UK SMEs don't need more CVs.

They need strategic hires that protect growth and delivery.

This is not reactive recruitment. It is targeted, discreet headhunting for hires that have impact.
I work with UK SME founders, MDs and leadership teams as a strategic headhunting partner — on roles where getting it wrong costs money, stalls growth and delays delivery.
Clients
Candidates

Sub-5% Attrition Rate

vs. 30–40% industry average

7 - 10 Days CV to Hire

matched CVs from vacancy registration

15+ Years Experience

headhunting across UK SMEs, mid to leadership

Finding the People Who Aren't Looking

Symmetric is a headhunting team with deep roots in Defence & Space, Maritime, Engineering and Tech.

We work partner with UK SME founders and leadership teams. On the hires that matter most. Where getting it wrong stalls growth, delays delivery, and costs far more than the fee.

Giving You The Competitive Edge

  • Specialist Not generalists dabbling in your sector. Dedicated headhunters who understand your world, your talent landscape, and what good looks like in your environment. Because we have worked in the Industries we serve.
  • Established 15+ years headhunting. 7+ years working inside Defence SMEs before that. We don't just know recruitment. We know the commercial realities you're operating in. That experience shapes every search we run.
  • Proven A proven track record built exclusively with UK SME leaders with the client references to prove it, active across some of the most demanding sectors in industry. Discreet, confidential targeted searches that deliver the right person.
Our Services

Latest Vacancies

Programme Director

Programme Director – Commercial Defence
Location: Surrey
Salary: Up to £120,000 Basic + Bonus (OTE £150,000)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time/Hybrid

Read more

Senior Project Manager

Base Salary: £70,000 - £75,00 per annum DOE
Bonus up to: £12,000
Location: Farnborough
Permanent, Full-Time/Hybrid

Read more
More Vacancies
Clients

Clients

Candidates

Candidates

Most recruitment focuses on who is available right now.

I focus on who is performing right now — and how to engage them properly.

That means direct access to hard-to-reach professionals who have already delivered in similar SME environments. Searches built around SME realities, not generic recruitment frameworks.

cv icon

Fewer CVs

Only matched, vetted candidates — no padding the shortlist.
decide icon

Clearer Decisions

Candidates who have already performed in your environment.
badge icon

Higher Offer Acceptance

Buy-in built before interview, not chased after offer.

The outcome: de-risked hires, reduced costs, and growth and delivery kept on target.

Testimonials

  • "We have been working with Symmetric for over two years. In that time we have doubled our headcount through them with an overall attrition rate of just 1%. The growth we have achieved as a business would not have been possible without them. If you are an SME leader who needs to scale without compromising on quality of hire, Symmetric is the partner you need."
    Managing Director | UK Defence
  • "We had been trying to fill a senior commercial role for the best part of four months before we engaged Symmetric. James took the time to properly understand our business, our culture and what we actually needed from the hire. Within two weeks we had a shortlist of people we would never have found through traditional routes. The person we appointed has been outstanding. Exactly the calibre and fit we were looking for. I would not hesitate to recommend Symmetric to any SME leader with a critical hire to make."
    MD | UK Defence
  • "Symmetric came recommended and they did not disappoint. James invested serious time understanding our business before a single candidate was approached. That groundwork showed in the quality of what came back. Every person on the shortlist was credible, sector relevant and genuinely interested in what we are building. We made a hire we are proud of and the onboarding could not have gone more smoothly. For any CEO looking for a recruitment partner who treats your business as seriously as you do, Symmetric is the call to make."
    CEO | UK Space

    Contact Us

    To find out more about our services and expertise please get in touch with a member of our team.
    Get in touch

    Menu

    Contact

    T: 07584 066122
    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Registered Address:
    Grenville House
    Barnstaple
    Devon, EX31 1TZ

    Company No. 13441988

    Copyright © Symmetric Recruitment Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Website design & development Beyond Your Brand
    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our Privacy Policy to find out more.
    I'm fine with Cookies Decline Cookies