Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Digital Recruitment Solutions
Established in 2001, we pioneered specialist digital recruitment across Europe. Our expertise spans UX, Design, Research, Product, Creative, Software, Delivery Management, Data, and Cloud roles. We combine technical skills assessment with cultural fit analysis, maintaining a 2:1 CV-to-interview ratio and 3:1 interview-to-placement rate. Our 20+ years of industry immersion enables precise candidate shortlisting through DE&I-trained consultants.We host sector events like UX Crunch and publish benchmarking surveys while maintaining a 96% candidate retention rate in their first year. Our network includes 60,000+ pre-vetted professionals, with 30% of placements coming from direct referrals.
Services
UX Design Recruitment
Product Management Hiring
Software Engineering Roles
User Research Placements
Tech Team Building
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- 20+ years pioneering digital recruitment across Europe
- Diversity & Inclusion trained consultants ensure equitable hiring
- 96% candidate retention rate in first employment year
- Hosts industry-leading UX Crunch events and salary surveys
- 30% of placements originate from professional referrals
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
- Tech Talent Charter
What people say
Talented team acquisition
Exceptional industry knowledge
Cultural fit expertise
Transparent communication
Career development support
Services
UX Design Recruitment
Specialist placement of UX designers across all experience levels. We assess technical proficiency in user journey mapping and interface design while evaluating cultural alignment. Our candidates come from enterprise and startup environments, ensuring appropriate matches for client organisational needs.
Product Management Hiring
Executive search for product leadership positions. We identify professionals skilled in roadmap development and cross-functional team management. Our assessment methodology evaluates agile methodology expertise and digital product lifecycle experience across various business models.
Software Engineering Roles
Technical talent acquisition for software development positions. Our consultants assess coding proficiency across multiple languages and frameworks. We specialise in matching engineers with appropriate stack requirements while considering team dynamics and project complexity.
User Research Placements
Recruitment of user research specialists employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We identify candidates skilled in ethnographic studies, usability testing and data-driven insight generation. Our network includes professionals experienced in both academic and commercial research environments.
Tech Team Building
Comprehensive digital team formation services. We create cohesive units with complementary skill sets for startups and scaling businesses. Our process includes personality profiling and technical assessment to ensure both individual capability and team synergy.
People
Nick Cochrane
Founder & Specialist Recruiter
Founded Zebra People in 2001 as Europe's first digital recruitment specialist. Industry pioneer who launched UX People conference and Zebra Labs training. Continues hands-on recruitment while leading business strategy.
Ben Clarfelt
Director
UX recruitment expert with decade-plus experience. Developed widely used digital salary survey. Oversees business growth while maintaining client relationships with major tech companies and startups.
Mitch Hooper
Associate Director
Specialises in placing Software, Security and DevOps Engineers. Recognised for technical understanding and cross-timezone communication. Mentors colleagues while managing placements for industry leaders.
Ele Mafham
Group Head of People Operations
Responsible for internal recruitment and team development across 80+ staff. Previously established Zebra's diversity initiatives. Focuses on creating supportive work environments and career progression frameworks.
Grace
Recruitment Consultant
Represented Zebra at industry events and led CV clinics. Progressed from UX Resourcer to Senior Delivery Consultant. Advocates for flexible working arrangements and career development support.
Questions
What digital sectors do you specialise in?
We focus on UX, Product, Technology, Creative, and Data roles across startups to enterprise businesses.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
We use technical assessments, portfolio reviews, and cultural fit analysis with 2:1 CV-to-interview ratio.
Do you support diversity initiatives?
Yes, we're B Corp certified and Tech Talent Charter signatories with DE&I-trained consultants.
Can candidates get career advice?
Yes, we offer free CV coaching and career planning support to all digital professionals.
What London areas do you cover?
We operate across all London boroughs and surrounding counties for office-based roles.
Do you work with remote candidates?
Yes, we facilitate global placements with support for remote working arrangements.
Reviews (5)
Matej Kaninsky
Mar 20, 2016
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Zebra and Maryanna Constanti in particular helped me find my first UX job in London. First of all, I met with her and Andrew to discuss my experience, skills and vision of my new role. After that session I got almost immediately four offers that were all well targeted to what we talked about. Maryanna guided me through the process and was always supportive and professional. I really had a feeling that the agency was keen to help me finding the best job available. Well-done!
Conor Fallon
Jan 15, 2016
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I struck up a great relationship with Andrew. He understood what I wanted to achieve through my next move and would only make relevant suggestions for this. Out of several recruiters, his decisions and leads won out at the end if the day. He was worked with me to achieve the next step in my career that I am excited about. I can honestly say that Zebra people are the best recruitment agency for UX that I have worked with in London.
MarkinMotion
Dec 20, 2015
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Zebra and in particular Megan Willis, were great. She gave me great advice and I came away thinking about my career a bit differently and very positively. That is what I want from a recruiter. She didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear, it was very productive and I would more than recommend Zebra to anyone. Megan Willis was such a great help : You don't get this kind of help from a lot of recruiters. Great job.
Louise Bartlett
Nov 21, 2015
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I don't work with many recruiting agencies, but ZebraPeople is one that I call on when I'm looking for a new contract. They provide me with jobs that are relevant to my skill set and provide clear and straightforward details about the jobs and requirements. I'm particularly impressed that they are part of the UX community and give back by sponsoring meet ups and events - A smart way to stay involved in the community and see both sides of the recruiting fence. I recommend them all the time to people looking for UX work. Great job, guys!
Patric Donnachie
Nov 18, 2015
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Zebra People and Raj Khatra really know their stuff. She took the time to get to know me and my skill set so when it came to potential opportunities she knew what would be a good fit and how I could position myself in the market. She made my transition to London seamless. From initial face to face meetings, to follow up conversations, she was always proactive when looking for potential opportunities and great at keeping me in the loop. Open, honest and hard working. Brilliant recruiter and great company. Would highly recommend working with them.
