Meet the Team

I’m the owner of Headway Recruitment, a Leeds and Bradford-based recruitment firm that helps organisations find people who fit in – not just on paper, but in real life. We support businesses to grow with integrity through our unique Headway Recruitment Insight Platform, which includes psychometric testing, AI screening, and video interviewing.

I believe fair recruitment and purposeful leadership can genuinely change the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to help great businesses find great people — simple as that.

My psychometric profile is D (direct & driven), which basically means I love a challenge, hate fluff, and get a buzz from making things happen.

When I’m not talking about recruitment, I’m usually running, leading Elastic Minds – a monthly men’s mental health running group in Leeds – or off adventuring with my partner and our four kids. We spend a lot of time crammed into a campervan, discovering wild swimming spots and arguing over the best playlist!

Follow me on LinkedIn for honest thoughts on business, leadership, life, and running.

Annabel Lewis is Managing Director at Headway Recruitment. She has been part of the business since 2004 and now leads the team across Leeds and Bradford, shaping the culture, direction and long-term success of the company.

Over more than two decades, Annabel has built trusted, long-standing relationships with clients and candidates alike. As Headway Managing Director, she brings deep insight into what makes a successful hire — looking beyond CVs to focus on values, behaviours and long-term fit. Importantly, she has never lost her passion for the core of recruitment and still enjoys being closely involved in making the right matches.

Annabel works closely with employers across Leeds and Bradford, supporting permanent and interim hiring through Headway’s insight-led approach. You can learn more about how the business supports organisations through its Recruitment Services and specialist Engineering Recruitment offering.

As a leader, Annabel is known for her calm, collaborative style. She believes the best results come from trust, consistency and shared accountability. Under her leadership, Headway has continued to grow while staying true to its values of fairness, integrity, and people-first recruitment.

Her psychometric profile reflects an Influence-Steady style, which shows in her approachable nature, clear communication and ability to bring people together. As Headway Director, Annabel focuses on building teams that last — both internally and for the clients Headway supports.

Outside of work, Annabel is rarely still. She enjoys organising trips and social events, keeping busy with friends and family, and making the most of time away from the office.

Follow Annabel on LinkedIn here to see her thoughts on recruitment, leadership, and life at Headway.

Sally joined Headway Recruitment in 2017, bringing with her a strong background in business development and sales. Early on, she realised recruitment was where her strengths really came to life. As a result, she quickly built a reputation for being organised, dependable and people-focused.

Today, as Recruitment & Development Manager, Sally plays a key role in keeping Headway running smoothly. She supports clients, candidates and the internal team across Leeds and Bradford. In particular, she works closely with key clients to ensure recruitment processes stay efficient, structured and human at every stage.

Sally is known for her attention to detail and calm, methodical approach. She manages pipelines, oversees processes and supports consultants to deliver consistently high standards. As a result, very little slips through the cracks.

What really sets Sally apart, however, is how she combines structure with genuine care for people. She’s motivated by making a difference. Whether that’s supporting a candidate through a career change or helping a client navigate a challenging hire, she brings clarity and reassurance throughout the process.

Her psychometric profile is Si, often referred to as ‘The Counsellor’. This reflects her warm, approachable nature and strong communication style. As a result, she builds trust quickly and brings a steady, positive energy to the team.

Outside of work, Sally’s happy place is the kitchen. With a cookbook open and music playing, she enjoys trying new recipes and unwinding after a busy week.

Follow Sally on LinkedIn for insights into recruitment, people development and life at Headway.

Rose is our dedicated Payroll and Accounts Administrator, bringing a meticulous eye for detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in managing payroll and financial records. Her keen organizational skills and a thorough understanding of payroll processes ensure that our team is well-supported and our accounts are always in order.

Rose’s psychometric profile is an Sc, reflecting her conscientious nature and ability to work independently while also being a reliable and supportive team member. She approaches her work with a high degree of professionalism, and her friendly and approachable demeanor makes her a valued colleague in the office. Rose is passionate about creating efficient systems and processes that enhance productivity and accuracy, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

Outside of work, Rose loves spending quality time with her two children, exploring new adventures, and creating lasting memories. She is a devoted mother who enjoys engaging in fun activities with her kids, whether it’s crafting at home or exploring the great outdoors.