At Talent Quarter, we’re passionate about connecting people with opportunities that truly transform their lives. Our newly appointed Head of Permanent Recruitment, Mandy Sheen, with more than 30 year of experience bringing a wealth of expertise and wisdom to the role.

Mandy leads our dedicated team of permanent recruitment consultants at Talent Quarter who bring specialist knowledge across allied health, social work and mental health, nursing and professional services. Together, they are servicing healthcare organisations across Australia.

Mandy’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Talent Quarter as we expand our permanent recruitment offering. With her leadership, and the dedicated team supporting her, we’re setting new standards for how healthcare organisations find, and keep - the right talent. Read on for a short Q&A with Mandy and get to know Mandy a little better.

Mandy, you’ve worked in recruitment for 30 years. What keeps you passionate about permanent placements?

It’s the opportunity to change lives in a truly lasting way. Helping someone secure a permanent role means supporting them in building a long-term career for themselves, security for their families, for me, it’s not just filling a position - that’s what motivates me every day. 

Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a recruitment specialist about helping people build long-term careers?

Listen. Give options. And listen again. People’s priorities, needs, and wants change throughout their careers, so never assume. That’s also what makes Talent Quarter unique, our team takes time to listen deeply to both candidates and clients. We don’t just match CVs to jobs; we take the time to understand people’s evolving goals and help them grow into roles where they’ll thrive.

How has the recruitment industry changed since you started?
The basics haven’t changed - relationships are still everything. Technology has made us more efficient, but not always in a good way. Skills can be matched by software, but the real key to long-term success is culture fit. That’s something only genuine conversations can uncover. 

Mandy’s take for Job Seekers

From your experience, why does a permanent role offer more than just stability?
Because it’s about more than just a paycheck. Permanent roles offer: 

• Training and development opportunities 
• Mentorship and guidance 
• Recognition and reward 
• A sense of belonging through teamwork 
  
  

At the same time, we know that locum and contract roles play an equally important part in healthcare careers - offering flexibility, variety, and the chance to quickly build experience.

A permanent role simply provides another pathway, giving those who want long-term growth the space to invest in themselves and their future.

If you’re considering a permanent move, ask yourself three questions:

1. Does this role align with my long-term career goals?
2. Does the company culture support my values and growth?
3. Is the salary fair, but not the only reason to stay?
   
   

What common mistakes do candidates make - and how can they avoid them?

Chasing the $$$. I often meet candidates who are leaving roles due to poor culture, no progression, or lack of training. Then they accept a counteroffer with more money, but money doesn’t solve issues like lack of growth or toxic environments. At Talent Quarter, we coach candidates to think about the why behind their career moves and help them make decisions that align with their long-term future. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a permanent move, what would it be?

Think about what’s really important to you in a healthcare career, whether that’s working in an organisation with a supportive patient-first culture, access to training and professional development, or fair and sustainable pay. Choose a role that allows you to grow your skills and deliver better care, while aligning with your long-term career goals, not just your short-term needs.

Mandy’s take for Employers

What difference does the right permanent hire make to a business?

The right hire boosts productivity, lifts morale, and drives revenue. A great hire creates a ripple effect across the team - and across patient care outcomes.

What do clients often underestimate about permanent recruitment?

The true cost of the wrong hire - it’s not just financial, it can impact culture, team morale, and patient care. That’s why at Talent Quarter we:

• Take time to deeply understand your business needs and culture
• Use a consultative process that goes beyond skills-matching
• Provide a comprehensive aftercare program to support retention
  
  

This approach has already helped our clients save significantly on recruitment costs, while building stronger, more engaged teams.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for employers to attract great talent?

Open and honest communication. No role is perfect - and that’s okay! Being upfront helps you attract and retain the right people. Also, don’t just try to replicate the last person in the role. The world is changing quickly, and fresh perspectives are what keep businesses relevant. At TQ, we help employers look ahead, not backwards.

Lastly, if you weren’t in recruitment, what career could you see yourself doing?

Sand biologist - as long as it only encompasses lying on the sand at the beach!

The Talent Quarter Difference

It’s that mix of humour and humanity that makes Mandy such a strong industry leader. Her experience shows that while technology may evolve, the heart of recruitment is still human connection, that’s where the impact lies.

As Mandy says:

“If you’re going to do something, do it right. I’m competitive, and I always strive to be the best - for my candidates, my clients, and my team.”

Ready to Grow with Us?

With Mandy leading our Permanent Recruitment division, we’re proud to be raising the standard of healthcare recruitment, strengthening our clients’ teams, creating lasting opportunities for candidates, and making #connectionswithimpact in the communities we serve.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for a meaningful permanent role, or an organisation ready to strengthen your workforce with the right long-term talent, Talent Quarter is here to help.

📩 Get in touch with our Permanent Recruitment team today.