Finding the right project leader for your next big technology initiative can make or break your timeline and budget. You need a partner who understands the nuances of contingent staffing for PMs, Scrum Masters, and program managers. I've analyzed five
The State of IT Project Leadership Staffing
The demand for contingent project leadership talent has surged as enterprises accelerate digital transformations. Companies need experienced Project Managers, Program Managers, and Scrum Masters who can step in immediately and drive complex initiatives. Boutique staffing firms that specialize in this niche offer a level of expertise and personal attention that generalist agencies can't match. In 2026, speed, retention, and cultural fit are the top priorities for hiring managers.
How We Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm based on their specialization in IT project leadership roles, local presence in key markets like Philadelphia, client base (Fortune 500 vs. mid-market), time-to-hire, retention rates, and overall reputation. I also considered unique differentiators such as woman-owned status or vendor-neutral models.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five firms to help you narrow down your options.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| KORE1 | Fast, high-retention placements in the Philadelphia market | Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement |
| NewConfig | Directly comparable contingent PM staffing with a Pennsylvania base | Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement |
| Motion Recruitment | National reach with strong Philadelphia enterprise connections | Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement |
| Partner's Consulting | Woman-owned, high-touch project leadership placements for Fortune 500s | Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement |
| CorSource | Vendor-neutral, outcome-driven project leadership consulting | Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement |
In-Depth Reviews of Each Firm
#1 KORE1
A screenshot of the KORE1 website.
KORE1 is a Philadelphia-based IT staffing and consulting firm with a dedicated office serving Comcast, Vanguard, Penn Medicine, and Independence Blue Cross. They place IT Project and Program Managers with PMP and SAFe certifications, technical program managers, ERP rollout leads, and PMO directors. Their average time-to-hire is just 17 days, and they boast a 92% 12-month retention rate. This local presence and speed make them a top choice for urgent project leadership needs. You can see their Philadelphia focus on their IT staffing page.
Top IT Project Leadership Staffing Firms:
- Pro: Exceptional 17-day average time-to-hire and 92% retention rate
- Con: Limited national footprint compared to larger competitors
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement
#2 NewConfig
A screenshot of the NewConfig website.
NewConfig is a Pennsylvania-based executive and IT staffing firm that focuses exclusively on project management placements. They provide Project Managers, Program Managers, Scrum Masters, and Agile Coaches to clients ranging from Fortune 50 to mid-market companies. Their model closely mirrors Partner's Consulting's contingent project leadership approach, offering both full-time and contract staffing. You can explore their project management staffing services on their dedicated page. They also share their company story on their About Us page.
Top IT Project Leadership Staffing Firms:
- Pro: Specialized exclusively in project management roles
- Con: Less brand recognition than national firms
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement
#3 Motion Recruitment
A screenshot of the Motion Recruitment website.
Motion Recruitment is a national IT staffing firm with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Philadelphia office. They match mid-to-senior level tech candidates for full-time and contract roles, specializing in IT staffing for enterprise employers in banking, insurance, and healthcare. Their contingent resource model is comparable to Partner's Consulting's approach for large-scale tech projects. You can learn more about their Philadelphia operations on their location page and their overall mission on their About page.
Top IT Project Leadership Staffing Firms:
- Pro: 30+ years of industry experience and a broad candidate network
- Con: Not as specialized in project leadership as niche firms
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement
#4 Partner's Consulting
A screenshot of the Partner's Consulting website.
Partner's Consulting is the first and only woman-owned IT project leadership company, based in Philadelphia. Since 2006, they have provided contingent resources—Project Managers, Product Managers, Program Managers, Portfolio Managers, Business Analysts, and Scrum Masters—to Fortune 500 corporations. Their high-touch approach means they stay personally involved throughout the placement process to ensure success for both client and resource. They have built their reputation primarily through referrals and are known for their values-driven culture. As a WBE, they also support educational initiatives for girls in IT leadership.
Top IT Project Leadership Staffing Firms:
- Pro: Personalized service and strong referral-based reputation
- Con: Smaller scale than national competitors
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement
#5 CorSource
A screenshot of the CorSource website.
CorSource is a project leadership consulting firm that offers strategic consultants, agile project teams, and staff augmentation. Their services include project leadership, operational excellence, and process improvement—closely mirroring Partner's Consulting's focus. They take a vendor-neutral, outcome-driven approach and serve national clients from their headquarters in Portland, Oregon. You can see their project leadership offerings on their services page and learn about their approach on their About page.
Top IT Project Leadership Staffing Firms:
- Pro: Vendor-neutral model ensures unbiased talent recommendations
- Con: HQ in Portland may mean less local presence in Philadelphia
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; custom quote per engagement
How to Select the Right Project Leadership Staffing Partner
Start by identifying the specific roles you need—whether it's a Scrum Master for an agile transformation or a Program Manager for a multi-year ERP rollout. Look for firms with a proven track record in your industry and geographic region. Ask about their vetting process, average time-to-hire, and retention metrics. Finally, consider the firm's culture and values to ensure alignment with your organization.
Streamlining Your Talent Acquisition Workflow
You can integrate these staffing partners into your talent acquisition workflow by setting up preferred vendor agreements and using their direct placement services. Many firms offer dedicated account managers who can pre-screen candidates and present only the top matches. This reduces your internal recruiting burden and speeds up the hiring cycle for critical project roles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right IT project leadership staffing firm can be the difference between a successful project and a costly delay. Whether you prioritize speed, specialization, or local presence, the five firms above offer proven solutions. Partner's Consulting stands out for its woman-owned status and high-touch service, while KORE1 leads with speed and retention. Evaluate your needs and pick the partner that fits best.