructure Engineering, Business, Technology and Senior Appointments. - Set the strategic sourcing direction, goals & metrics and ensured delivery to our aggressive growth plan. - Vetted and managed a PSL of top performing external partners for each business area. - Partnered with the business and HR on strategic workforce planning. - Reported to senior business leaders on delivery and progress. - Hands on recruitment and coordination of exec level and discreet hires. - Oversaw growth of >500 employees into these divisions during this period. - Led on various HR & TA projects including internal mobility programme, employee referral scheme, migration to Workday and TA technology & tooling.

    • Talent Acquistion Manager - Software Engineering
      May 2018 - Jan 2019 · 9 mos

      - Built and managed a small internal sourcing team focused on identifying and hiring world class SWE talent into G-Research. - Set the direct sourcing direction alongside management of a PSL of strategic SWE resource partnerships, ensuring delivery was on time and to budget. - Made use of the latest tools, platforms & techniques to identify, approach and close the best SWE candidates. - Creation and oversight of SWE community engagement and events programme. - Hands on recruitment of exceptional SWE talent.

    • Lead Recruiter
      May 2017 - May 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

      - Lead recruiter for the newly formed SWE recruitment team. - Ensured delivery goals were met in our push to hire the world's best SWE talent into G-R through predominantly direct sourcing - referrals, headhunting and community engagement. - Set the team and sourcing direction. - Managed our external agency PSL for SWE. - Hands on sourcing and closing of world class SWE talent.

  • Technology Recruitment Consultant at Computer Futures Solutions
    Sep 2009 - Mar 2011 · 1 yr 7 mos

    - Began my career with Computer Futures Edinburgh, focusing on the Software Engineering market for the West of Scotland, achieving promotion after 5 months. - On promotion, the role involved increased hiring expectations as well as mentoring responsibilities. - Successfully transferred to a new team in London and made multiple placements in my new Senior Appointments market, before moving on to pursue an internal recruitment career move.