MEET KYLIE KILPATRICK: THE FACE BEHIND BELKIRK

If you have ever dealt with Belkirk, chances are you have spoken to Kylie. 

As Founder and Director, Kylie has spent close to 15 years working across property, development and project management recruitment. She has built a network of industry relationships that spans careers, companies and, in some cases, more than a decade. 

But what made her start Belkirk? What has she learned from 15 years in recruitment? And what does she actually look for when she meets a candidate? 

We sat down with Kylie to find out. 

So, who is Kylie Kilpatrick? 

I am the Director of Belkirk, a specialist recruitment business. 

I have spent close to 15 years working across property, development and project management recruitment, so I have had the opportunity to work with people at almost every stage of their careers and exposure to markets at different stages which has given me specialist insight into the industry and how to survive the rollercoaster of the property market. 

How did you get into recruitment? 

My career started at Consultive in 2012 with Phil and Brett Isard. That is where I got my training and grounding in recruitment. Consultive was a solid foundation for me to start my career. After 5 years, I moved to Aspect Personnel, where I established and grew the Project Management and Property Development desk. Aspect was an opportunity for me to grow my confidence and understand the strength of my network.   

So, why did you start Belkirk? 

There was an opportunity to do recruitment my way.  

By 2020, I had spent close to a decade building relationship across the property development and project management industry.  

So, during the pandemic, I decided to take everything I had learned and establish Belkirk. The business was built around caring about people’s careers and continuing to support the project management and property sector. 

That is how Belkirk was born. 

What makes Belkirk different? 

When you call Belkirk, you speak to me. Whether it's for the first time or you have known me forever, I would like to think that you will always receive candid, helpful and personal advice.  

You have recruited for your client group for over 10 years.  What does that relationship look like? 

This is probably one of my favourite parts of the job.  

Most of them I refer to as ‘old mates’ having worked side by side with those business leaders, not only across my career but also as they have grown and established their own businesses and careers. 

I know in depth what they look for in candidates, personality, ideal quirks and of course experience.  

Recruitment is known to be quite transactional, but my approach and therefore Belkirk’s is extremely personalised and relationship focused.  

What do you actually look for in a candidate? 

Firstly, I want to understand what is important to the candidate, their motivations, their ideal work environment, I want to know who their best employer has been and why, same goes for their worst employer and why. 

What has 10+ years in recruitment taught you? 

The most important thing you can ever do for yourself is to find a good place to work. It won't be perfect because nothing is however you spend so much time at work that a good or bad environment controls your quality of life.  

As a business leader, same goes for hiring the right people. This makes your job easier or harder. 

What has been a career highlight? 

Starting Belkirk, hands down, with a very close second being continuing to work with my loyal clients (the ‘old mates’). 

And outside of recruitment? 

I am on the committee for Women in Property which allows me to broaden my network but also give back to a sector that i am very passionate about.  

Our recent launch of Obtain has created an avenue for me to help job seekers outside our industry with tools. The feedback so far has been really pleasing.  

So, who should get in touch with Belkirk? 

If you are looking to hire a Project Manager, Development Manager or property professional, I am always happy to have a conversation.  

And if you are a candidate looking for your next role, check out our live roles.