We specialize in recruiting and executive search in the manufacturing sector across engineering, technical, operational, and executive leadership talent. Our team partners with employers and job seekers to deliver strategic hiring solutions built on industry expertise, relationship-driven recruiting, and long-term success.
Guided by a human-first philosophy, we prioritize authentic connections, cultural alignment, and long-term career success over transactional placements. From technical specialists and plant leadership to executive and C-suite roles, we guide the entire recruiting process with a consultative, transparent approach. This allows employers to hire with confidence and professionals to advance their careers with clarity and purpose.
Forging the future of manufacturing through human-centric recruitment and unbreakable career alignment.
We help small to mid-size manufacturing organizations reduce the crushing cost of turnover and the risk of empty critical seats by implementing a specialized sourcing strategy, producing a curated slate of culturally aligned, high-caliber candidates within a week.
Our Human First approach ensures we view every candidate and hiring manager holistically, valuing the person behind the resume or profile. While we leverage technology as helpful assistants, we commit to putting human eyes on every application to prioritize authentic connection over algorithms.
The Go Deeper value empowers us to move beyond initial responses by asking thoughtful follow-up questions to truly grasp a candidate or hiring manager's perspective. We refuse to settle for dead ends, instead choosing to think outside the box and develop creative new strategies to ensure we find the right fit for everyone.
Compassionate Candor means we prioritize honest, firm feedback to ensure all parties are aligned and have realistic expectations for success. By taking a consultative approach rather than simply taking orders, we share uncomfortable truths with kindness to facilitate genuine professional growth.
Character over Ease means prioritizing integrity and ethical standards above all else, even if it results in losing a deal. We are committed to doing the right thing and maintaining high moral ground, regardless of how difficult the situation may be.
We replace automated algorithms with a human-centric vetting process that puts real eyes on every candidate. By moving beyond the initial resume to ask thoughtful, probing questions, we ensure technical skills are backed by the character and integrity your specific environment requires.
Our process prioritizes cultural fit over a quick placement to ensure long-term stability. By using honest, transparent feedback to manage expectations, we deliver talent that integrates seamlessly and reduces the high cost of turnover.
We function as a strategic extension of your leadership team rather than a simple order-taker. We provide creative problem-solving and realistic market insights to resolve operational burnout and protect your profit margins during critical growth phases.
We bypass saturated job boards to target elite professionals currently making an impact elsewhere. Our specialized search methods deliver a curated slate of high-caliber candidates within two weeks, ensuring your essential roles are filled with top-tier talent.
Snelling Recruiting and Executive Search first opened its doors in 1997 with a vision of providing the personalized service of a small business backed by the power of a national network. Over the decades, our mission has evolved to focus on a specialized sourcing strategy that identifies elite talent far beyond traditional job boards, reaching the top candidates in the market who aren’t actively applying to postings.
Today, our team leverages a deep network built on over 29 years of combined manufacturing recruiting experience to find these hidden professionals. This human-centric approach allows us to look past a simple skillset and prioritize the human elements, matching goals, values, and culture to ensure a long-term, lasting fit.
As a dedicated team that genuinely cares about people, we continue to provide custom workforce solutions that go beyond a simple placement. By focusing on the person behind the resume, we remain committed to changing lives and delivering true talent to our manufacturing partners.
At Snelling Recruiting and Executive Search, we believe the art of recruitment begins with an authentic human connection that no automated system can replicate. When you reach out to us, you will always be met by a dedicated team member ready to provide a unique, personalized experience tailored to your specific needs.
Our philosophy is built on keeping things simple and direct, ensuring that every interaction is grounded in genuine conversation. This human-centric focus allows us to understand the nuances of your goals and values, fostering the deep relationships necessary to make a lasting impact.
Trish has called Colorado home for more than two decades, while remaining deeply connected to her Southern roots. She earned her graduate degree from Auburn University, Go War Eagles!
As President of Snelling Recruiting & Executive Search for 11 years, she leads an expert team that balances technical precision with the cultural alignment our clients’ operations require. Focusing on relationship-driven partnerships to fuel sustainable growth, Trish and her team are trusted advisors for the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
As empty-nesters, Trish and her husband enjoy spending time with their grown children, three rescue dogs and cat, and their pack of grand dogs. Spring and summer are favorite seasons full of boating, gardening and patio dinners.
Melanie is a Colorado native and graduate of Colorado State University. She brings over 10 years of experience in recruiting and client relations, specializing in technical placements across engineering, accounting, and operations.
With a background in social work, Melanie is known for creating a seamless, thoughtful experience for both clients and candidates. With a natural strength in relationship-building (“woo”), she connects quickly, communicates clearly, and is attuned to aligning the right talent with the right opportunity. She finds genuine satisfaction in making matches that last, because to her, both work and life are ultimately about people.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys golf, walking, skiing, and spending time with her family, including her two sons, their wives, and 3 grandchildren. A few fun facts, she has moved 12 times (thanks to her husband’s military service) and traveled for a year with Up with People.
Katrina is a Midwest transplant from Western Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver. With a true passion for connecting people, Katrina has over ten years of technical recruiting experience across manufacturing, engineering, accounting, operations, and legal sectors.
Central to Snelling’s targeted sourcing strategy, Katrina loves the thrill of “the hunt” for exceptional talent and specializes in finding that purple unicorn candidate. She is a dedicated wordsmith who curates Snelling’s messaging and content with deep intention, ensuring every connection is meaningful and every outreach is impactful.
Outside of work, she’s a busy mom of two, wife to a CPA, and owner of a Border Collie whose true-life passion is chasing a ball. Her favorite way to reset is by taking advantage of the Colorado great outdoors with family; often found camping, hiking, mountain biking, or hitting the slopes. She believes a vibrant life outside of work is the ultimate fuel for success within it.
Bennett grew up in Houston and is a graduate of Texas State University. An avid outdoorsman, Bennett moved to Colorado and has called it home since the summer of 2021. With 5 years of manufacturing and engineering recruiting experience, he understands the industry nuances.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping people, Bennett quickly puts candidates at ease and fosters the authentic dialogue necessary for long-term success. He takes a deep dive into the technical requirements of every role, ensuring that the specialized needs of manufacturing and engineering firms are met with precision and care. By focusing on the person behind the resume, he builds the trust required to navigate complex career transitions and find the right cultural fit for every team.
Bennett enjoys riding any kind of bicycle, playing music, and spending time in the company of his friends. And he enjoys exploring all that Colorado has to offer! Fun Fact: he’s able to give detailed descriptions of most comic book characters at a moment’s notice.
Ollie the office dog, a Houston, Texas native, found his way into the Banisters’ hearts at the tender age of 11 months. Ollie brings much joy to the office team, as well as the occasional, annoying, misplaced bark. He encourages the team to get steps in by taking well-deserved walks. Ollie also knows how to use his soulful eyes to get Melanie to share her cheese sticks.
Common questions about our recruiting firm, services, and approach.
We focus on the manufacturing sector, supporting hiring across engineering, technician, operations, and C-suite roles, with a deep understanding of technical and leadership environments.
Yes. We partner with employers to fill critical roles and support job seekers with confidential, career-aligned opportunities, always prioritizing long-term fit and success.
Absolutely. We provide retained executive search for senior leadership and C-suite positions, as well as direct placement for management and technical roles.
Candidates are assessed through a human-first, holistic vetting process that considers technical expertise, leadership ability, cultural alignment, and long-term career fit.
We support employers and professionals across multiple regions, including national and region-specific recruiting engagements.
