About Us
About Us
Nicki Bennett
Managing Director
Nicki founded Calibre Candidates in 2000 following a successful career in HR Management, where she discovered that identifying, engaging and developing exceptional talent was the area of HR she found most rewarding. Combining her understanding of people, business and recruitment strategy, Nicki built Calibre into a highly respected search and recruitment partner, recognised for its integrity, long-standing client relationships and consistently high standards.
As Executive Director, Nicki continues to lead the overall direction and growth of the business, while remaining hands-on in the area she is most passionate about — connecting outstanding people with ambitious organisations. Her strengths in strategic sourcing, relationship-building, market insight and negotiation have been central to developing trusted partnerships with both clients and candidates.
More recently, Nicki has spearheaded the launch and growth of Calibre’s specialist Insurtech Executive Search division, supporting innovative technology providers, insurers and high-growth businesses across the UK and international markets. With a strong understanding of the evolving insurance technology landscape, she partners with leadership teams to identify the commercial, technical and operational talent needed to support growth and transformation.
Known for her energy, tenacity and genuine interest in people, Nicki takes pride in building relationships that extend far beyond a single placement — offering honest advice, market knowledge and a highly personal approach.
Nicki admits she is “guilty as charged” when it comes to loving her work so much that she can often be found speaking with clients and candidates well outside traditional office hours. Away from the business, she enjoys travelling, bringing friends and family together for fun social gatherings, and indulging her passion for great food and a glass of good red wine.
Cate Kearsey
Recruitment Manager
Cate joined Calibre Candidates in 2023 and quickly established herself as a capable Team Leader. She was promoted again to Recruitment Manager in early 2026, based on her ability, hard work and commitment to the Company. Drawing on her background in Psychology and customer-focused industries, she combines a genuine interest in people with a consultative approach to recruitment, helping clients attract high-calibre talent and supporting candidates through important career decisions.
Working across Calibre’s Professional Services division, Cate partners with organisations to identify and secure talent across a range of specialist functions. She also plays an active role within the Insurtech Executive Search division, supporting innovative technology providers, insurers and high-growth businesses in sourcing senior commercial and leadership talent. Known for her personable, proactive and relationship-driven approach, Cate takes pride in building lasting partnerships with both clients and candidates. Her ability to understand individual motivations, coupled with her attention to detail and commitment to delivering an exceptional experience, has enabled her to develop strong networks and trusted relationships.
Outside of work, Cate enjoys gardening, reading and continually adding to her ever-growing collection of treasured books. She also values spending quality time with family and friends and making the most of the outdoors whenever possible.
Johnny Murray-Jones
Recruitment Consultant
Johnny joined Calibre Candidates with a degree in Psychology from Loughborough University, bringing a strong understanding of behaviour, communication and workplace performance. His background enables him to quickly build rapport and understand what motivates both clients and candidates. Having developed strong customer-facing experience in previous roles, Johnny is confident in managing relationships, earning trust and delivering a high-quality service throughout the recruitment journey.
Johnny is motivated, personable and committed to ensuring every interaction reflects the standards Calibre Candidates is known for. Outside of work, he enjoys expressing his creativity through art and maintaining an active lifestyle at the gym.
Caitlin Ames
Recruitment Consultant
With over 10 years’ experience in people-focused roles, Caitlin has always been passionate about building genuine relationships and delivering an exceptional level of service.
Her approach is centred around taking the time to truly understand people — whether supporting clients with important hiring decisions or helping candidates take the next step in their careers. She believes recruitment is about far more than matching skills to a role; it is about understanding ambitions, personalities and long-term goals to create successful partnerships. She aims to make every interaction a positive one, built on trust, integrity and care.
Outside of work, Caitlin loves spending time with her pets, getting lost in a good book and staying active while working towards her fitness goals.
What we can offer you:
- Our registered candidates find out about a potentially suitable vacancy before anyone else does
- Our consultancy team will get to know you and really promote your strengths to our clients
- We always return telephone calls
- Before any interview, we will ensure you are given client information and lots of useful interview tips to help you prepare
- We will always pass on client feedback as we receive it
How to impress us
TWO SIMPLE PRINCIPLES: COMMITMENT AND COMMUNICATION
It can be really frustrating if we work hard to get a candidate an interview and then the candidate doesn’t return a call or even worse, doesn’t show up to an interview. On the rare occasion this happens, we feel as if we have let our clients down – fortunately, we have many of the same Clients we had from 25 years ago, when we originally set up the agency (and many more!), and our Clients appreciate we have done everything we can, bar giving them a lift ourselves! However, if we do not receive advance communication for a cancelled interview, please understand the impression this creates. Similarly, if we leave you a message, please return our calls, even if you find a new role or have decided against a vacancy – we will not be irritated, we would just like to be able to keep our Clients updated and really appreciate the call.
How to impress us
Our Consultants and Clients love candidates who:
- communicate regularly
- research the Company on their website and latest news on Google as part of interview preparation
- note how your skills and experience match the criteria listed in the job spec/outline
- dress professionally and interview positively
How to impress us
Have you thought about sending a follow up email after your interview, expressing your keen interest in the role? We would be pleased to forward this on – it often makes the difference between the final two candidates.
Register with us using our Submit a CV page and we will work in partnership with you to help you find the right role!