Over the past two years, Renee Crainey has become a valued member of the Sustainable Talent team, building a reputation for her professionalism, energy, and commitment to helping people find the right opportunities.
From day one, she’s brought drive, focus, and a genuine passion for connecting talent with organisations that are shaping a cleaner, greener future.
Known for her proactive approach, responsiveness, and genuine care for the people she works with, Renee has helped shape the kind of recruitment experience we’re proud to offer – one that’s built on trust, understanding, and long-term partnerships.
In this latest edition of our 10 Questions with Dave Riche, we take a look at Renee’s journey so far, what drives her, and how she’s making a difference in a rapidly growing industry.
What first drew you to a career in recruitment, and how did you get started?
It’s quite random really! I never knew recruitment was a thing or what it was. I always knew our Director Mhari-Claire through friends and she used to come round to mine to get her hair done. One time she was round, she said she was looking for someone to join the team to train up with no recruitment experience. I had a think about it for a while as the whole recruitment industry sounded daunting to me. A few weeks went by and I reached out to ask if we could discuss, we met for a coffee and the rest is history. I am so thankful to be given this opportunity, I love it! The best thing I ever did.
You’ve just hit your two-year milestone with Sustainable Talent – how has your role evolved in that time?
At the beginning, I started off as a 180 Associate Consultant where I purely focused on filling roles for a key account. I did that for around 9 months and in that time I filled 13 roles from Site Managers, QHSE, Engineers etc. I then was given the opportunity to transition into a 360 Consultant role. This seemed daunting at first, but watching others in the office strive and the support I was given, I never doubted that I wouldn’t be able to do this. I am responsible for the recruitment of Senior Leadership on a permanent basis.
I absolutely love it! I love everything about recruitment, it’s such a rollercoaster of emotions but it is such a rewarding/proud feeling knowing you’ve helped a candidate find a career moving role. Also, being able to provide that trust to your clients, that you are capable of getting them the correct skill-set.
This job doesn’t feel like “work”. I’ve never woke up on a Monday morning with dread. We are such a close group of people who are working together to smash records each month and drive towards a more sustainable future! I can honestly say I love my job!
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do – what does it personally mean to you?
For me, sustainability is about doing the right thing for the planet and future generations. Working in the renewables sector, it means helping build a cleaner, greener world by connecting passionate people with the companies making it happen. It’s not just about jobs, it’s about being part of something that really matters.
You’re part of a growing team placing talent in the Renewable Energy sector – what excites you most about this space?
What really strives me is watching the Senior Consultants smash it everyday, it really is so inspiring! I take every bit of advice/information on board. Theres always going to be things I can get better and improve on, so by listening to the Senior guys aspires me to be where they are now. Especially my Directors, Mhari-Claire and Chris they are so so inspirational, always driving “what’s next” shaping me into the mindset I have, which is a determined strong-minded attitude.
Team spirit: Renee with some of the Sustainable Talent team out on a well-being walk.
You’ve lived in Glasgow, Southampton, Leeds, and now Lytham St Annes – how have those different places shaped who you are?
This is something I’ve actually never thought about, but I guess it’s played a massive part in shaping who I am. With me living all over the UK at different times of my life, my Mum, Dad, brother and sister is all we had down here, so we were very close. I think the way I have been brought up plays a massive part in who I am today. Both my Mum and Dad have such a driving mentality of “keep going” “you can do it”. They are always very proud of me for what I achieve, but it’s always “what’s next” striving me to always want more – which I have took through life in anything I do.
I’ve had to make friends and shape my own life and future living away from our home town – Glasgow. It’s character building at the end of the day and showed me I can do anything if I put my mind to it.
What’s been one of your most memorable candidate or client moments since joining Sustainable Talent?
I think building the relationships is the most important thing in recruitment! There’s been so many moments that have stuck with me. I was working a candidate who was down South at the time and really wanted to be close to home. I helped this candidate secure a role 20 minutes from home where he could go every-night. He was so thankful and grateful for the work I’d put in to securing him a new role! It’s so rewarding knowing you’ve helped someone with a career changing move.
In terms of clients, dealing with a client where you’ve built the trust with them, knowing exactly what they’re looking for and agreeing to work with you exclusively, is massive. This is our aim, to work with clients, show we can do a good job and work with us exclusively, continuing to build that rapport.
You’ve booked a skydive! What inspired that – and what’s next on your adventure list?
Honestly, I mentioned it once to my Mum and then never mentioned it again. I then got it for my 21st Birthday so I have no choice but to jump out of that plane. Again, this goes back to this “never say die attitude”. I know I can and will do it, I just love accomplishing things that I don’t feel comfortable doing.
Next on the adventures list would definitely be to visit the Maldives one day! That would really be such a great experience.
You were part of the class of 2020 – what was it like entering the world of work during such a unique time?
I think I can quite honestly say it was really difficult! From spending 2 years revising for my GCSE’s and buying my Prom dress to then being told it’s all cancelled all of a sudden, is a tough pill to swallow. I didn’t really know what to do with myself, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I felt like I had missed the most important part of my life, where I thought I would be guided into my next steps but this wasn’t the case.
We got predicated grades for GCSE’s, I went to College doing courses not knowing what I was going to do next. But, I’m a strong believer in everything happens for a reason.
I’m so thankful Mhari-Claire needed her hair doing that day!
Fate: Renee is grateful for meeting Sustainable’s Co-Founder and Director Mhari-Claire when she had her hair done!
What motivates you on the tough days, and how do you reset or recharge when things get busy?
Sometimes like any job, you do get really overwhelmed at times! Not everything goes to plan of course, but it’s down to your personality of how you deal with that. Some things do get to me but if I let it bother me for too long I’m never going to move past it. I think just keep going, when things get tough go for a walk, take some time to reflect on what you can do differently next time, it’s all a learning curve – reset and go again.
My colleagues play a big part in motivating me through the tough days, reassuring me that these things happen, to keep my head up and keep going! Life isn’t plain sailing and without the bumps on the road, you wouldn’t know how good the highs are!
Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to break into Recruitment or the Sustainability space?
If you ever get the opportunity to get involved with Recruitment, you need to do it! It’s challenging but it’s so rewarding! I think it’s so important to take in every little piece of information you get. I’m like a sponge, I soak up any advice I’m given, it only makes you better. There’s always going to be things you can do better. Also, have that attitude where if things are not going as planned, you need to be able to dust yourself down and pick yourself up. If you’re surrounded by a great team of people like me, giving you support, advice and truly working together to do the best for our company – you can honestly do it!
We really do aspire to connect the right talent with our clients to help create a Sustainable future: “Energising people, fuelling growth.”
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