Building Services Recruitment · Brisbane, Queensland
Mahlah Ludekens
Director & Co-founder, RecruitR
I recruit in Building Services in Queensland, and I’ve been doing it for 24 years. One market, the whole time.
24
Years in QLD building services
1,500+
Placements made since 2007
4.95
From 142 verified SEEK reviews
4.96
From 77 verified TopRec reviews
Who I am
Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire, ESD, acoustics, vertical transportation, BMS, Revit and BIM. I started in 2002 and I’ve never recruited anything else.
I’ve been at it long enough now that I recruited for founding directors who have since retired, and today I work with the people who took over from them. A lot of those people I placed in their very first job and watched move up through the ranks.
I know the managers and the teams, not just the company names. So whether you’re two years in or you’re running a division, I can tell you where you’d thrive and where you’ll grind.
I’m well known in this market, which is exactly why discretion matters so much to me. Nothing you tell me leaves the conversation — not what we discussed, and not the fact that we spoke at all.
Anyone can send a CV. Talking to the client about what makes you special is the part I do best — and it’s those things you can’t express in a CV.
What actually gets you in the room is the conversation I have with the client about you — your reasoning, what you’re genuinely good at, what you actually want in your next role and why. That’s the consulting part, and it’s the bit most people skip. It’s also what gets you the better offer, because by the time you walk in they already want you there.
I’ll tell you what a role is really paying, not what the ad says. I’ll tell you what it actually takes to get to the next level in your discipline. And if staying where you are is the smarter move, I’ll tell you that too — and help you work out how to have the hard conversation about money with the employer you’ve already got.
Most of my jobs are never advertised. A lot of what I’m working on never makes it to a job board, so it’s worth a chat even if you don’t see what you’re looking for.
What I recruit
- Mechanical / HVAC
- Electrical & Lighting
- Hydraulic
- Fire Protection
- Fire Safety & Fire Engineering
- ESD & Sustainability
- Acoustics
- Vertical Transportation
- BMS
- AV / IT
- Security & Comms
- Revit
- BIM
What candidates and clients say
Rated on two independent platforms. Every review below is verified against a real placement.
Every review verified Verified on TopRec
On SEEK
“Mahlah has been an absolute delight to work with. Right from the beginning of my career she personally reached out and offered guidance if I ever needed it. So when I was finally ready to take the next step the process was easy and comforting. You can tell she genuinely cares about your career and will fight to get you the best outcome. I felt informed at every stage of the interview process and once I got an offer knew exactly how to make a smooth transition.”
Dylan • Candidate
December 2024
“An amazing operator with a great network of connections within the industry. A real voice of reason who understands the market, where the industry is heading, and the importance of finding the right fit for both client and candidate. My experience working with Mahlah was professional, honest, and genuinely supportive throughout the process.”
Zach • Candidate
May 2026
“She was very approachable, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. She provided helpful guidance and recommended that I bring some of my recent work to the interview, which made a big difference in showcasing my skills. Because of her advice and preparation, I was able to successfully secure the job.”
Honey • Candidate
March 2026
“Mahlah took the time to get to know me, understand my drivers and work out what opportunities were best aligned to my strength and growth requirements. This resulted in finding a role that I’m really excited about.”
Barry • Candidate
December 2025
“She’s one of a kind.”
“Always puts the candidate first.”
“The quickest and easiest process I have been through.”
Recognition
SEEK Annual Recruitment Awards — Australia’s favourite small recruitment agency, two years running
Sourcr Best Agency — Engineering, QLD
RecruitR — independent since 2007, still owner-operated
Have a look for yourself
See my full TopRec profile
Every verified review, what I’m recruiting right now, and how to reach me — all in one place.
4.96
77 verified reviews
Not looking? That’s usually the best time to talk.
You don’t need a CV ready and you don’t need to be applying for anything. If you want to know what you’re worth, what’s moving in the market, or whether now is even the right time to move — have a confidential chat with me.
It goes no further.
Call me to discuss your career. Initially a text is best, to book in a time for a call.
RecruitR · Recruitment the way it should be · Brisbane, Queensland · SEEK review data current September 2026