How Fiona Progressed to Brand Manager in Just Two Years
When it comes to rapid career progression in hospitality, there’s no better place to learn and grow than at Greene King. Fiona’s journey at Belhaven Brewery is an inspiring success story. With just two years of marketing experience, Fiona fearlessly embraced every challenge, from supporting the transformation of visitor experience to delivering award-winning projects.
Progressing to a brand manager job at the iconic brewery, Fiona’s incredible career growth is paving the way for others to follow. Her story shows the exciting opportunities at Greene King and the innovation and empowerment our team members receive.
If you’re looking for a hospitality career where you can make a real difference and grow both professionally and personally, Fiona’s journey is sure to inspire. We sat down with Fiona to get some more insight into her remarkable story.
Why did you join Greene King?
For Fiona, the opportunity to work at Belhaven Brewery was too good to pass up. Of course, our reputation as an employer in the UK brewing and pub industry helped too! The opportunity was the ideal next step in her career.
“I was doing a similar job in another drinks company, and when I saw the job advert for Belhaven Brewery I was interested in the chance to work at a local brewery.”
Summarise your career at Greene King and the different roles you have had?
“I joined the company as Marketing Executive for Belhaven Brewery in October 2020, which was the period between lockdowns 1 and 2. After two periods of furlough, I was back working full-time in May 2021. At this stage, I started the project of renovating/opening the Belhaven Visitor Experience, which opened in November 2021. As part of this project, I created the tour route, sourced all merchandise for the shop and advertised our brewery tour. I also helped with all of the day-to-day marketing tasks for our Belhaven Beers, as well as managing social media.
In December 2021, I was promoted to Brand Manager for Belhaven Brewery. Since then, I have travelled to New York twice to represent the brewery at New York Tartan Week (which we sponsor). Our visitor experience was awarded Brewery Attraction of the Year at the World Beer Awards.
Throughout 2022, I kickstarted some NPD and rebrand projects (Twisted Thistle), managed several events including sponsoring Fringe by the Sea, Dunbar Music Festival and the renovation of the Belhaven Horsebox. I also worked in partnership with Loch Lomond Whiskies during The Open at St Andrews, promoting our beer/their whisky in Belhaven/Greene King and free trade pubs in the area. In May 2023, I delivered the rebrand project of Scotland's Number One Ale - Belhaven BEST.
Currently, I'm excited to be working on the rebrand project of Scotland's Number One stout - Belhaven BLACK, and our sponsorship of the Edinburgh Fringe Mound Precinct area.”
How has your experience across a variety of Greene King brands supported your career progression?
At Greene King, we give our team members everything they need to grow and develop their careers. Fiona is an example of the quick progression and the internal mobility opportunities on offer. With award-winning brands up and down the country, we’re happy to help our team members to transfer across brands as they see fit. She detailed the support she’s received as well as the chances that have been presented to her.
“Having only had 2 years of marketing experience prior to joining Greene King, I have been extremely lucky to lead some very large projects so early on in my career. Although it's been extremely challenging and I've felt out of my depth at times, my manager has given me the confidence and guidance to step up in my career and take on these projects.”
How has Greene King supported you in your career progression?
Fiona credits our support and encouragement as part of her rapid career progression. We’re committed to untapping potential, and we focus on empowering our tea to thrive and take on new challenges.
“Greene King has recognised my efforts and contributions, by promoting me to Brand Manager.”
What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?
“I enjoy going into outlets and seeing the branding/merchandise that I've helped to create, being enjoyed in pubs etc.”
What would you say to someone considering a career at Greene King?
The career growth and supportive environment are just some of the many benefits of working at Greene King. Whether starting a hospitality career or taking the next step in the industry, Fiona had some simple advice for anyone looking to follow in her path.
“Go for it!”
Discover hospitality brand marketing jobs at Greene King
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, we’re proud to offer incredible opportunities in an environment where you’re valued. If Fiona’s story has inspired you to explore wider Greene King jobs, our brewing and brand jobs are a great place to start.
Ready to follow in Fiona’s footsteps? View our openings in brand marketing jobs today.
Tags
HOW OUR BREWERY TEAM CRAFT DELICIOUS BEERS
We didn’t become the nation’s go-to spot for their favourite beers overnight. Our Brewery teams bring our award-winning beers to life every single day. Learn how our breweries make beer and the hard work that goes into getting craft beers from barley to your local pub in this blog.
Read More...related jobs
Salary
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Car
Location
Field Based , National , B1 2NX
Business Area
Sales & Marketing
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
field based
Description
Your role as Category Manager - Off TradeProvide leadership, insight, activation ideas and tools to deliver on above category approachMaster all relevant category insight available to Greene King prov
Reference
d7d6ca53-d658-4c53-8ed5-15f874c4fab0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
related posts
Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
01/03/2025
Summary
Equality and diversity in the workplace is incredibly important. We believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Hospitality is all about people coming together a
Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
01/03/2025
Summary
At Greene King, we believe everyone deserves a job that makes them happy. For over 200 years, we’ve poured happiness into lives through our award-winning beers and unforgettable customer experience
by
Jessica Evans
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
Santa hats and advent calendars at the ready - Christmas is just around the corner. Looking to fund those final stocking-fillers without missing out on the festive fun? With Christmas jobs at Greene
by
Rachel Lang
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
Do you love cooking up a storm in the kitchen? If you’re looking for a career full of flavour, a chef job could be the recipe for you. Our chefs are the heartbeat of every Greene King kitchen team,
by
Lucy Richardson
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/14/2024
Summary
Greene King, one of the UK's leading pub and brewing companies, is your gateway to an exciting and fulfilling career as a chef. With a rich history spanning over 200 years, we offer a unique opportun
by
Ellie Burrows
Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/14/2024
Summary
Are you ready to kickstart your career in an exciting and thriving industry? At Greene King, we’re passionate about brewing great experiences, not just in our pubs but also in the careers we nurture
by
Rachel Lang
Teaser
BreweryContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
At Greene King, we’re proud to offer great career progression opportunities. You can build a career that goes whichever way you want to go. David’s inspiring transformation is a shining example
by
Sara Mills
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
11/08/2024
Summary
What is a live-in role? We hear you ask. Well, let us tell you all about the live-in jobs at Greene King along with the benefits of working in such a way and how to apply to the roles we’ve got on o
by
Caroline Atkins
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/29/2024
Summary
Is there anywhere happier than the pub? The place where people go to enjoy each other’s company and indulge in delicious food and drink. This lively atmosphere is created by our Pub Managers who head
by
Carol Watson
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
No matter who you are, or where you’ve come from, at Greene King, our hospitality jobs see you working alongside talented people who love what they do. We're always on the lookout for like-minded foo
by
Charlotte Insley (She/Her)