Your last three project manager hires didn't work out. The one before that ghosted after two weeks. And the "perfect candidate" who interviewed brilliantly? They're now asking what Agile means.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Organizations everywhere are discovering that finding project and program managers who can actually deliver results – not just talk a good game – requires more than posting on LinkedIn and hoping for the best.

This is where specialized project and program management recruitment firms become invaluable. 

With their deep expertise and extensive networks, these firms excel at identifying top talent quickly and efficiently while evaluating both soft and technical skills to find candidates who drive transformational results.

Top Project and Program Management Recruiting Firms TL;DR

• The top project and program management recruiting firms in 2025 are: MSH, Korn Ferry, Insight Global, JMJ Phillip, Alpha Apex Group, and PMO Partners.
• Top project management recruitment firms commonly offer the following services: RPO, executive search, staff augmentation, talent intelligence, direct hire, organizational strategy, leadership development, contingent recruiting, and project management consulting.
• Consider the following when choosing a firm: proven track record with executive-specific recruitment, balanced references, focus on candidate experience, consistent follow-through on commitments, and exceptional brand reputation.
• If you're looking for the top project and program management recruiting firm in 2025, it's MSH.
  

If you're still curious to learn more about how to evaluate a potential partner and more information about our picks, read on.

The 10,000-ft View Of The Current Recruiting Landscape

Project and program management recruiting has become significantly more challenging in recent years. Companies are competing for specialized talent who understand complex frameworks, can lead cross-functional teams, and have the technical depth to drive results.

Why Finding Good PMs Is Harder Now

Three key factors are making recruitment more difficult:

Skills Gap: Only 47% of projects are run by certified project management professionals, leaving most projects managed by people without formal PM training. 

This shortage means organizations are competing for the same pool of qualified candidates, driving up salaries and making it harder to attract top talent. 

Companies often settle for candidates who look good on paper but lack the practical experience to handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Technology Requirements: AI adoption in project management is growing rapidly, requiring PMs who can adapt to new tools and methodologies beyond traditional frameworks. 

Today's project managers need to understand data analytics, automation tools, and digital collaboration platforms while still mastering traditional methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. 

Finding candidates who combine technical fluency with strong leadership skills has become increasingly challenging.

Remote Work Complexity: 61% of project workers now work remotely at least one day per week, demanding different leadership skills than traditional in-office management. 

Remote project management requires expertise in virtual team coordination, asynchronous communication, and digital project tracking. 

Many experienced PMs who excelled in office environments struggle with the nuances of leading distributed teams across time zones and cultures.

The main takeaway? Organizations need specialized recruiters who understand these evolving requirements and can identify candidates with the right mix of technical knowledge, leadership ability, and adaptability. 

With the right program manager recruitment firm's help, you can successfully navigate these challenges and secure top talent in this competitive market.

Why Work With A Tech-Focused Recruiter To Help You Find Your Next Project Manager?

Kickstart your next search for a project manager by partnering with a tech-focused recruiter like MSH. 

Their specialized know-how in advanced hiring technology will help connect you with skilled candidates at all levels (even those in the C-suite) who possess the right personality to excel in your organization’s unique environment. 

Below, we list several of the key advantages of working with a specialized recruiter:

Access To Specialized Talent Pools

Partnering with the right project management recruiter will enable you to tap into a vast talent pool of top-tier candidates. You’ll gain exclusive access to highly skilled project managers who fully comprehend all your industry’s nuances. 

MSH recruiters, in particular, leverage extensive networks of candidates with specific expertise in program management, resulting in a hiring process that is faster and more effective.

Industry Expertise And Insight

A trusted and reputable project manager recruiter brings tremendous industry expertise and insight to the table. 

They understand the unique challenges, trends, and demands of the technology and IT sector, allowing them to identify candidates who possess the right skills and whose values align with yours. 

Even more importantly, they can connect you with project managers who drive innovation and deliver results in a fast-paced, tech-driven workplace.

Strategic Alignment With Technical Goals

MSH project manager recruiters also understand how important it is to find candidates who align with your SAP goals. They look for job seekers who know all about SAP systems and how to integrate them with your company’s broader technical objectives. 

By paying attention and getting this alignment right, the MSH team helps drive successful SAP implementations, upgrades, and optimizations that support your long-term business strategy.  

Speed And Precision In Hiring

Another reason to use an executive search firm like MSH to help you lock down top project management talent? Speed and precision. 

Tech-focused recruiters utilize a targeted approach to swiftly pinpoint and engage highly qualified candidates. 

They also reduce the time-to-hire, minimizing downtime and helping you keep your projects on schedule.  

Advanced Hiring Technologies

Cutting-edge executive search firms like MSH leverage advanced hiring technologies to speed up the recruitment process. They can quickly spot candidates who’ll be a great fit for your company using AI-powered tools, data analytics, and automated screening. 

MSH’s revolutionary AI-driven platform, Aeon Hire, for example, saves time, improves candidate matching, provides valuable data-driven insights, and boosts collaboration, among many other benefits.

How To Decide Who To Work With

Choosing the right project or product manager recruitment firm is essential, or you’ll likely end up with subpar hires. Look for the following criteria in your new recruiter:

1. They Have a Proven Track Record with Executive-Specific Recruitment

A professional project management recruitment firm with experience placing senior-level candidates is accustomed to dealing with everything that comes with these high-stakes roles. 

They bring a strong knowledge of leadership competencies, industry demands, and the nuances of executive search so you can score premium talent capable of developing strategic initiatives and leading your business to success. 

2. They Have Several Great (and Not so Good) References

You’re probably no stranger to getting references before choosing a service provider. Recruitment consulting services are no exception. Search for a recruiter with several strong references – and a few that are less glowing. 

Positive references demonstrate the firm’s ability to deliver results, while the less favorable ones offer insight into how they handle challenges. 

This balanced perspective will help you gauge the firm’s reliability, transparency, and overall effectiveness so you can select a winner who will meet all your company’s hiring needs. 

3. They are Obsessed with the Candidate Experience

Recruitment firms that care about the candidate experience prioritize clear communication, respect, and transparency at every stage so job seekers feel valued and informed. 

This focus will reflect positively on your brand’s reputation and help attract successful project managers who appreciate a positive and professional hiring journey. 

The benefit to your team? A more engaged, motivated, and committed pool of candidates.

4. They Follow Through on Commitments

Next on the list of criteria? Making sure the executive search firm you partner with consistently follows through on its commitments. 

A recruiter who delivers on their promises – whether it’s meeting deadlines, providing regular updates, or ensuring candidate quality – shows that they’re dependable and dedicated to your success. 

This accountability builds trust and results in a more efficient recruitment process, lowering the risk of setbacks.  

5. They Have an Exceptional Brand Reputation 

Recruitment firms well-regarded in the industry have likely earned their reputation by continually making high-quality placements and leaving a trail of satisfied clients behind them. Not to mention, a stellar reputation is a strong indicator of success and reliability. 

So be sure to look for a reputable firm that’s trusted by both candidates and companies alike, increasing your odds of finding the perfect hires for your organization. 

Common Frameworks We Always Keep In Mind 

Top project and program manager candidates should be fully versed in several key frameworks that are essential in today’s dynamic project environments. 

Among these, Agile, Scrum, SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), Kanban, and Lean stand out as foundational methodologies that guide how most projects are managed and executed. 

Below is a brief overview of each and an explanation of why recruitment firms seek out candidates who know all about them: 

Agile

Agile is a project management philosophy that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction through iterative development. 

Instead of following a rigid plan from start to finish, Agile encourages teams to deliver small, usable pieces of a project in cycles, allowing for continuous feedback and adjustments.

Project and program managers must be fully knowledgeable about Agile methodologies to rapidly respond to changes and help ensure the final product meets the customer’s needs. 

This approach is particularly valuable in fast-paced industries like technology, where requirements constantly shift.

Scrum

Based on Agile principles, Scrum involves managing complex projects using short, time-boxed iterations called sprints. With each sprint, teams work on prioritized tasks, aiming to deliver a potentially shippable product increment by the end of each sprint. 

Scrum masters and product owners help guide the team and manage the backlog of work. 

Candidates with strong Scrum knowledge have a competitive edge over others because they can effectively lead teams through the complexities of delivering iterative progress while staying focused on the big picture.    

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)

SAFe, or Scaled Agile Framework, is an extension of Agile that scales these practices across large organizations. 

While Agile and Scrum are ideal for smaller teams, SAFe provides a structured approach for applying Agile methodologies at the enterprise level, coordinating multiple teams working on different parts of a large project. 

Project and program managers who operate in large, complex organizations where multiple teams must work together benefit from a solid understanding of SAFe. 

It provides the tools and structure needed to manage large-scale projects while still remaining agile and flexible like smaller teams.

Kanban

Kanban is a visual workflow management method that helps teams visualize work, limit work-in-progress, and maximize efficiency. 

It’s prominent among today's agile and DevOps software teams, but the Kanban methodology dates back more than 50 years, originating from Toyota's manufacturing processes.

Kanban encourages continuous improvement and is the perfect visualization method for Agile teams. Modern project managers use Kanban boards to track tasks through different stages of completion, from "To Do" to "In Progress" to "Done." 

The visual nature of Kanban makes it particularly valuable for teams that need transparency and real-time progress tracking.

Lean

Lean methodology focuses on maximizing customer value while minimizing waste in all forms – time, resources, and effort. Lean translates Toyota's manufacturing principles to software delivery: eliminate waste, build quality in, optimize for flow.

In project management, Lean principles help teams identify and eliminate non-value-adding activities, streamline processes, and deliver results more efficiently. 

The 2025 Reality: Pure Lean implementations are rare, but Lean principles underpin most high-performing engineering operations, making Lean knowledge essential for modern project managers.

The above frameworks help program and project managers successfully lead highly nuanced projects that often change unexpectedly. 

Companies that want to grow and thrive look to hire and leverage workers who have mastered these methodologies because they achieve successful project outcomes and meet customer needs. 

Common Roles We Help Recruit and Hire

When organizations partner with MSH to build their project and program management teams, they gain access to candidates across the full spectrum of leadership roles. Here are the most common positions we successfully place:

Technical Program Manager (TPM)

A technical program manager (TPM) is a business professional who manages the development and implementation of technical projects for a company. Technical Program Managers combine deep technical expertise with program management skills to drive complex, cross-functional initiatives. They work closely with engineering teams, understand system architectures, and can make informed decisions about technical trade-offs while keeping business objectives in focus.

Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Managers oversee multiple complex programs simultaneously, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals. A senior program manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing multiple complex programs that align with the company's strategic goals and building the project management maturity of the organization. They work closely with C-level executives, manage substantial budgets, and drive organizational transformation initiatives.

Project Manager

Traditional Project Managers focus on individual projects from initiation through closure. They manage scope, timeline, budget, and resources while ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and stakeholder expectations. These professionals excel at coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication across diverse project types.

Technical Project Manager

Technical Project Managers specialize in technology-focused projects, combining project management expertise with technical knowledge. They understand software development lifecycles, can communicate effectively with engineering teams, and make informed decisions about technical project requirements and constraints.

Program Director/Director of Program Management

Program Directors provide strategic oversight for an organization's entire program portfolio. They establish governance frameworks, align programs with business strategy, and ensure optimal resource allocation across multiple initiatives. These senior-level positions require extensive experience in both program management and business strategy.

Product Program Manager

Product Program Managers focus specifically on product development programs, working closely with product management teams to bring new products and features to market. They coordinate between product, engineering, design, and marketing teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing product evolution.

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers take the broadest view, overseeing collections of programs and projects that support organizational strategy. They make high-level decisions about project prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic alignment while ensuring the portfolio delivers maximum business value.

The 6 Best Project and Program Manager Recruitment Firms in 2025

Finally, the time has come to dive in and explore several of the best project and program manager recruitment firms available on the market today. We’ve listed our favorites below and encourage you to look for the one that best suits your organization’s specific needs.

Here are the top project and program management recruitment firms:

1. MSH
2. Korn Ferry
3. Insight Global
4. JMJ Phillip
5. Alpha Apex Group
6. PMO Partners

As you can see, we’re not afraid to put ourselves at the top of the list. 

Backed by years of experience and a dedicated team of tech-focused recruiters, we’re wholly confident in our ability to identify and place highly qualified project and program managers who will fit perfectly into your company’s unique culture. 

We’ll tap our extensive network to quickly fill all your openings, from CEOs to entire entry-level teams, so you can get back to focusing on your core business.

With that said, let’s go ahead and get started. May the best firm win!

MSH

MSH prides itself on offering cutting-edge recruitment services that are driven by the latest technologies. Its AI-powered recruitment platform, Aeon Hire, cuts through all the noise, helping MSH clients make data-driven hiring decisions that truly move the needle. 

Beyond that, MSH recruiters have a proven track record in finding and securing top talent, particularly highly effective project management leaders who know how to guide teams and achieve meaningful business outcomes. Having worked with the likes of Blackstone, UnitedHealth Group, ADT, and Amex, the MSH team has shown time and again that it can consistently deliver exceptional results. So whether you need to build a team fast or secure the next CEO for your company, give MSH a call today. 

Services Offered: RPO, Packaged Talent, Talent Intelligence, Direct Hire, Executive Search, Staff Augmentation, SAP Consulting, Digital Commerce Transformation 

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Korn Ferry

On its website, global executive search firm Korn Ferry states that it’s “the only organizational consulting firm focused on synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent.” The recruitment company strives to improve client performance via its organizational strategy, assessment and succession, talent acquisition, and leadership development offerings. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Korn Ferry operates over 100 offices in 53 countries.

Services Offered: Organizational Strategy, Assessment and Succession, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, DEI, ESG and Sustainability, Talent Management

Insight Global

Insight Global is a staffing company that helps its clients fill roles for a wide range of industries, from IT and healthcare to engineering. Billed as one of the largest staffing agencies in the world, Insight Global serves many Fortune 1000 clients and recruits talent in more than 50 countries around the globe. It advertises that it places more than 50,000 employees a year. 

Services Offered: Staffing Services, Evergreen Professional Services, Culture Consulting, DEIB Training, Executive Recruiting  

JMJ Phillip

JMJ Phillip is an international executive search firm that specializes in placing employees in the technology, manufacturing, and supply chain industries. Promoting itself as a “high-touch” recruitment firm, JMJ Phillip provides contingent, retained, discreet, and strategic recruiting services. The company shares its vast network of professionals with clients to help them fill their openings quickly.

Services Offered: Contingent Recruiting, Retained Executive Search, Hybrid Retained Executive Search, Discreet Search Projects, Interim Executives, Succession Planning

Alpha Apex Group

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Global consulting firm Alpha Apex offers its customers executive search services, management consulting, and strategic digital marketing assistance. Its consultants aim to equip clients with recruitment solutions that are unique and tailored to their individual needs. In addition, the company provides fractional executive services, which fill leadership gaps without hiring for full-time roles. 

Services Offered: Executive Search, Fractional Executives, Staffing, Healthcare RPO, Nurse Recruitment and Staffing

PMO Partners

PMO Partners, LLC connects high-quality project management, QA, and business analysis talent with employers. Offering both contract-to-hire and long-term direct hires, the project management services consulting firm specializes in recruiting IT and senior project managers, QA analysts and engineers, business systems analysts, and project coordinators across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, insurance, and technology.   

Services Offered: Project Management Consulting, Contract-to-Hire, Direct Hire

Elevate Your Hiring Strategy with the Right Recruitment Firm

No matter the industry, most companies rely on their project and program managers to get things done efficiently and effectively. These key employees keep projects on track by coordinating resources, managing risk, and leading teams, ultimately driving the overall success and growth of the business. 

Employers should partner with seasoned program and project management recruitment agencies like MSH to secure top-tier candidates. 

Ready to tap into our expertise and expansive network to land the best program and project managers? Explore MSH’s tailored recruitment solutions today and see how we can propel your hiring strategy to new heights.