Hannah Searle is our Energy and Sustainability specialist. We caught up with her to discuss her first year in the sector.
Last year, you took the lead on Sustainability and Energy at MRG. What inspired that shift in focus?
The opportunity came up and I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward. After three great years in one sector, I was ready for a change and one that aligned with my own interests really excited me. Sustainability has always been a personal passion of mine; I’ve been deeply interested in food waste solutions, recycling initiatives, and making positive environmental impacts. I was also confident that the company would be supportive; the MRG leadership is consistently positive and encouraging when it comes to internal moves, and they were wonderfully supportive of my decision.
Sustainability roles are evolving fast. What skills or traits are clients prioritising in 2025?
Clients I have been speaking to are really prioritising sustainability professionals who blend technical expertise, such as carbon accounting and regulatory knowledge, with strategic thinking and strong communication skills.
What’s unique about the sector and is on the rise is employers supporting professionals in obtaining chartered certifications, including Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Energy Manager. This trend reflects a workplace culture in sustainability that values investing in and empowering its people today, just as it commits to protecting the future of our planet.
You’ve partnered with some iconic institutions. What’s the key to building long-term relationships with them?
Our clients value partners who truly understand their mission and challenges, delivering the best talent and meaningful insight into the sector’s hiring conditions. In light of this, I take a consultative approach by listening carefully and offering honest advice.
My commitment to their success, rather than just the next hire, has fostered strong partnerships with well-known names. And the placements I feel most proud of include: the Associate Director of Sustainability at the University of Oxford, the Head of Estates Sustainability at UAL, the Energy and Carbon Manager at King’s College London, and the Head of Energy and Environment at the AELTC.
Can you share a placement that felt particularly meaningful or impactful?
The Head of Energy and Environment at AELTC (Wimbledon) stands out for me. It was a great opportunity to support an iconic institution. The role carried strategic importance; balancing respect for heritage and a drive for innovation, on a global stage. Being involved in that process and knowing the positive impact it could have both within sport and beyond made it a memorable highlight in my career.
What’s one misconception people have about sustainability recruitment?
A common misconception is that the sector focuses on only hiring people with environmental science backgrounds. In truth, the field is incredibly diverse, as organisations, for example, need strategists, data analysts, and finance experts who can embed sustainability across every part of the business. I’m noticing that the strongest candidates often come from diverse backgrounds. Recently, I have placed professionals from higher education and the public sector, rather than from sustainability or energy. And I expect this diversity of backgrounds to grow as the sector evolves and demand for talent increases. This broadening reflects how sustainability recruitment is becoming more strategic and cross-functional, matching the complex challenges organisations face today.
In September, you celebrated five years at MRG, and you’ve progressed quickly with us in that time. What’s helped you grow, and what advice would you give to others?
Celebrating five years at MRG is a meaningful milestone for me, and my growth during this time has been shaped by having the freedom to explore my interests, being surrounded by supportive colleagues, and working with clients who inspire me.
The best advice I can offer others is to remain open to learning and to ask plenty of questions, because real growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Contact Hannah Searle for an informal chat about opportunities in sustainability and energy.