Michelle Macdonald
Billingshurst,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in resource management and decision-making, dedicated to maintaining quality assurance and accountability. Skilled in crafting and executing regional marketing strategies that drive results. Aims to utilize capabilities to support organizational growth and achieve key goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work history
Area Support Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
Guildford, UK
05.2023 - 09.2025
- Promoted to oversee 22 schools across Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.
- Manage HR cases including disciplinaries, investigations, and absence.
- Delivered new client wins through successful bid presentations.
- Led mobilisations, staff training, compliance, and H&S initiatives.
- Increased sales through marketing campaigns and events.
- Winner of Aspens Best Side Kick Award (2024).
- Regularly deputised for Operations Manager, covering additional responsibilities.
Group Catering Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Improved gross profit across schools from ~40% to 60%+.
- Revitalised client relationships, securing contract extensions.
- Developed menus and theme days that were adopted company-wide.
- Raised EHO ratings to 5
- Across all managed units.
- Trained staff, enhancing cooking standards, confidence, and motivation.
Chef Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Achieved highest sales increase in the area and consistent GP targets.
- Planned menus, theme days, and new term menu cycles.
- Awarded 5
- EHO rating.
- Selected by MD for food trends programme to influence future menus.
Chef/Owner
Tailor-Made Food Delights
Horsham, UK
10.2016 - 08.2018
- Managed catering business, specialising in children’s parties and celebration cakes.
- Awarded 5
- Hygiene ratings (2016, 2018).
- Oversaw budgeting, cooking, and event catering logistics.
Company Secretary
MGCom Services
Horsham, UK
05.2012 - 10.2017
- Managed bookkeeping, VAT, PAYE, invoicing, and accounts.
Owner/Manager
Michelle Livery Yard and Groom Services
Rudgwick, UK
12.2008 - 05.2012
Office Manager
Phoenix Financial Recovery
Teddington, UK
02.2007 - 10.2008
Chef & Managerial Roles
Compass Group
London
12.2001 - 02.2007
- Progressed through Head Chef and Manager positions at high-profile schools and B&I sites.
- Doubled sales at Madame Tussauds and restored budget control.
- Boosted hospitality standards and sales at Mercury Interactive.
Chef Manager (Consultancy)
The 3 Horseshoes (Mac’s Inns Ltd)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Chef/Waitress
The Cottage Caterers
Surrey
01.1996 - 01.2001
Head Chef
HRH Duke & Duchess of Gloucester
Sandringham, UK
06.1996 - 09.1996
Education
Intensive Diploma - Double Credit
Tante Marie Culinary Academy
A-Levels & GCSEs - undefined
Farlington School
Skills
- Resource allocation expertise
- Decision-Making proficiency
- Quality assurance compliance
- Accountability and responsibility
- Regional marketing strategy
Interests
- Competitive horse owner with over 30 years’ experience
- Dinner parties
- Experimenting with new recipes
- Travelling
- Exploring cuisines
Timeline
Area Support Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
05.2023 - 09.2025
Group Catering Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
08.2019 - 05.2023
Chef Manager
Aspens Services Ltd
08.2018 - 08.2019
Chef/Owner
Tailor-Made Food Delights
10.2016 - 08.2018
Company Secretary
MGCom Services
05.2012 - 10.2017
Owner/Manager
Michelle Livery Yard and Groom Services
12.2008 - 05.2012
Office Manager
Phoenix Financial Recovery
02.2007 - 10.2008
Chef Manager (Consultancy)
The 3 Horseshoes (Mac’s Inns Ltd)
01.2005 - 01.2006
Chef & Managerial Roles
Compass Group
12.2001 - 02.2007
Head Chef
HRH Duke & Duchess of Gloucester
06.1996 - 09.1996
Chef/Waitress
The Cottage Caterers
01.1996 - 01.2001
A-Levels & GCSEs - undefined
Farlington School
Intensive Diploma - Double Credit
Tante Marie Culinary Academy