Page 16 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Eleven

Rachel O’ Donnell appointed as HR Manager
Rachel O’Donnell joined W M Donald on 22 March 2021 as its first dedicated HR Manager. Previously, HR and HSEQ were combined in one role, but the growth of the business means that two separate roles have been created.
Rachel is Aberdeen born and bred. With over twenty- five years experience in HR, she is a great example of the benefits of focus, hard work and continuous learning:
‘When I left school I went into retail. My first job was on the delicatessen counter at what was then Norco Supermarkets. Over time I worked my way up through various admin roles, until I discovered my passion for HR.’
After twenty years in retail, Rachel moved into offshore catering working as HR Manager for Aberdeen-based Trinity International. From Trinity she moved to Conntrak Catering Services as HR Director:
‘Conntrak’s headquarters are in Abu Dhabi. As I joined, the company expanded strongly into new markets like India
and Thailand. I was fortunate to
be able to visit both countries on a number of occasions.
I learned a lot from my time with Conntrak but, being based in Aberdeen, I really missed the regular day-to- day interaction with people, which is what attracted me to HR in the first place.’
Whilst at Conntrak, Rachel completed the CIPD HR Diploma through distance learning at the University of Aberdeen:
‘I wanted to prove to myself that I had acquired the necessary skills and knowledge over the years. It was hard work, but I loved it.’
Rachel believes her first priority at W M Donald is to get on site and understand the construction business:
‘The HR skills needed are similar in every business, what changes is how each sector or industry operates. I’m looking forward to immersing
myself in W M Donald’s world.’
Outside work, Rachel has three children with husband, Mark. Although she only took up running two yeas ago, Rachel has already completed three half-marathons! She admits to liking a ‘cheeky prosecco’ after work, although she may need something stronger after a day on site
with Ian Gray!
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