People are the Core Element
Trusted executive recruitment agency specialising in FMCG, food, drinks and pharma industries. Highly regarded for search precision, seamless employer partnering and exceptional candidate experiences, since 2012.

Core Element is built around the functional & organisational credentials of Steve and Emma Ward, who spent a combined 27 years in FMCG sales, marketing and leadership roles before moving to recruitment and search. We are functional/industry experts, valued business partners and proud employer brand ambassadors. We are highly engaged, incredibly consistent and easy to deal with.

Our search remit and recruitment activity spans Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Operations and Procurement, at the mid-senior level. 

We know people
Since 2012, we’ve been delivering a new standard in executive recruitment for the FMCG, food and drinks and pharma industries. We are the recruitment/search partner of choice to many leading organisations and first point of call for countless professionals. We are trusted, connected, seamless and precise. 
Our Value
We have in-depth knowledge of the specifics of the roles we recruit, having performed, worked alongside and led many during our respective FMCG careers. 

We engage with employers and candidates on a rich and insightful level, enabling effortless exchange and high engagement.

Core Element is famous for delivering an exceptional candidate experience. Responsive, highly communicative, transparent and constructive characterise our candidate experience ethos. We have worked tirelessly to build a great reputation and enjoy a high rate of referral.

We remain inspired to deliver a new standard in executive recruitment.



Our team
Steve Ward Core Element Recruitment
Steve Ward - Director

Prior to moving to search & recruitment, I enjoyed a successful sales & leadership career in the FMCG and food sectors. My career was built with leading organisations such as PepsiCo (Frito-Lay), Campbell Arnott’s, Simplot Australia and George Weston Foods. My recruiting credentials were forged through many years sourcing, engaging and developing people and teams.

With over a decade at the helm of Core Element, my commitment to executive recruitment is unwavering, specialising in the FMCG, food and drinks sectors. Our organisation thrives on creating meaningful partnerships and connections, expertly pairing leading companies with top-tier talent. We are the first point of call for countless professionals.

Outside of the business, I'm a doting dad to two very tall teenagers, play drums in a band, love trail running, cooking and all things food, wine and socialising.

Emma Ward Core Element Recruitment
Emma Ward - Director

I look after the business and the Brand Marketing, Category, Supply & Procurement recruitment.

Having experienced life in big tier 1 FMCG businesses (Reckitt Benckiser & Mondelez), I gained an extensive understanding of Brand Marketing, as well as working along other key functions.

Moving into recruitment has been extremely rewarding, being able to assist people on their career journey, it is what I love best.

Honesty and integrity is what I stand for with a love of all things brand and developing people.

On the personal side, I love catching up with people, so please always come and say hello at industry events or at the coffee shop.

Our Expertise
Foodservice recruitment specialists - Core Element
Foodservice industry
Foodservice/QSR/B2B is heartland for us. We established an expert led recruitment capability for manufacturers (suppliers), distributors and end users in 2012. We know the space, its nuances and the commercial and capability demands required to navigate this fragmented and dynamic market. 

Long time supporters of the Foodservice industry, Core Element Director Steve Ward served as a Director of the FSAA for nine years and in 2021, co-founded the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB). We are proud members of both industry associations.

FMCG Recruitment Sales and Marketing - Core Element
FMCG and Consumer Goods Recruitment specialists
We built a functional & leadership foundation in FMCG sales & marketing. It is our backbone and overt area of expertise. As a specialist FMCG agency, we achieve cut through in this highly competitive market through delivering search precision & efficiency. We are proud to lead and complement the talent acquisition efforts of many leading organisations across multiple categories.
Drinks / Liquor industry Sales and Marketing recruitment
Drinks/Alcohol industry recruitment specialists
Drinks forms a major component of our recruitment focus and reach. Established in 2012 we’ve built an expert led and focused sales & marketing recruiting stream spanning the 'on and off' trade. 
We’re thrilled to be working with many leading brands & suppliers in the space. 

Pharmacuetical recruitment
Pharmaceuticals recruitment specialists
Having worked across FMCG and Pharmacy with credentials in consumer centric organisations, Core Element has transitioned from OTC Pharmacy to medicinal and prescription medication with multiple organisations across Australia.   
Retail and distributors recruitment
Retail and Wholesale industry recruitment specialists
Core Element's Retail and Wholesale stream is a rapidly growing part of our business. Working with multiple client partners across many organisational functions, we’re bringing diversity and competitive advantage to some iconic businesses.
Contact Us title Core Element

Address:
43 Victoria St
McMahons Point NSW 2060

E-mail: 

Phone: 
(02) 8987 1984