At Nicholas Associates, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are experts in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technical recruitment. We assist clients nationwide in finding top talent while supporting aspiring professionals in advancing their careers within these industries. Allow us to introduce our team members, so you can learn how they can support your business or career journey. Additionally, discover how our experienced recruiters unwind after a rewarding day’s work.

Chris Carter

Chris Carter has been with Nicholas Associates for 20 years. Initially a qualified solicitor, Chris moved into technical recruitment in 1996, working for an American firm in the UK and Germany. He currently manages the Engineering and Technical teams in Sheffield, East Midlands and Liverpool and supports client visits, major bids, and presentations across the Wider Group. Chris loves the variety of his role, particularly the client-facing and relationship-building aspects. In his spare time, Chris enjoys weekends in his caravan at quiet sites, spending time with his children, who are both pursuing careers in engineering and taking care of his daughter’s 5-foot-long corn snake while she’s at university.

0114 384 0123 | chris.carter@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Melanie Glover

Melanie Glover, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Nicholas Associates, is an experienced recruiter and search consultant with a background in the automotive engineering and legal sectors. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her children and two dogs, Horace the Pug and Kobi the Japanese Shiba. She is also an endurance athlete, participating in long-distance triathlons (Ironman) and ultra-running events. Melanie likes to push her physical limits and enjoy the outdoors.

01143503542 | melanie.glover@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Steve Brown

Steve Brown joined Nicholas Associates 11 years ago and is currently the Managing Consultant for Engineering, Technical, and Manufacturing across the Midlands and South of England. He is responsible for the growth and development of the team in these areas. Outside of work, Steve loves travelling, socialising, and making memories with family and friends. He enjoys exploring new destinations and indulging in culinary adventures.

01332 360055 | steve.brown@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Ben Sandeman

Ben Sandeman joined our business in April 2021, specialising in Engineering, Technical, and Manufacturing recruitment across the Midlands and South of England alongside Steve. He previously spent six years in the education sector, collaborating with blue-chip manufacturing organisations on apprenticeship recruitment. Ben is passionate about helping clients find the best candidates and ensuring satisfaction for both parties. In his free time, Ben enjoys walking in the Peak District, visiting friends in London, attending live sporting events, running, and travelling. He likes to explore new places and the excitement of the crowd when watching live sports.

01332 360055 | ben.sandeman@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Sam Smitten-Downes

Sam Smitten-Downes joined Nicholas Associates in October 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience as a Senior and Principal recruiter in the engineering and technical sectors. His role involves driving business on a regional basis in the North West, particularly in the engineering and technical sectors. Sam’s expertise extends to UK-wide requirements for electro-mechanical industries, with specialisations in Power Generation, Renewables, Energy, and Marine sectors. He is adept at fulfilling positions at any level within these industries, whether technical, commercial, or operational. Sam originally joined the wider Nicholas Associates Group through Stafforce, managing their Peel Ports client site in Liverpool, before transitioning to Nicholas Associates.

Outside of work, Sam is passionate about sports, including MMA, grappling, and football, and has previously been a semi-professional wrestler. Although his participation in these activities is now more viewing-based due to family commitments, he remains an avid fan and enthusiast. Sam enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Faye, and their son, Austin and loves supporting his favourite sports teams from the comfort of his home.

07889 575216 | sam.smitten-downes@nicholasassociates.co.uk

James Kerfoot

James Kerfoot joined Nicholas Associates as a Senior Recruitment Consultant in Liverpool in February 2024. With almost six years of recruitment experience, James excels in running successful 360 recruitment desks and coaching junior consultants. His role involves developing client relationships in the Northwest of England and supporting quality candidates. James enjoys meeting new clients, understanding their businesses, and delivering good news to candidates. Outside of work, James loves spending time with his family, supporting Everton, playing football, and practising guitar. He enjoys beach holidays and simple pleasures like visits to the local park with his son.

07856920504 | james.kerfoot@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Kacie Humphries

Kacie Humphries rejoined Nicholas Associates after time off to start a family. She originally joined Stafforce, part of the Nicholas Associates Group, in March 2014, working in recruitment and hospitality. Now part of the engineering team, Kacie enjoys the variety of her role and continuously learns and develops her industry knowledge. She loves spending time with her two children, William and Evelyn and enjoys holidays on warm, sunny beaches. Kacie also loves to spend time with friends, attend concerts, and experience live music.

0114 3840113 | kacie.humphries@nicholasassociates.co.uk

Blake Rowe

Blake Rowe, an Engineering Recruitment Consultant, has a proven track record in building long-term relationships with clients and candidates. With 10 years of experience in sales, customer relations, and recruitment, Blake offers a bespoke service tailored to each candidate. He recruits for roles such as Operations Manager, Design Engineer, Project Engineer/Manager, Quality Engineer, Director roles, Production Manager, and Service Engineer.

01143503188 | blake.rowe@nicholasassociates.co.uk

James Travis

James Travis joined Nicholas Associates in February 2021, bringing over five years of experience in recruiting Engineering and Technical roles. As a Managing Consultant, James handles full 360 duties, including sourcing and placing candidates. James is passionate about recruitment and finds great satisfaction in helping candidates secure jobs.

Family is everything to James, and he feels immensely blessed to have two beautiful daughters with his wife. Next month, they will celebrate a decade of marriage with a special three-day trip to Budapest. When not at work or spending time with his family, you will usually find James out for a run, in the gym, or baking. He enjoys maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, complemented by his love for creating delicious treats in the kitchen.

0114 3269965 | james.travis@nicholasassociates.co.uk

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At Nicholas Associates, our team’s diverse expertise and commitment to building strong client and candidate relationships ensure the best recruitment outcomes in the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technical sectors. We are here to support your business or career journey with our specialised knowledge and personalised approach.

Discover how our team can assist you in finding the perfect talent or advancing your career. Contact Nicholas Associates today to learn more about our recruitment services.