Targeting Talent in Food Manufacturing. Call us on 07967 686964

Alan Donaldson - Owner/CEO

What’s your background?

I worked hands-on in food manufacturing for 20 years; 16 years  in Operations focusing on business improvement and turnaround programmes, the last 5 as an interim manager.  It’s this experience that means I fully appreciate the role interims play and enables me to successfully match the appropriate interim to a client’s needs.

Having been both a hiring manager and an interim I’ve had the benefit of seeing how recruiters I dealt with approached the task. I built AIM in the knowledge that to succeed and stand apart from the crowd AIM had to apply the best methods and steer clear of the worst. 

I started AIM in July 2004. Initially I ran it alongside my own career as an interim manager before dedicating myself to AIM in 2005.

What does your day-to-day job involve?

Post-COVID19 I’m back at the coal face; it’s all hands on deck these days.  I spend most of my day on the telephone making and maintaining those all important connections that make the world go round – those calls occur in a variety of places, I’m no longer tied to a desk.  I’m hoping in the not too distant future to incorporate client meetings on the golf course although the calls will have to divert so as not to distract anyone from their swing!

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Helping others succeed.  There are many contacts I have made through offering advice and help in the course of the recruitment journey, both to clients and candidates, notwithstanding I played no active role in their recruitment.  Our primary focus is on you – not us.

What are your interests outside of work?

I love time spent walking our dogs, two lively English Pointers – a day at the beach is a particular favourite for all concerned – waves in the background of my telephone calls is guaranteed to raise a smile.

From one extreme to the other if I’m not enjoying the expansive outdoors you’ll likely find me in the confines of a squash court pushing my increasingly creaking joints to their limits and still taking great delight in beating the younger generation!!!

If a film were made about your life tomorrow who would you cast to play you as

a young adult? Chris Pine – the young Captain Kirk in the new Star Trek films – he has a real can do attitude no matter the odds!!

your current age? Hugh Jackman (I’m sure Kate would approve) or if he’s unavailable/feels the role is beyond him then George Clooney, obviously given how similar we look.

in old age?  Sean Connery – I’ve always imagined I’d make a good James Bond

If you were represented by a cartoon character which would it be?

Road Runner – you need to be a certain age to remember this character – full of energy, drive and can also run really fast (might help me keep up with Kate!!!)

Who is your all time sports hero?

John McEnroe – “You cannot be serious” is my all-time favourite quote. To have that much talent with that much attitude is the mark of a true genius!!!   

What makes you smile?

My dogs frequently make me smile although in the case of Ruby, the youngest English Pointer its more of a grimace as she ignores me yet again!!!

What makes you cringe?

Scary things and my threshold is very low.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

  • Ambitious
  • Winner
  • Loyal 

What 3 words would others use to describe you?

The same as above obviously!!!  Although Kate has stepped in and suggested

  • Driven
  • Loyal
  • Uncompromising

What super power would you like to have?

The ability to read a woman’s mind and know what she’s really thinking (although Kate has suggested it might be best not to know!)

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Stop breathing whilst I am talking to you” when I was getting a roasting in my early management career – it made me realise that sometimes listening is just as important as talking. 

Seeing as we’re recruiting food manufacturers – what’s your favourite food?

I’d love to say my favourite foods are homecooked masterpieces but I’m married to Kate and even her lasagne has had its moments! A good curry washed down with a cold beer never fails to hit the spot.