Simon Standley (Search Specialist & Founder)

Based in the Dusseldorf Germany and UK offices, Simon has over 25 years recruitment and search experience particularly in the Sales and Marketing, and Business Critical Functions.

Simon and his team complete typical assignments such as MD's, Country Managers/Directors, Business Directors, Sales Directors, Senior Sales professionals across many European and International Countries.

Simon delivers many cross-border assignments and he heads up a resourcing team which speak fluent German, French, Spanish and Italian. During this time he has recruited successfully across markets at the highest level.

Simon is an experienced leader, having led several UK recruitment businesses in Director level roles, helping develop their UK and European product offering.

As founder-owner, he started Standley Associates to offer a modern, independent search and selection service that focusses on delivering results, whilst providing a bespoke cost-effective approach for customers in the UK, Europe and further afield.

Simon works with an extensive network of experienced colleagues, search consultants and researchers who operate as trusted partners to every company and individual they serve.

He heads a team of multi-lingual search specialists and specialises in appointing UK, European & International roles.

He has worked as a senior search specialist and recruitment manager for the market leading recruitment and search firms including MSL, Austin Knight, TMP Hudson and Austin Benn, and has conducted numerous search assignments within the following sectors on a UK and international basis.

Sector Experience includes:


Aerospace and Defence, Automotive, Chemical, Construction, Energy and Utilities, Engineering, Financial Services, FMCG, Industry and Manufacturing, Insurance, IT (Computers, Software and Services), Professional services (inc. Legal), Media and Internet, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, Property and Real Estate, Public Sector, Retail & consumer, Telecommunications, Tourism and Leisure, Transport, Mining and Resourcing.