Placing Faces

Placing Faces is a specialist recruitment agency founded in 2016 by two directors who started their operation from a local library in Sheffield. The company has built its reputation on moving away from traditional high street recruitment methods, rejecting the high-target culture that leads to poor service for both candidates and clients. Rather than setting CV submission targets that result in irrelevant applications and pushy sales pitches, Placing Faces prioritises genuine matching and honest communication, ensuring recruiters take the necessary time to find the right fit for every placement.

The agency specialises in three core sectors within financial services. Mortgages form the foundation of their business, with expertise spanning mortgage brokers, underwriters, case managers, and trainee advisors, supported by recruiters holding CeMAP qualifications. Financial planning became a natural extension of their services from 2018 onwards, as they recognised the career progression pathway from mortgage advisory into independent financial advisory roles. Real estate finance represents their newest and rapidly expanding sector, launched in 2020, covering bridging, development finance, and commercial finance opportunities where technological advancements have streamlined traditionally lengthy processes.

Based in Sheffield at SUM Studios, Placing Faces serves clients across the nation through headhunting techniques and extensive senior industry contacts. The agency has earned recognition as winners of the Best Recruitment Brand at the Global Recruiter Awards in 2022 and Best Candidate Attraction Through Social Media in 2023 and 2025. Clients choose Placing Faces for their commitment to quality over volume, professional yet approachable team members, and genuine dedication to understanding both candidate aspirations and employer requirements before making placements.