We’re delighted to welcome our new Head of Talent and Operations Kirsty Russell to the NRG team. In this newly created role, Kirsty will focus on attracting talent and developing recruitment careers within the business, playing a key role in its future growth.
This is the first appointment of its kind for NRG and is a key appointment that will support our plans to grow and double our headcount in the next 2 years.
In Kirsty’s words: “This role is everything I have wanted to do rolled into one. Overall, my main responsibilities are to hire great people who fit our values and develop them to ensure they are performing at their absolute best.”
Kirsty will work with trainee and experienced recruitment consultants across our Corporate Services, Tech & Digital, and Executive Search & Selection teams.
NRG have a long history of being a trusted recruitment partner, and Kirsty will ensure we continue to stay ahead of the curve by attracting, developing, and retaining talented recruiters ultimately developing lasting recruitment careers.
We had a Q&A session with Kirsty to find out about her career journey thus far, her aspirations, and what she found appealing about joining NRG.
What attracted you to the recruitment industry?
My first ever bit of exposure to the recruitment industry was as an Employment Consultant for Shaw Trust. From there I moved to work in sales in my early twenties and spent time selling cars in a garage, before selling phones and contracts for Phones 4 U. I absolutely loved working with people but missed the business-to-business element of recruitment.
I was super fortunate to be successful in securing a trainee recruitment position with Reed then subsequently offered a role with Reed Finance.
Being career driven, recruitment offered more in terms of career opportunities.
Do you have any qualifications/professional accreditations?
I qualified in my CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management in August 2021. I think I’ll give it a few years before I jump into Level 7!
How did you get into L&D?
I secured my official role in L&D in June 2015 as a L&D Business Partner for Reed. I worked under one of the best managers I have ever had as well as a fantastic Head of L&D. Within a few months I knew this was the space I wanted to focus the rest of my career.
Who has been your main source of inspiration?
My family are my main source of inspiration. My dad was a musician for most of his life until moving into business, my Mam was a nurse, and my older brother is in the military – I didn’t want to do any of those things, so I set about carving my own path. I'm competitive so I was motivated by how quickly I could outdo my previous personal best. My family have always been cheerleading me from the side-lines!
What have been your career highlights?
There have been so many and I’m still only 30!
Hitting the leader board quickly to become the top perm finance recruiter for Reed nationally has to be one of my biggest career highlights. I’ve coached and trained numerous trainee recruitment consultants and new managers who are now some the best in the industry. It gives me a huge sense of pride.
I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the UK and Europe (once!) to work with new and upcoming recruiters/managers. I was also part of the team who set the standard for the first recruitment apprenticeship. Focusing on building recruitment careers has been incredibly rewarding.
What attracted you to NRG?
NRG has always been a prestigious brand in the North East. They’re go-to recruiters for specialist and niche roles for both clients and candidates; I’ve often been up against them as a competitor. However, NRG is so much more than that. The way they treat their people is the most important thing for me! Every employee has a voice, is listened to, and learned from. They're clearly passionate about developing recruitment careers.
The growth they are experiencing as we emerge from the pandemic is exciting, as is the fluidity and acceptance of change. There are no layers red tape that comes with a traditional national outfit. NRG are fully committed to raising standards within the recruitment industry with qualified, credible recruiters who are all about the candidate and client experience.
The people are friendly, energetic and want to see you succeed. And that goes for our local community and charity partners, too.
Explain your role and its importance to future growth plans/success.
I’ve joined as Head of Talent & Operations which essentially means I get to do all the good stuff!
Alongside the recruitment and L&D part of my role, I will continue to evaluate our business processes and make sure our staff have the best structures in place, enabling them to give an expert and consultative service. I’ve hit the ground running and already implemented a number of changes and led several training and coaching sessions.
NRG are constantly working with new clients and building relationships with some of the best candidates in the marketplace. We’re currently looking to hire inexperienced and experienced recruiters to help us grow even more. This is an opportunity like no other where we are offering personal development of the highest standard. We are also offering an industry recognised professional qualification. It's a great time to join our team!
Get in touch with Kirsty here to discuss opportunities to build your recruitment career with NRG.