James Tilley
Senior Recruitment Consultant

​About James
With over 11 years of specialised experience in engineering recruitment, I am committed to connecting top-tier talent with leading organisations across the UK. I have successfully partnered with both major OEMs and SMEs, serving industries including Automotive, Off-Highway, Truck & Bus, Special Purpose Machinery and E-mobility.
I specialise in sourcing exceptional candidates for contract, interim, and permanent roles across the engineering, technical, and manufacturing sectors. My consultative approach and focus on strong stakeholder relationships have enabled me to build lasting partnerships with clients and candidates alike.
With deep expertise in contract recruitment, I am well-versed in end-to-end processes and skilled in ensuring compliance with IR35 legislation. I also bring a strong account management skill set, having led the strategic oversight of a global MSP program driving efficiency and aligning talent acquisition with business objectives. Additionally, my comprehensive knowledge of MSP and RPO frameworks has given me a thorough understanding of talent acquisition strategies, best practices and candidate journeys.
Away from work
I'm an active individual with a passion for keeping fit. Football is a constant presence in my life, and I often find myself running long distances to stay in shape. Beyond the football pitch, I enjoy going to the gym and always seeking to challenge and improve myself.
One of my proudest achievements is completing the Manchester Marathon, an experience that truly pushed my limits. I've also taken on some of the most gruelling assault courses in the UK, including the iconic winter Tough Guy event, where I faced sub-zero temperatures head-on.
I have the joys of being a Nottingham Forest fan so enjoy the rivalry with all my friends and family who support Midlands clubs.
​I’m skilled in recruiting for the following positions / sectors:
Senior Consultant within Jonathan Lee’s Automotive and Off Highway Divisions covering a broad range of roles.
These can include Design Engineers, Development Engineers, Test Engineers, Validation Engineers, Electronic Engineers, Systems Engineers, Performance Engineers, After treatment Engineers, Calibration Engineers, Powertrain Engineers, NPI Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Principal Engineers, Project Managers, CAE & Simulation Engineers, Engine Test Technicians, Vehicle Technicians.