From Recruiter to Strategist: Jessica Livermore on Building Teams, Processes and Opportunities

Career progression isn't a rigid ladder; it's a journey shaped by curiosity, opportunity, and the willingness to grow in new directions. Jessica Livermore, Group Operations Manager at Allura Partners, exemplifies this mindset. She joined the firm as a Senior Consultant and has since moved into a pivotal operations role, leveraging her recruitment background to strengthen processes, teams, and client experiences. 

Jess's entry into recruitment was almost accidental. "I kind of just fell into it," she recalls. "I was nannying in London, not really loving it, and someone said, 'Everyone in London does recruitment, you should.' With a background in sales, it felt like a natural step."  

Though her start wasn't planned, Jess quickly discovered what kept her in the industry: the opportunity to build meaningful, relationship-driven connections. She was drawn to environments where consultants weren't just filling roles, they were trusted partners in creating high-performing teams. That insight ultimately led her to Allura Partners.  

"When I first met Adrian and Andrew, I thought, these are the people I want to work for. The energy, the passion, it felt like somewhere I could really contribute. And when the world went into lockdown just after I joined, I saw firsthand that this was a business that cared about its people." 

A Strategic Career Pivot 

Jess's move into operations came as both a personal career pivot and a reflection of Allura Partners' commitment to supporting its people. "I knew agency recruitment wasn't necessarily my forever job," she says candidly. "During the pandemic, recruitment had slowed, and I asked myself: where else can I add value so I can stay with the business?" 

The answer was operations. Initially, Jess took on small projects, and over time, she realised this work played to her strengths. "It felt like I was at a crossroads. Either leave and do something new or stay and fully commit to recruitment. Instead, Allura Partners trusted me enough to try something different, and that's how I found myself in operations." 

Operations as a Driver of Client and Candidate Experience 

The operations function can sometimes be overlooked from the outside, but Jess sees it as critical to the client and candidate experience. "If I'm doing my job well," she explains, "clients and candidates should have a really consistent experience in their engagement with Allura Partners, regardless of what team they're working with. They should trust our brand because our operations are efficient and seamless, and that consistency translates to them." 

By ensuring processes, systems and standards are aligned across all teams, clients know they'll receive the same high-calibre service, while candidates benefit from smoother, more professional interactions. 

Removing Distractions to Focus on Recruitment 

Internally, Jess's role is about enabling recruiters to focus on what they do best. "At the most basic level, they can turn on their laptop and everything works. They have access to what they need without wasting time. My job is to remove distractions so they can focus on recruitment." 

Her background as a recruiter gives her a unique advantage. "I understand the day-to-day. I know what can make life easier or harder in a quarter. So, when someone comes to me, I don't need as much context to understand how to support them. I've been in their shoes. That credibility means things move faster." 

This dual perspective also makes Jess a trusted partner in shaping how Allura Partners scales. "As we grow, the way we managed things when there were ten of us has to evolve. It's about finding the balance between standardising processes and keeping what makes each team or each manager great. That challenge excites me." 

A Culture of Collaboration and Growth 

For Jess, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is the opportunity to collaborate across every part of the business. "When someone new joins and brings a different way of doing something, I find that so interesting. It's those lightbulb moments where we can improve and grow together." 

Expansion has only amplified these opportunities. With the opening of Allura's Melbourne office, operations play a pivotal role in ensuring both synergy and culture across locations. "Our focus was to replicate the culture we have in Sydney. It's about hiring for cultural fit and trusting the right people to build that brand in other states. And it's also exciting for our team, expansion means more internal mobility and new opportunities." 

Looking ahead, Jess is particularly energised by the possibilities of technology. "Upskilling in AI and automation, future-proofing our tech stack, these are things I'm really excited about. You never want to be the business that catches up four years too late." 

Meeting People Where They Are 

Jess's journey is proof that career progression doesn't always mean climbing the same ladder; it can mean stepping sideways, seizing opportunities, and shaping a role around both your own strengths and business needs. For Allura Partners, her story highlights the value of investing in people for the long term. 

As Jess puts it: "I don't ever want to feel separated from the recruitment team, because that's what makes me good at my role. At the end of the day, it's about understanding where people are, meeting them there, and helping them succeed."