From baking scones to managing 17 schools
When Michelle Houghton left catering college in 1987 she could have little idea that, 36 years later, she would still be with the company that offered her a first break into the industry. From a casual worker baking cakes and scones she has excelled at every step of her career to become one of Sodexo Schools and Universities' most revered managers.
You’ve been with Sodexo for 36 years – it must have been quite a career journey?
I started when the business was Gardner Merchant in 1987. I was 18 and fresh out of catering college, having spent two years studying for my 7061/7062 City & Guilds hospitality and catering certificates. I applied for a chef’s job initially but didn’t have the experience at that point. Then I got a call and a contract with a local factory who needed someone to bake scones. My mum quickly got the recipe together for me and the next thing I know I was baking batches for the nightshift! So that’s where it all started and from there my career has taken me into chef roles, catering manager, into managing my own client contracts and now into this account director role in 2021.
What have been the most memorable points along the way?
I remember feeling that my first ‘big’ career move was in 1994 when I was offered a relief manager role. This took me out of the kitchen for the first time and saw me travelling around schools contracts. When my line manager went on maternity leave I stepped in to cover her role. I think I impressed as when she returned a new account manager role was created for me. I spent over 20 years as an account manager and I’m proud to say I still work with some of those same clients and managers today. In this time I also won Sodexo’s national account manager of the year award in 2009, which I would say is probably my greatest career highlight. I still have the dress I wore on the night!
What challenges have you faced?
In the period when my career was really growing I had two children, Francesca in 1997 and Faye in 2003, so finding the best work-life balance has been important, but not always easy. It helps that I’m quite disciplined and not someone who sits still.
Tell us a little about your current role.
I moved into the account director role in 2021 and am now responsible for around 450 Sodexo people working across 17 schools – mainly independents – across the Midlands and North. I have recently been aligned to some of Sodexo's government schools contracts which is an exciting challenge.
Do you feel the work you and the team does makes a difference?
We have to appreciate the influence that good food can have in schools and universities. We look after a wide age range and the more we can get pupils enthused about food from a young age, the better. There are a lot of things to consider: good menu planning and nutrition, sustainability, keeping children safe with allergen training and responding to food trends and tastes, for example.
We essentially have to anticipate and respond to the needs of three customers – our clients, our pupils and parents. I have some great chefs and managers: I’m very lucky to have the people I work with around me.
What’s the secret to your success?
I’m a people person; I never forget that, without my team, I wouldn’t be successful. Building trust with and rewarding my team is a very big thing. I want to put a smile on everyone’s face, not just our customers but my colleagues too. I’m also someone who likes to keep herself motivated, so that has helped drive me on.
How do you rate Sodexo as an employer?
My career has proved how many opportunities there are to thrive with Sodexo, and new avenues to explore around the business. I’ve always been willing to put the work in and that’s been recognised and rewarded.
Why have you stayed with Sodexo?
I know it sounds a bit of a cliché, but it’s the people. I like seeing my clients on a day-to-day basis and how they make you feel part of their teams. There’s no ‘them and us’. I’ve also enjoyed being challenged and taking myself out of my comfort zone. And my values are very much aligned with Sodexo’s.
What advice would you to anyone just starting their Sodexo career?
Be yourself. Don’t promise anything you can’t deliver.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a keen runner and have completed more than 20 half marathons and 80 10km runs, plus taken part in numerous bike rides (with the injuries to prove it!) all in aid of Macmillan Cancer, a charity I’m incredibly passionate about. I still love cooking too and enjoy looking in the cupboard and creating a great meal for the family. My husband Simon and I have been married for 31 years, and my daughters are now 25 and 19, on their own successful career paths.