Pub to head office: Si’s journey from general manager to head of learning experience

At Greene King, we’re committed to untapping potential so our team members can follow their own path. Our history is full of success stories, and Si Cox’s inspiring 14 year journey is no exception. 

We sat down with Si to chat through this remarkable career journey. If you’re looking for jobs in hospitality, this story is sure to give you some food for thought. 

Why Si applied for a pub job at Greene King

“My journey began as the General Manager of The Freshfield pub in Formby. I was drawn to Greene King by its reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and its strong commitment to supporting managers. 

The opportunity to lead a vibrant community pub and create memorable moments for guests inspired me to join the business. From the start, I was motivated by the chance to combine my passion for hospitality with Greene King’s values to make a real difference.”

What were the most valuable skills you gained working in the pub?

“I gained several invaluable skills and experiences that have shaped my career:

Leadership and team development 

Customer-centric mindset 

Operational excellence 

Financial acumen 

Resilience and adaptability 

Community engagement 

These skills laid the foundation for my broader career allowing me to transition into roles that focus on developing others and driving business-wide improvements.”

After working as a general pub manager, how did you make the move to head of learning experience?

“I had a brilliant conversation with my Business Development Manager. He really opened my eyes to other roles, outside of pubs, within Greene King.

I moved into a Commercial Operations Training Manager role, supporting 150 pubs in the North of England and then into a National Food Operations Manager role, before joining the Pub Hub support team. 

I then joined the Hungry Horse Operations Team as a Business Development Manager before moving into the role of Senior Food and Drink Operations Manager, supporting 1000 pubs.

Finally, 18 months ago, the role of Head of Learning Experience came onto my radar. Both learning and team experience were things I had been passionate about in the past, so I took a deep breath, and applied for the role… and here I am today!”

What motivated you to move from a pub job to a head-office position?

“It all stemmed from the conversations I had and my desire to make a broader impact on the business. While I loved the hands-on nature of running a pub and working closely with my team and community, I realised I wanted to contribute to shaping strategies and initiatives. 

I was inspired to influence how we support, develop, and empower our teams across all pubs, ensuring they had the tools and skills to deliver exceptional customer experiences.”

How did Greene King support your career growth, both in the pub and during your move to head office?

“Greene King has been instrumental in supporting my career growth. In my early days, the company provided comprehensive training programs that equipped me with the operational and leadership skills needed to run a successful pub. 

As I began to consider a move to head office, Greene King offered tailored development opportunities to prepare me for the shift in responsibilities and scope. Leadership workshops, strategic thinking programmes, and exposure to broader initiatives gave me the skills.

I benefited from mentors and leaders who offered guidance and valuable insights. Their belief in my potential helped me navigate challenges and build confidence in my abilities. I also benefited from completing two Apprenticeships at Greene King.”

How did your colleagues support the transition?

“Greene King’s collaborative culture also played a significant role in my growth. The organisation encourages innovation and values contributions from all levels, which enabled me to connect with colleagues across the business and share ideas that made an impact.” 

What resources were you provided with to help make the switch?

“Additionally, Greene King ensured I had access to the resources and tools needed to succeed, from cutting-edge learning platforms to opportunities to lead projects that aligned with my aspirations. By fostering an environment of support, recognition, and growth, Greene King empowered me to develop as a leader and make a meaningful contribution to the business.”

What is a typical day for a Head of Learning Experience?

“A typical day might involve reviewing learning programs, meeting with stakeholders to align on priorities, and analysing data to assess the impact of our learning interventions. 

I engage with my team and with senior leaders to understand the broader business challenges and ensure our learning strategies support operational goals. A portion of my day is often dedicated to problem-solving, addressing challenges, and keeping projects on track.”

How does this differ from your time in the pub?

“The biggest difference is the scope of my impact. As a pub manager, my focus was on running one pub, leading a team, and delivering exceptional guest experiences on a day-to-day basis.

In the pub, priorities could shift in an instant, with a busy lunch service or an unexpected delivery issue requiring immediate attention. While there are still challenges, the nature of the work is more structured, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

While both roles are demanding in their own way, they’ve allowed me to leverage different strengths and perspectives, and I’m grateful for how my pub-based experience continues to inform my approach to leadership and decision-making at head office.”

Looking back, what’s been the most rewarding part of your career journey so far?

“The most rewarding part of my career journey has been the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both people and the business. Starting as a General Manager, I found immense satisfaction in building a strong, motivated team and fostering a welcoming environment for our guests. Seeing the pub thrive as a hub for the community was a truly fulfilling experience.

On a personal level, mentoring others and seeing their growth and success has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Overall, my journey has been shaped by a combination of operational success, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to supporting others—each step building on the last to create a career filled with purpose and impact.”

Are there any standout moments in your journey?

“One highlight was supporting the Service Foundations training programme for our pub teams. Seeing how it empowered our teams and improved service delivery was incredibly rewarding.

Another standout moment was leading the move to Attensi, our gamified learning platform. These projects exemplify how we can leverage technology to create innovative, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for our people. The positive feedback from teams and the measurable improvements in engagement have been deeply gratifying.”

What advice would you give to someone starting in a pub role who’s interested in progressing their career within Greene King?

“Approach every day with curiosity, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Take pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences and building strong relationships with your team and community—it’s the foundation of success in the business.

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to develop your skills and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Greene King offers fantastic training programs and career pathways, so take full advantage of them and show that you’re eager to grow.

Finally, keep an eye on the bigger picture. Understand how your role fits into Greene King’s broader goals and how the work you do in your pub contributes to the company’s success.”

Write your own success story at Greene King

If Si’s story has inspired you to embark on your own journey, we’d love to hear from you. Careers at Greene King come with many benefits, not least the career growth and development opportunities that are available to everyone. 

Ready to pour happiness into lives? Explore Greene King jobs today or sign up to job alerts for further information.