“A unique ability to understand the nuances of our culture, and to introduce candidates that are most likely to resonate in that environment. Not only does this mean shorter and more efficient recruiting cycles, but higher performance from the successful candidates.”
“Charles has demonstrated a unique ability to understand the nuances of our culture, and to introduce candidates that are most likely to resonate in that environment. Not only does this mean shorter and more efficient recruiting cycles, but higher performance from the successful candidates.”
Chief Marketing Officer, Global law firm
“Charles is my number one recommendation when friends and colleagues are looking for a recruitment consultant. Aside from having an extensive knowledge of the market, I have always found him to be hardworking and reliable, and most of all pro-active. He is truly a trusted advisor.”
“Charles is my number one recommendation when friends and colleagues are looking for a recruitment consultant. Aside from having an extensive knowledge of the market, I have always found him to be hardworking and reliable, and most of all pro-active. He is well connected in the industry and recognises the importance of strong relationships. Charles has a very good understanding of the roles within the Business Development department of a professional services firm, and always takes the time to clearly understand and listen to the aspirations and requirements of his clients. He is truly a trusted advisor. I would have no hesitation in recommending Charles again in the future.”
Head of Clients & Sectors, Australia & Asia, Global law firm
“Charles brings commercial depth to his work, as he is attuned to macro business strategies, the forces shaping where firms invest and where growth is emerging. In my case, he quickly understood the strength and commercial relevance of my experience, and helped sharpen how I positioned it.”
“Charles is sincere, commercially astute, hard-working, forward-thinking and swims almost exclusively amongst the professional-services elite. Having worked with London- and New York-based investors and recruiters, and from first-hand experience Charles’ work ethic is second to none. Charles brings commercial depth to his work, as he is attuned to macro business strategies, the forces shaping where firms invest and where growth is emerging. In my case, he quickly understood the strength and commercial relevance of my experience, and helped sharpen how I positioned it. Charles is regularly in conversations with C-suite executives and combines coaching, market intelligence and commercial judgement in his operations at Dalton Handley. I recommend Charles without reservation.”
Business Strategist and Former Lawyer, Global consulting and accounting firm
“Charles is the best of the best. We have worked together twice, and both times Charles has secured me a business development role above my salary expectations. Charles is highly valued and trusted by firms and candidates, who understand that his expertise and skills are second to none. He genuinely cares about candidates' long-term career goals.”
“Charles is the best of the best. We have worked together twice, and both times Charles has secured me a business development role above my salary expectations. Charles is highly valued and trusted by firms and candidates, who understand that his expertise and skills are second to none. His communication and guidance throughout the process is very helpful. He has extensive industry knowledge and genuinely cares about candidates' long-term career goals. I highly recommend reaching out to Charles if you are looking to make a move.”
BD Manager, Real Assets, Tier-1 law firm
“Exceptional commercial acumen, a strong grasp of economics and global market dynamics, combined with the energy of five people (at least) make Charles a formidable operator. One of the things I have appreciated most with Charles is his ability to cut through the noise and focus on what matters, for his clients and candidates alike.”
“For many people, searching for the next career opportunity can be a stressful time. Charles makes it so much easier. From our first interaction two years ago to today, one of the things I have appreciated most with Charles is his ability to cut through the noise and focus on what matters, for his clients and candidates alike. Exceptional commercial acumen, a strong grasp of economics and global market dynamics, combined with the energy of five people (at least) make Charles a formidable operator. He recently placed me in a short-term consulting role (my preference), yet the work he put into preparing me for the initial client conversation was no different to that of a full-time, permanent position. He quickly understood my diverse experience and relatively unique blend of skills to best position me to his client. Charles was exceptional to work with, an excellent communicator, he kept me updated every step of the way, supportive and empathetic and so engaging. Conversations were never dull and boring, and he is blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. I have worked with many recruiters over the years in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, most of whom have positioned themselves as senior and elite, but Charles is a stand-out. And I don't say that lightly. While I can only speak from a candidate's perspective, my instinct tells me he is equally as dedicated and focused with his recruiting clients. With no hesitation, I highly recommend Charles Handley to candidates and businesses alike.”
Director-level go-to-market strategist / BD specialist
“He has a remarkable ability to understand the complexities of the legal and business development sectors, and his knowledge of the industry is second to none. His overview of the marketplace is exceptional, and his insights have been instrumental in helping me navigate opportunities, including my most recent role placement.”
“I've had the privilege of knowing Charles for many years, and his support and guidance throughout my career have been truly invaluable. He has a remarkable ability to understand the complexities of the legal and business development sectors, and his knowledge of the industry is second to none. Charles is highly professional and personable, which makes working with him comfortable and pleasant. His overview of the marketplace is exceptional, and his insights have been instrumental in helping me navigate opportunities, including my most recent role placement. I would recommend Charles to anyone, whether as a client looking to find the right talent or as a candidate seeking the next step in their career. He truly stands out as a trusted and insightful partner in the recruitment space.”
Senior BDM, Tier-1 law firm
“This person has been a great success in the role from day 1.”
“I worked with Charles on my move from accounting to legal. I personally found Charles to be proactive, open and honest during the process. He helped me to understand the role and the environment I was going into as well as prepare for the interview process. Given the experience I had, I chose to work with Charles in recruiting a BD Consultant into my team. Charles was able to bring several options demonstrating knowledge of the market and broader thinking to match the needs of the role. This person has been a great success in the role from day 1 and is developing into further roles within our business. I would be pleased to work with Charles again.”
Founder and CEO (formerly legal BD)
“He didn't have my dream role on the books at the time but went out and found it for me.”
“Charles helped me find my dream role in Sydney after arriving from London earlier this year. I met with a couple of recruiters who specialise in professional services to help me with my job search and bonded with Charles straight away. I cannot recommend him highly enough, and here are a few reasons why. Responsive: the first time I contacted him via email with my CV he contacted me straight away. We had a chat over the phone about the type of role I was looking for and then arranged a follow-up meeting a few days later. Proactive: he didn't have my dream role on the books at the time but went out and found it for me. Regular contact: even when there were no leads, Charles always kept me updated with his progress and was always there for me throughout the recruitment process. Connected: Charles seems to know everyone in the market. Everyone likes him and he always seemed to be able to spot gaps in the market and new openings quicker than anyone else. Charles is a fantastic recruiter. One of the best in Sydney and, importantly, is really nice to work with. Job hunting can be stressful but he made it relatively painless and I got the job I really wanted. Thanks Charles!”
BD, Marketing & Communications Consultant, Professional services
“I have worked with Charles both for my own career development and advice, but more regularly in sourcing good people to join the organisation where I have been working; Charles is a trusted advisor in every way to me. The relationships he has with candidates and most of the major firms mean he is well able to match great people with great opportunities.”
“I have worked with Charles both for my own career development and advice, but more regularly in sourcing good people to join the organisation where I have been working; Charles is a trusted advisor in every way to me. He has an enthusiasm and appetite to build his firm in legal/professional services recruitment which has really shaken up this niche industry, and the relationships he has with candidates and most of the major firms mean he is well able to match great people with great opportunities.”
General Manager, BD & B2B marketing
“He is without a doubt the best recruiter I have worked with. He really understands the roles he is recruiting for and brings valuable insights into the firms and people he is placing candidates with. For me, moving from a big four accounting firm to the legal sector, his knowledge of the legal market and coaching were invaluable and really helped me in the interview process.”
“I had the pleasure of first working with Charles Handley regarding a Bid Manager opportunity for Norton Rose Fulbright in Sydney. I got the job, but even if I hadn't my feedback on Charles would be the same. He is without a doubt the best recruiter I have worked with. He really understands the roles he is recruiting for and brings valuable insights into the firms and people he is placing candidates with. For me, moving from a big four accounting firm to the legal sector, his knowledge of the legal market and coaching were invaluable and really helped me in the interview process. He is always available, professional and personable. He shows a genuine interest in working with people to develop their careers rather than looking at each opportunity in isolation, a refreshing approach. Despite the pressures of starting up his own business he has always made the effort to stay in touch, checking in from time to time for a discussion on how the market is looking and for an opportunity to swap any relevant industry gossip. I would not hesitate to recommend Charles to others, clients and candidates alike; he will be my first port of call for my next move.”
Bid Manager, Global law firm (now Head of Strategic Proposal Development, University)
“During the interview process he coached me every step of the way.”
“After deciding to relocate to Melbourne from London, the first step was to find a role that suited me. Charles took the time to understand my aspirations and offered sound career advice. With his extensive market knowledge and network he provided me with a number of good opportunities. During the interview process he coached me every step of the way. I was very impressed with his personal tailored approach and I was grateful for his support in what was a time of much change for me. I highly recommend Charles to anyone considering their next career move.”
Organisational Wellbeing Consultant (relocated from London)
“Professional, intelligent and highly recommended.”
“Charles did his research and the process from initial conversation to starting a new role was fast. This is because when Charles contacted me he had taken the time to identify the type of attributes that the role required, and he already knew a lot about my experience and skills. I can only add to what others have said: professional, intelligent and highly recommended.”
Data Analytics & Strategy leader
“In a crowded marketplace, his service ethic and can-do attitude sets him apart.”
“Charles took the time to understand my aspirations and used his delightful knack of uncovering unique skill sets hidden away below the radar to help build a world-class team of talented lateral thinkers and problem solvers. His ability to respond quickly to a brief has allowed our team to address the varying needs of the partnership. With his help, we have attracted professionals that are united in their determination to support the firm's success. In a crowded marketplace, his service ethic and can-do attitude sets him apart.”
CEO and Non-Executive Director (former law firm BD leader)
“He cared and that made all the difference.”
“My experience with Charles was nothing short of wonderful. He was with me every step of the way while I decided which option was best for the next stage in my career. He ensured I was well prepared for interview and coached me and advised me on what was the best "next step" for me. He made sure I was really sure the role was exactly what I wanted. He cared and that made all the difference. Even now, 5 months into the role, Charles is still there just "checking in". I would, and have, recommended Charles to those seeking an employee and also those looking for that next step in their career.”
Executive Transformation & Operating Model Leader
“One of the best recruiters I have come across in Sydney.”
“After so many years abroad, finding the right recruiter could become a challenging task. Charles, however, is the exception. Charles took the time to understand my needs to find me a suitable position that matched my experience and qualifications. He recently placed me into a new role at E&Y. Throughout the process, Charles was extremely professional and always kept me updated. He is very personable and an excellent communicator, providing good insight into professional services marketing. I am very grateful to have crossed paths with Charles and I can honestly say he is one of the best recruiters I have come across in Sydney. Thank you Charles for all your support.”
Head of Marketing, Big 4 consulting firm
“A high degree of knowledge and expertise relating to the legal industry.”
“Charles assisted me in relation to my return to the Australian market. He demonstrated a high degree of knowledge and expertise relating to the legal industry and marketing / BD roles in particular. His style was open and transparent and he willingly gave his time to responding to my questions and ensured that I was well briefed, which I appreciated. Charles is extremely enthusiastic about his work and his clients, and he took the time to understand what I was looking for in my next role to ensure a great fit on both sides. I would certainly recommend working with Charles if you are looking to make a career move in professional services.”
Events & Partnerships leader (returning to Australia)
“A consistent high performer.”
“Charles was a consistent high performer at WJ. He demonstrated high standards of service delivery and of team work, as a result of which he regularly received recommendations from his clients, candidates and colleagues. I'd recommend him without hesitation both as a Consultant and as an employee.”
Former senior colleague, recruitment firm
“Did not waste any time sending me roles that were inappropriate.”
“I highly recommend Charles as an experienced Consultant. He was excellent in helping me find my new role. He listened thoroughly to and understood exactly what I was looking for and did not waste any time sending me roles that were inappropriate. He was a pleasure to work with and very supportive throughout the process. I was very impressed with his service and am so grateful to him for helping me take a step forward in my career.”
Client Development Specialist
“The most hardworking, reliable, dedicated Recruitment Consultant I've worked with.”
“Charles is the most hardworking, reliable, dedicated Recruitment Consultant I've worked with. The service he provided was exemplary, and his approach personal and professional. He was incredibly persistent and responsive to my needs, and his initial recommendation to me by a colleague was also highly commendable.”
Business Improvement Manager
