Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Recruitment Services in Marketing, Digital & Finance
Better Placed has been connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking businesses for over two decades. Founded in 2002, our expertise spans Marketing, Digital, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Technology, and Finance recruitment, with a unique focus on building genuine networks that prioritise understanding both candidates and employers beyond superficial metrics. Our team of specialist consultants combines deep sector knowledge with a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring placements that align with long-term career aspirations and organisational goals.Recognised as a Sunday Times Top 10 Best Place to Work in 2023, we operate from offices in Leeds, Manchester, and London, serving clients across the UK, Europe, and North America. Our values of pride, care, fearlessness, collaboration, and insight drive every interaction, from initial brief to successful placement. With a proven track record of delivering results for clients like River Island, LNER, and Barclays, we pride ourselves on transparency, personalised service, and a dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Services
Marketing Recruitment
Digital Recruitment
CPG Recruitment
Finance Recruitment
Tech Recruitment
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of proven success in specialist recruitment sectors
- Award-winning employer with a consultative, relationship-driven approach
- Extensive network spanning UK, Europe, and North America
- Specialist consultants with deep sector-specific expertise
- Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Associations and certifications
- Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work 2023
What people say
Exceptional service
Quality shortlists
Deep market knowledge
Personalised approach
Timely placements
Services
Marketing Recruitment
Specialist recruitment for Brand & Product Management, Marketing Analytics, CRM, PR, and Marketing Communications roles. Our consultants deliver tailored talent solutions for agencies and client-side organisations across the UK and internationally. With deep sector expertise, we connect marketing professionals with businesses seeking innovative leadership in brand development and digital strategy.
Digital Recruitment
Expert placement in PPC, SEO, Paid Social, Web Analytics, and Digital Product roles. We serve both agency and client-side clients, focusing on emerging technologies and digital transformation. Our network includes specialists in e-commerce platforms, conversion rate optimisation, and data-driven marketing strategies for businesses scaling their online presence.
CPG Recruitment
Targeted recruitment for Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, and Sales & Marketing roles in the Consumer Packaged Goods sector. We place mid to senior-level professionals in FMCG brands and retail organisations, prioritising candidates who understand consumer behaviour trends and supply chain efficiencies in fast-moving markets.
Finance Recruitment
Strategic placement of finance leaders including Finance Directors, Financial Controllers, and CFOs. We serve start-ups to established corporations, focusing on candidates who deliver data-led decision-making and scalable financial infrastructure. Our consultants specialise in aligning financial expertise with commercial growth objectives across diverse industries.
Tech Recruitment
Specialist tech recruitment launched in 2020, led by Jonathan Moran with 10+ years' experience in DevOps and software development. We place developers, engineers, and technical leaders across the North West and beyond, focusing on cloud solutions, full-stack development, and emerging technologies for scaling tech teams in agile environments.
People
Simon Stephens
Joint Managing Director
Co-founded Better Placed in 2002 with over 20 years of recruitment experience in marketing and financial services. Built a loyal network of senior professionals while maintaining a passion for sports and mentoring junior rugby teams. Holds a US university golf scholarship background.
Andrew Gibson
Joint Managing Director
One of the three founding members in 2001, specialising in executive recruitment for consumer markets. Focuses on attracting talent that aligns with Better Placed's values while balancing family life and sports coaching commitments.
Paul Bendelow
Founding Partner
Established bpe search in 2007 with 25+ years in executive recruitment across fintech, financial services, and consumer sectors. Champions ED&I initiatives and builds high-performing teams for private equity-backed businesses and scaling organisations.
Rachel O'Sullivan
Partner
Board Director since 2010 with expertise in retail, e-commerce, and hospitality sectors. Known for challenging traditional hiring practices and advancing women in leadership roles across marketing and digital functions.
Jonathan Moran
Tech Recruitment Lead
Launched Better Placed's Tech division in 2020 with 10+ years' experience in DevOps and software recruitment. Specialises in connecting tech talent with scaling businesses across the North West.
Questions
What sectors does Better Placed specialise in?
We focus on Marketing, Digital, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Technology, and Finance recruitment, with dedicated consultants in each sector.
Do you operate outside the UK?
Yes, our bpe search division handles senior appointments across Europe and North America, while our core recruitment services primarily cover the UK market.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
We invest time understanding candidates' experience, values, and aspirations through detailed conversations, ensuring alignment with client requirements beyond CV metrics.
What makes Better Placed different from other agencies?
Our relationship-driven approach prioritises genuine networks over transactional interactions, supported by sector-specialist consultants with 20+ years of combined experience.
Can you help with interim recruitment needs?
Yes, we offer interim and contract recruitment support with market dynamics insights, day rate advice, and IR35 compliance guidance.
Are you part of any diversity initiatives?
We actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through policies supporting women in leadership, menopause awareness, and bias-free recruitment practices.
