Sydney’s Specialist Digital Marketing and AI Recruitment Agency
Since 2010, Big Wave Digital has been the recruitment partner of choice for Australia’s most ambitious digital and technology brands. We are passionate, empathetic, and bespoke in everything we do, placing exceptional talent into the roles that shape the future of Digital Marketing and Artificial Intelligence.
Digital Marketing Recruitment, Reimagined for 2026
The digital marketing landscape has transformed. AI-powered campaigns, predictive analytics, and automation are now central to every marketing function. We understand this shift because we live and breathe it every day.
We recruit across the full spectrum of modern digital marketing roles, including:
- Head of Digital Marketing
- Performance Marketing Manager
- Growth Marketing Lead
- Marketing Automation Specialist
- AI Marketing Strategist
- Paid Media Manager (SEM, Programmatic, Paid Social)
- SEO and Content Strategy Lead
- CRM and Lifecycle Marketing Manager
- Ecommerce Marketing Manager
- Brand and Communications Manager
AI and Technology Talent That Moves the Needle
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a niche hire. From product teams embedding machine learning into their platforms to marketing departments deploying AI for personalisation and insight, the demand for skilled AI talent has never been higher.
We place candidates in roles such as:
- AI Engineering Manager
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data and AI Architect
- Generative AI Engineer
- AI Product Manager
- Head of AI
- NLP / Computer Vision Specialist
- Prompt Engineer / AI Workflow Strategist
Why Clients and Candidates Choose Big Wave Digital
Bespoke, Every Time
No cookie-cutter processes here. Every search is tailored to your business, your culture, and the specific talent you need. We take the time to understand what makes your team tick before we start looking.
Empathetic and People-First
Recruitment is personal. We care deeply about both our clients and candidates, and we build long-term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and genuine respect. That is what sets us apart from the transactional agencies.
16 Years of Passion
Founded in 2010, we have spent over 16 years refining our craft across Digital Marketing, AI, and Technology recruitment in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. We are proud to be a market leader built on integrity, innovation, and results.
Beyond the Brief
We do not just fill roles. We partner with you to understand your growth strategy, your team dynamics, and the market landscape so we can find candidates who genuinely fit.
Whether you are scaling a digital marketing team, hiring your first Head of AI, or looking for a contract Performance Marketing Manager to hit the ground running, Big Wave Digital has the network, the expertise, and the passion to deliver.
Our clients range from high-growth startups and scale-ups to ASX-listed enterprises and global brands operating across Australia and New Zealand.
How We Work: Our Digital Recruitment Process
Every search begins with a conversation, not a job spec. We start by understanding your business: where you are heading, what your team looks like today, and what kind of person will thrive in your environment. This upfront investment means we present fewer candidates of higher calibre, rather than flooding your inbox with marginal fits.
From there, we draw on a proprietary network of digital marketing and AI professionals built over 16 years of specialist recruiting in Sydney. Many of our strongest candidates are not actively looking; they come to us because they trust our discretion and our understanding of the market. We handle everything from initial outreach and technical screening through to offer negotiation and onboarding support.
For candidates, the process is equally considered. We take the time to understand your career goals, your preferred working style, and the kind of culture where you do your best work. We will never put you forward for a role that does not genuinely align with where you want to go.
Digital Marketing Salary Guide: Sydney 2026
Based on our placement data and ongoing market conversations, here are the salary ranges we are seeing for permanent digital marketing and AI roles in Sydney (base salary, excluding superannuation and bonuses).
Digital Marketing Roles
- Head of Digital Marketing: $180,000 to $240,000
- Performance Marketing Manager: $130,000 to $170,000
- Growth Marketing Lead: $140,000 to $180,000
- Marketing Automation Specialist: $110,000 to $140,000
- SEO and Content Strategy Lead: $120,000 to $160,000
- Ecommerce Marketing Manager: $130,000 to $170,000
AI and Technology Roles
- AI Engineering Manager: $220,000 to $280,000
- Machine Learning Engineer: $180,000 to $250,000
- Data and AI Architect: $200,000 to $270,000
- AI Product Manager: $180,000 to $230,000
- Generative AI Engineer: $170,000 to $240,000
- Prompt Engineer: $120,000 to $160,000
These figures reflect the Sydney market as of early 2026. Actual salaries vary based on company size, industry, and individual experience. For a confidential salary benchmarking conversation, get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of companies do you recruit for?
We work with organisations of every size, from venture-backed startups building their founding marketing teams through to ASX-listed enterprises and global brands with established digital functions. Our clients span fintech, SaaS, ecommerce, media, health tech, and professional services, among others.
Do you recruit contract and freelance digital marketers?
Yes. We place permanent, contract, and fixed-term candidates across all the digital marketing and AI roles we cover. Contract placements are particularly popular for project-based work such as platform migrations, campaign launches, and parental leave cover.
How long does a typical placement take?
For most digital marketing roles, we present a shortlist within 7 to 10 business days. Senior and highly specialised positions (such as Head of AI or AI Engineering Manager) may take 2 to 4 weeks given the smaller candidate pool. We prioritise quality over speed, though in practice our network means we rarely need to compromise on either.
What if I am a candidate looking for my next digital marketing role?
We would love to hear from you. Register with us here and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch to discuss your experience, your goals, and the opportunities we are currently working on. Many of our best roles are filled before they are publicly advertised.
Do you recruit outside Sydney?
Our core market is Sydney, but we also place candidates in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. Many of the roles we work on offer hybrid or remote flexibility, which has expanded the talent pool significantly in recent years.
Ready to Build Your Digital or AI Team?
Get in touch with our specialist consultants today. We would love to hear about your hiring needs and show you why Big Wave Digital has been trusted by Australia’s best brands for over 16 years.