Michelle Whitford
Oklahoma City
Summary
People-focused professional with a background in hospitality management and talent acquisition, skilled in sourcing, hiring, and building strong teams. Proven ability to identify top talent, support organizational growth, and foster positive workplace culture. Experienced in strategic recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and delivering high-quality candidate experiences.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Talent Recruiter
Premier Solutions
11.2020 - Current
- Solely managed a full recruiting desk for 4 high-volume client accounts, overseeing the complete hiring lifecycle from requisition to onboarding.
- Conducted company-wide talent sourcing and vetting, ensuring all departments were staffed with qualified, culture-aligned candidates.
- Utilized sourcing tools (e.g., LinkedIn Recruiter, job boards, Bullhorn) to identify and engage top-tier candidates.
- Screened, interviewed, and assessed candidates across various departments and roles, ensuring compliance with hiring policies and diversity initiatives.
- Maintained consistent pipelines for multiple roles while meeting aggressive time-to-fill targets and quality-of-hire metrics.
- Built strong relationships with hiring managers and clients, providing strategic recruitment insights and reporting on hiring progress.
- Cultivated and strengthened customer relationships to drive revenue growth.
- Collaborate with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies tailored to each restaurant’s requirements.
- Utilize various sourcing techniques to attract top-tier candidates for both front-of-house and back-of-house positions.
- Provide a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process, ensuring clear communication and timely follow-up with applicants.
Sales Coordinator Manager
USFOODS
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired team members by aligning individual strengths with operational needs, supporting long-term organizational goals.
- Assigned tasks based on team members' skill sets and potential, effectively maximizing team performance and productivity.
- Resolved internal and customer-facing issues daily with a strategic and people-first approach, contributing to a positive work culture and employee retention.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with the sales team to set priorities, allocate resources, and align workforce planning with business objectives.
- Maintained detailed records of team performance, training progress, and staffing needs to support ongoing talent development initiatives.
- Developed and contributed to operational programs that improved team efficiency, optimized workflows, and supported company profitability.
- Built strong relationships with customers and the local community, using these networks to attract talent and foster a positive employer brand.
- Worked closely with the sales team to prioritize tasks, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently; resulting in increased productivity and revenue.
Territory Manager
USFoods
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Consulted with customers to gain feedback and address concerns with products or services.
- Managed business expansion, revenue development and market gains.
- Sold items to achieve sales and profit goals and increase overall revenue.
- Expanded sales in territory by analyzing market opportunities, following up with prospects and developing trusted relationships.
- Gave presentations on available products and services that could meet current business needs.
- Assisted clients by assessing individual needs and suggesting appropriate product solutions.
- Collaborated with customers of 15 Territory managers on a daily basis.
- Covered vacation for territory manager and supervisor.
- Built lasting relationships, and growing business with customers by earning their trust.
Sales Coordinator
USFoods
06.2014 - 01.2017
- Implemented consultative sales techniques to generate revenues and exceed sales targets.
- Introduced customers to new offerings and updated accounts.
Restaurant Manager
Swadley's Bar-B-Q
03.2012 - 06.2014
- Trained all front of house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to ensure positive experience.
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
- Performed restaurant walk-throughs to gauge timeliness and excellent service quality.
- Coached team members on food safety and sanitation processes, customer service, menu education and up-selling techniques to drive revenue.
- Conducted daily pre-shift and weekly departmental meetings to ensure organizational efficiency.
- Efficiently resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of all involved parties.
Food and Beverage Instructor
Platt College
08.2010 - 03.2012
- Taught the Front of House class, supervised the internship program, and taught beverage class.
- Created wine tasting dinners to help bring in more guests to the program.
- Observed and evaluated student performance and development and provided appropriate feedback on work.
- Attended faculty meetings to brainstorm ideas and discuss methods for solving issues.
- Built positive relationships with students, colleagues and administrators.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hotel And Restaurant Administration
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK12-2002
Skills
- Onboarding processes
- Candidate assessment
- Social media recruiting
- Interviewing techniques
- Recruiting and sourcing
- Team collaboration
- Managing a team
Timeline
Talent Recruiter
Premier Solutions
11.2020 - Current
Sales Coordinator Manager
USFOODS
08.2019 - 08.2020
Territory Manager
USFoods
01.2017 - 08.2019
Sales Coordinator
USFoods
06.2014 - 01.2017
Restaurant Manager
Swadley's Bar-B-Q
03.2012 - 06.2014
Food and Beverage Instructor
Platt College
08.2010 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Science - Hotel And Restaurant Administration
Oklahoma State University
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