Relationships—First
Saltworth is a relationships-first, tech staffing consultancy and licensed labour-hire provider, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
We’re here to help shape careers, build lasting teams and deliver what others cannot.
We offer five key engagement models:
By The Numbers
- 10-day turnaround: Rapid placement services for urgent roles
- 12 months: Interest-free PAYG installments for permanent hires
- 85% retention: Candidates staying for 5+ years
- 2-year guarantee: Industry-leading free replacement guarantee for permanent hires
- 1 in 50: Clients needing a replacement within the first year
- 10% commission: Industry-low placement fee for exclusive Job Orders
- $100/day: Flat margin for labour-hire contractors
- 20,000+ local network: Strong relationships across major cities
- 90% fill rate: High success rate for Job Order-to-placement outcomes
- 100% support: Long-term guidance, from hiring to contractor-to-permanent transitions
How It All Began
Saltworth was founded in 2015 by John Knight with a clear mission to challenge the negative perceptions of recruitment agencies and bridge the disconnect between tech professionals, agencies and employers.
The focus:
- Fostering trust
- Putting people first
- Delivering services worth paying for
Are You Worth Your Salt?
“We continue to run a lean operation and pass significant savings onto our clients, offering the finest people ahead of the game. We’ve proven it can be done, and we’ve consistently delivered for over 10 years now.” – John Knight, Founder.
Saltworth Origins
The name Saltworth reflects an ethos inspired by the ongoing demand for tech professionals ‘worth their salt.’
Fast Forward to Today
A decade in, it’s 2025 – times have changed, and so have we!
Saltworth has evolved with a fresh look, a brand-new website, and exciting, industry-leading initiatives that introduce innovative ways to connect and engage.
While AI and tech automation continue to help us work smarter, one thing will always hold true: relationships matter most.
Saltworth is, and will always be, a relationships-first business. It’s the human touch that makes all the difference.
We open doors and bring the best minds together.
With an established network of over 20,000 connections across major cities, we’re often ahead of the game, well before the job boards get any attention!
- We’re human-focused
- We build lasting relationships
- We know tech inside and out
- Our network runs deep
- We find ‘keepers’
What Our Clients Are Saying
Testimonials
John is a very smart guy who knows the technology market well. He has a real eye for high-quality talent and knows how to find them and stay in touch with them. Plus he is really easy to talk to and takes the time to understand people.
Unlike many other recruiters, John actually knows what he's talking about and you can rely on his recommendations. I recommend John as a client and candidate. You can't do better.
Murray Robinson
Digital Program Director and Ways of Working expertI have known John for many years and have received work through his agency. As far as recruiters go, John is a straight talker and what he promises, he will deliver. Your organisation will be in good hands for your recruitment needs if you decide to put your trust into John's hands.
Reinhold Quillen
Chatbot & Mobile Apps Team LeadI had the pleasure of working with Sarah-Jane Stratford during my job search, and her support was invaluable in helping me secure a position.
Sarah-Jane is a highly professional and dedicated recruiter who genuinely cares about her candidates. She took the time to understand my skills, experience, and career goals, and her insights were instrumental in guiding me through the job application process.
Luiz Alves
IT ProfessionalI have been Saltworth's candidate on few engagements and John has been my key point of contact. John's negotiation and willingness to find answers/solutions and middle ground path to issues is exemplary. Always with a bright smile and a very enthusiastic demeanor - John is a mentor and a recruiter combined in one.
Highly recommend Saltworth for your next IT engagements.
Peter Vats
Project and Program Manager.spoke with John Knight when I came to Australia. He asked me what I wanted to do, assessed my skill level and then promoted me (like a proper agent) to prospective employers. He is very easy to talk to and he gave me lot's of confidence during his briefing sessions prior to my interviews.
Thank you John for pressing on my behalf and landing me my first job in Australia! As a confidant and agent, I would highly recommend John. When deciding to make a switch, he'll be my first call before I do anything!
