[1] Cransberg graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1980 with an honours degree in civil engineering.
[2] He joined Alcoa Australia after his graduation, and held various planning, engineering and managerial positions from 1981 to 1997, before being appointed location manager of the company's Pinjarra alumina refinery in 1998.
[2] In 2001, Cransberg moved to Texas to become location manager of the Point Comfort alumina refinery and chemicals complex, and, in 2003, he was made President, Primary Metals United States Division, with his title expanded in 2004 to president, Primary Metals North America Division.
[4] He joined the West Coast Eagles' board in 2008,[3] and was appointed chairman for the 2011 season, taking over from Mark Barnaba.
[5] Cransberg currently also holds board positions with the Australian Institute of Management, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia and the Black Swan State Theatre Company, and is also involved with the Australia Business Arts Foundation in a counselling position.