Scaling a high-performance global team.
Shopify Plus Agency & Filta: Scaling a Global Team with 40% Cost Efficiency
This award-winning Sydney-based Shopify Plus agency specializes in full-service eCommerce solutions, helping brands scale through web development, digital marketing, and backend transaction processing.
As the business expanded, they needed a stronger, more strategic hiring approach – one that didn’t just fill job descriptions but built a scalable, high-performance team that could integrate seamlessly with their existing Sydney-based workforce.
That’s where Filta came in.
Expanding capabilities beyond local talent.
The agency needed talent across multiple disciplines – project management, development, SEO, design, and digital marketing – but struggled to find the right people locally. Shopify Plus expertise was particularly difficult to source, as many candidates were either settled in their current jobs or demanding salaries that exceeded their experience.
The CEO explored offshore hiring options in India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, but quickly realized that language barriers and cultural misalignment made integration difficult. In 2019, the decision was made to focus on the Philippines due to its English proficiency, strong eCommerce talent pool, and cultural fit.
But finding the right hiring partner was critical. Several outsourcing firms were evaluated, but they lacked the ability to build a team that truly fit the company’s culture and long-term strategy.
A team built for long-term growth.
The agency didn’t just need individual hires, they needed to develop a multi-level team that could function as an extension of their Sydney headquarters. With Filta, they established a structured hiring and HR model, which included:
- A leadership team in the Philippines to manage and integrate offshore employees.
- A strong focus on retention, onboarding, and cultural alignment.
- Clear career pathways to ensure engagement and professional development.
The results were remarkable. In the first three years, retention was 100%. “This is a crazy metric. It’s a result of alignment on both sides. The person really wanted to work for us, and we set expectations up front.”
What started as a three-person team in the Philippines grew to 20 employees within three years, covering roles such as Shopify Plus developers, project managers, digital marketers, and content writers.
Key wins from the Filta partnership.
- 100% retention rate over three years – zero employee turnover.
- 40% cost improvements across key roles, enabling scalable growth.
- From 3 to 20 employees in the Philippines within three years.
- Shopify Plus experts, project managers, digital marketers, and developers hired and onboarded.
- Better workload balance for both Sydney and Manila teams.
100% retention rate over the first
three years – zero employee turnover with Filta.
From 3 to 20 high-performing team members in 3 years – scaling globally with 40% cost savings and 100% retention.
“Filta understands that building a successful team isn’t just about hiring the right people, it’s about keeping them engaged, supported, and aligned with the company’s culture.”
40% cost improvements & increased agility.
Beyond recruitment and retention, Filta’s approach delivered significant cost advantages. The agency saved 40% on overall project costs by hiring in the Philippines, allowing them to scale more effectively while maintaining quality.
For some roles, the cost savings were as high as 70%, making it possible to hire additional team members and better manage workload fluctuations.
The financial flexibility also led to better work-life balance across the company, ensuring that staff both in Sydney and the Philippines weren’t overburdened during peak demand periods.
A Focus on Culture & Employee Experience
What set Filta apart wasn’t just the cost efficiency, it was the strong emphasis on cultural fit and employee experience.
Filta’s structured onboarding, clear expectations, and strong HR support played a key role in integrating the Manila-based team into the company’s day-to-day operations. The close attention to HR and workforce management ensured that employees felt supported, valued, and engaged.
A Partnership Built for the Future
By working with Filta, this Shopify Plus agency has built a scalable, high-performance team that functions as a true extension of their Sydney operations.
With strong retention, cost savings, and a deeply integrated offshore workforce, the partnership continues to drive long-term success after seven years together.