Kelsey Bakovljev

Please note, Kelsey is currently on maternity leave.

Kelsey Bakovljev is a Recruitment Partner at Astute People, specialising in Power Generation recruitment, with a particular focus on the Energy-from-Waste (EfW) sector. Since joining Astute in 2023 as a Talent Specialist, Kelsey has progressed into her current role, supporting clients and candidates across EfW, Biomass, and CCGT/OCGT power stations.

She recruits across permanent recruitment requirements, supporting businesses with Operations & Maintenance positions, engineering roles, and specialist appointments that help maintain safe, efficient, and reliable energy generation.

Specialist in Energy-from-Waste & Power Generation Recruitment

Kelsey specialises in recruitment across the Energy-from-Waste sector, helping organisations secure the skilled professionals required to operate and maintain critical energy infrastructure.

Her work spans EfW, Biomass, and gas-fired generation environments, where she supports clients recruiting for technical, operational, and engineering positions. By understanding the specific requirements of each site, team, and role, Kelsey helps connect businesses with professionals who have the skills and experience needed to deliver long-term success.

From Operations & Maintenance professionals through to senior engineering appointments, Kelsey provides a tailored recruitment approach focused on finding the right fit for both clients and candidates.

“Learning new things that I never even thought about before joining the power desk…building relationships with candidates and helping them find the perfect role is rewarding in itself.”

Recruitment Approach

Kelsey takes a relationship-led and resilient approach to recruitment, focusing on understanding the needs of both clients and candidates throughout the process.

She believes successful recruitment comes from strong communication, persistence, and taking the time to understand what makes each opportunity and individual unique. This enables her to provide honest guidance, prepare candidates effectively, and support businesses in securing high-quality talent.

Her ability to adapt and build relationships has helped her develop strong networks across the Power Generation market, providing valuable support to professionals and organisations navigating a competitive recruitment landscape.

“Learning just how resilient I can be, and how this can pay off in the end. Recruitment is a tough job, but the rewards are worth it if you push through the hard times.”

Career at Astute People

Kelsey joined Astute People in 2023 after transitioning from a career in property sales. Looking for a new challenge, she was attracted to recruitment by the opportunity to develop new skills, build relationships, and make a genuine impact on people’s careers.

Since joining Astute, Kelsey has developed specialist knowledge across the Power Generation sector, building experience within Energy-from-Waste, Biomass, and CCGT/OCGT markets while progressing from Talent Specialist to Recruitment Partner.

Her progression reflects her commitment to learning, developing relationships, and delivering successful recruitment solutions for both clients and candidates.

“It was a bit of a shock leaving a job I knew like the back of my hand and joining an entirely new industry, but I like a challenge and the opportunity to push myself.”

The Energy-from-Waste & Power Generation Market

The Power Generation sector continues to evolve, with Energy-from-Waste playing an increasingly important role in supporting the UK’s energy security and transition towards more sustainable generation.

As operators invest in improving efficiency, maintaining assets, and developing new technologies, demand continues to grow for skilled professionals across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and technical disciplines.

Kelsey supports organisations across this changing landscape, helping businesses access the specialist talent they need while supporting candidates in progressing their careers within an essential and evolving industry.

“The industry is constantly changing and expanding, and having an opportunity to keep up with the latest technologies and trends is really exciting.”

Advice for People Considering a Career at Astute

Kelsey believes recruitment offers an exciting and rewarding career path for people who are willing to embrace challenges, learn continuously, and build strong relationships.

“Be prepared for a challenge, but join Astute knowing that the support and training you’ll receive is unparalleled and will set you up for a brilliant career. Astute offers a great progression plan, which is completely in your hands. They also offer a range of great benefits and social events.”

Looking for Power Generation Recruitment Support?

Whether you are looking to strengthen your Operations & Maintenance team or exploring your next opportunity within Energy-from-Waste and Power Generation, Kelsey is part of Astute People’s specialist recruitment team supporting employers and professionals across the sector.

Explore current Power Generation jobs, learn more about Astute’s permanent recruitment solutions, or connect with the wider Power Generation recruitment team for specialist support.