Our People Profile: An Interview with Tim Norford, Head of Strategic Growth
We recently sat down with Tim Norford, Head of Strategic Growth at Astute People, to discuss his journey into recruitment, how Astute is building on more than 20 years of success, and the international opportunities emerging as the business continues to grow across global energy markets.
As Astute People expands its reach across renewables, power generation and nuclear, Tim plays a key role in shaping long-term strategy, developing teams and connecting world-class talent with some of the industry’s most impactful projects worldwide.
How did you get into recruitment?
After seven years as a singer in an international harmony group, I decided on a career change and was accepted into the police.
On the way back to celebrate, I popped into Sainsbury’s in Portsmouth and noticed a recruitment agency. I’d always been curious about recruitment, so I went in to learn more — and the rest, as they say, is history.
What roles have you filled recently and at what types of companies?
I work across permanent and contract roles spanning the full renewable and clean energy landscape, including wind, solar, BESS, green hydrogen, decarbonisation solutions and alternative fuels.
The roles are incredibly varied — everything from administrators and project support professionals through to chief engineers, senior leaders and managing directors — often supporting complex, international energy projects.
What is your favourite thing about working as Head of Strategic Growth at Astute?
Without question, it’s the people and the culture. There’s genuine mutual respect, strong camaraderie and no egos.
Astute has over 20 years of recruitment success behind it, and what excites me most is building on that foundation — developing our teams, expanding internationally and creating opportunities for people to grow alongside the business.
What have you enjoyed most about your recent successes?
Seeing my team progress.
As Head of Strategic Growth, helping people navigate tough moments, develop new skills and achieve their own individual successes is what I enjoy most. Watching teams step up as the business grows internationally is incredibly rewarding.
What is the most exciting thing about your market right now?
The sheer scale of opportunity.
The clean energy transition is global, and the range of technologies we work with continues to grow. From established renewables to emerging solutions, there’s huge momentum in the market and genuinely exciting times ahead for both clients and candidates.
What advice would you give someone looking to join Astute or move into recruitment?
Speak to someone who works here — anyone — and they’ll give you an honest view of what it’s like.
You can also explore our current opportunities on our Work for Astute People page to see how the business is growing.
Feel free to send me a LinkedIn connection request — I’m always happy to answer questions about life at Astute and the opportunities available.
