Kayleigh O’Donnell: A Rising Talent in Trades and Labour Recruitment
In the fast-paced world of construction recruitment, where efficiency, trust and skill recognition are paramount, Kayleigh O’Donnell has carved out a notable reputation. Based in the London area, Kayleigh has built her career through determination, adaptability, and a strong focus on providing highly skilled operatives to some of the most prominent construction companies across London and its surrounding regions.
Her professional journey reflects not only her ability to adapt to new environments but also her commitment to supporting the construction sector by connecting talent with opportunity. From working as a receptionist at Hollywood Bowl Group Plc, moving into administrative responsibilities at EDG INSTALLATIONS LIMITED, and progressing to her current role as Managing Consultant at Daniel Owen, Kayleigh’s career path demonstrates both resilience and ambition.
Professional Growth and Career Journey
Early Professional Foundations at Hollywood Bowl Group Plc
Kayleigh’s career began at Hollywood Bowl Group Plc, where she served as a receptionist between February 2018 and August 2020. Though not directly related to recruitment, the role played a crucial part in developing her communication skills, organisational discipline, and customer service expertise. Working in a leisure and hospitality environment meant adapting to diverse clients and fast-changing situations, laying the foundation for the people-focused skills that would later prove vital in recruitment.
Administrative Experience at EDG INSTALLATIONS LIMITED
Following her time in hospitality, Kayleigh transitioned into the construction industry environment when she became an Office Administrator at EDG INSTALLATIONS LIMITED in September 2020. Here, she gained essential exposure to the operational side of construction projects. Administrative roles in such companies demand precision, record-keeping, and coordination—qualities that shaped her understanding of the industry’s dynamics. Over nearly two years, she established an awareness of how construction teams operate, the challenges they face, and the importance of streamlined workforce management.
This experience not only enriched her organisational ability but also introduced her to the world of trades and labour—a sector where she would soon make a lasting mark.
Joining Daniel Owen and Rapid Career Progression
In July 2022, Kayleigh entered the recruitment industry as an Associate Recruiter with Daniel Owen Ltd, a leading specialist recruitment company known for delivering labour and trades personnel across construction, rail, and facilities management. Daniel Owen’s reputation is built on trust and long-term partnerships, values that aligned perfectly with Kayleigh’s own professional ethos.
Her commitment and strong work ethic led to a swift progression:
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Associate Recruiter (Jul 2022 – Jan 2024): In this entry role, Kayleigh immersed herself in understanding the recruitment cycle, building client relationships, and identifying the skills required for various construction roles.
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Delivery Consultant (Feb 2024 – Feb 2025): Within a year, her efforts were recognised, and she advanced into a delivery position, ensuring seamless staffing solutions.
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Senior Delivery Consultant (Feb 2025 – May 2025): Just months later, Kayleigh was promoted again, reflecting her ability to consistently meet client needs and deliver operational excellence.
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Managing Consultant (May 2025 – Present): Her current role is the culmination of her rapid career trajectory. As a Managing Consultant, she leads the Trades and Labour desk in London, overseeing recruitment for skilled operatives ranging from CSCS welfare cleaners to supervisors and site managers.
Daniel Owen: A Trusted Name in Recruitment
To fully appreciate Kayleigh’s achievements, it is important to recognise the company she represents. Daniel Owen Ltd is a recruitment business specialising in the supply of workers across multiple sectors, particularly within construction. Their reputation is built upon trust, compliance, and a focus on people.
The London Blue-Collar division, where Kayleigh operates, is known for supplying a wide range of roles including labourers, handymen, carpenters, and supervisors. With the increasing demand for skilled and compliant operatives, the role of consultants like Kayleigh becomes vital.
Her ability to match the right operatives with the right clients demonstrates not just her recruitment knowledge but also her dedication to keeping projects on track, safe, and efficiently resourced.
Expertise in Trades and Labour
Providing Skilled and Certified Operatives
Kayleigh’s specialism lies in supplying operatives who are not only experienced but also fully compliant with industry requirements. This includes workers holding CSCS cards, Blue or Gold carded tradespeople, and supervisors with advanced certifications.
Her in-depth understanding of construction site requirements means she can anticipate client needs and provide workers with the correct training and qualifications. This ensures that projects are delivered smoothly, reducing downtime and improving site safety.
Building Relationships in the Construction Sector
Beyond recruitment logistics, Kayleigh thrives on building long-term relationships with both her clients and candidates. In a sector where reliability is crucial, her focus on trust and clear communication ensures that construction companies repeatedly return to Daniel Owen for staffing solutions.
The Human Side of Recruitment
Commitment to Candidates
Kayleigh’s role is not just about filling vacancies. It is also about supporting candidates in finding meaningful work and career development. By offering opportunities across London and beyond, she helps skilled workers achieve stability and professional growth, an invaluable service in today’s challenging job market.
Contributing to Industry Growth
Through her recruitment expertise, Kayleigh plays a direct role in sustaining the growth of London’s construction sector. Projects of all scales—from residential developments to large infrastructure works—require skilled and compliant labour. By bridging the gap between companies and workers, she ensures that London’s building landscape continues to evolve efficiently.
Lessons from Her Career Path
Kayleigh O’Donnell’s career is a lesson in adaptability, perseverance, and ambition. Beginning in customer service, moving through administrative roles, and excelling in recruitment, her journey illustrates how transferable skills can open new opportunities.
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Adaptability: Transitioning from hospitality to construction administration and then to recruitment shows her ability to thrive in varied industries.
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Resilience: Each role demanded different skill sets, yet she embraced the challenges and quickly climbed the ranks.
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People-Centred Approach: Whether at a bowling reception desk, an office, or in recruitment consultancy, her success has always been tied to her ability to connect with people.
Looking Ahead
As Managing Consultant at Daniel Owen, Kayleigh is well-positioned to continue shaping London’s construction recruitment landscape. Her combination of industry knowledge, people skills, and commitment to high standards suggests a promising future. With her track record of promotions and achievements in a short time, she is likely to expand her influence further within the company and the sector at large.
Conclusion
The professional journey of Kayleigh O’Donnell exemplifies the modern career path—non-linear, yet consistently progressive. From customer-facing hospitality to administrative construction support and ultimately to recruitment consultancy, she has showcased resilience, adaptability, and ambition.
Her current role at Daniel Owen highlights her expertise in delivering skilled operatives to major construction projects across London. At the same time, her early experiences at Hollywood Bowl Group Plc and EDG INSTALLATIONS LIMITED underline the diverse foundation that shaped her career.
As London’s construction sector continues to grow, professionals like Kayleigh will remain at the forefront of ensuring projects are staffed with the right people, at the right time, with the right skills. Her story is both inspiring and instructive—a testament to what can be achieved with determination and a passion for connecting people with opportunity.
