With over 19 years of experience in recruitment, business development, and account management, Rishma Ahmed has built an impressive career managing staff augmentation projects for major enterprise clients like IBM Canada, Kyndryl, Accenture, and Microsoft Canada. Now, as a Senior Client Relationship Manager at SRA, she’s bringing her expertise and passion for fostering meaningful client relationships to drive long-term success.

A Journey Defined by Relationships and Results

“For me, recruitment has always been more than just filling roles—it’s about building relationships, understanding client needs, and delivering talent solutions that make a real impact,” Rishma shares. Her journey to SRA was fueled by her commitment to high-quality staffing solutions and the opportunity to work in an environment that values both innovation and human connection.

The Key to Strong Client Partnerships

In her role, Rishma focuses on developing tailored recruitment strategies that address evolving workforce needs. So, how does she ensure clients get the best possible hiring experience?

  • Active Listening & Understanding Needs: I always start by truly understanding a client’s hiring challenges. Every organization is different, and the key to delivering the right talent is knowing their business beyond just job descriptions.
  • Transparency & Trust: Clients appreciate honesty. Whether it’s managing expectations or providing workforce insights, I believe trust is built through open and consistent communication.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Rishma emphasizes that leveraging analytics and hiring trends helps her refine recruitment strategies, ensuring clients receive top-tier candidates who fit both the role and the company culture.

Turning Hiring Challenges into Success Stories

One of Rishma’s most rewarding experiences was helping a client secure specialized IT talent for a high-stakes project. Previous vendors had failed to deliver, and the deadline was fast approaching.

“I worked closely with stakeholders, revamped the sourcing strategy, and focused on precision matchmaking. Not only did we meet the deadline, but the client was so pleased that they gave me exclusive hiring opportunities moving forward. Over the next couple of years, I successfully placed over 30 professionals with them.”

The Future of Recruitment: Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry

With hiring trends evolving rapidly, Rishma believes that flexible workforce models, upskilling initiatives, and AI-driven recruitment strategies will define the future of talent acquisition. “Companies that embrace workforce agility—be it hybrid work, contract talent, or skill-based hiring—will have a competitive edge.”

At SRA, she sees a strong alignment with this future-focused approach. “What sets SRA apart is its commitment to tailored staffing solutions. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; we ensure each hire is strategic, impactful, and beneficial for long-term business success.”

Looking Ahead: What Drives Rishma?

Rishma is motivated by the impact of her work—helping businesses succeed by connecting them with top talent. Looking ahead, she hopes to strengthen client partnerships, contribute to SRA’s ongoing growth, and evolve as a strategic advisor in the staffing industry.

“At the end of the day, recruitment is about people—understanding them, supporting them, and helping them achieve success. That’s what keeps me passionate about this industry.”