James's Journey from an Assistant Manager to a Learning & Development Manager
Snippet Title
James’ incredible journey at Greene King started in 2013 when he saw an exciting opportunity in the growth of Hungry Horse pubs. With his background in hospitality, he felt well-equipped for success with Greene King. He applied for an Assistant Manager role at his local Hungry Horse pub and got the job, setting the stage for his impressive career.
In 2014, James advanced to a Designate Manager for Local Pubs working with managers in Sheffield and Leeds to enhance his skills. Although, his journey didn’t stop there. James’ passion for simplifying complex systems led to his role as a Retail Systems Trainer in 2019.
His current role as a Franchise Learning and Development Manager allows him to guide a team and contribute to Greene King’s franchise pub growth, embodying Greene King’s commitment to nurturing talent and seizing opportunities.
WHY DID YOU JOIN GREENE KING?
Snippet Title
Back in 2013 the growth of Hungry Horse Pubs seemed like an exciting venture, and I believed the skills & knowledge I had already acquired in the hospitality sector would allow me to thrive with Greene King.
I applied for a vacant Assistant Manager role at my local Hungry Horse Pub and was successfully appointed.
SUMMARISE YOUR CAREER AT GREENE KING AND THE DIFFERENT ROLES YOU HAVE HAD
Snippet Title
I started my career with Greene King in 2013 as Assistant Manager at the Ashley Hotel Hungry Horse in Worksop. Here I learnt the ropes of pub management balancing excellent customer service standards with supporting a great team and maintaining financial controls.
Hungry for my own business, in 2014 I was appointed as a Designate Manager for Local Pubs where I had the opportunity to work with some of Greene King's great managers in the Sheffield & Leeds area giving me the opportunity to sharpen my skills and learn new ones. Eventually, I was appointed to the Ancient Foresters as General Manager in Wibsey Bradford. During my time here we achieved record-breaking weekly and daily sales along with great guest measures and stock controls.
I took a particular interest in the power of teamwork and how important supportive training can be. With this in mind I decided to join the Integration team in 2016 as Implementation Manager. Our task for the next few years was to visit every pub throughout the combined Spirit and Greene King managed estate to align all our back office support systems to one way of working for both Spirit sites and legacy GK sites. This was a great journey being able to train existing Greene King systems from my Pub knowledge and learn new systems & processes to train from the Spirit estate.
In 2019 I started a newly developed role as Retail Systems Trainer with IT. As a team of 5, we were responsible for all systems training across the managed division from running systems training days on General Manager induction to bespoke courses for Kitchen Managers and Assistant Managers along with onsite support visits.
Over the years I realised I had a real passion for taking what can sometimes be complex systems and simplifying the training. However, I also wanted to learn more about the support and problem-solving side of IT. In 2021 I took on the role of Retail Systems Support Analyst within IT. In this role, no two days were the same. While still supporting systems training, I also had the opportunity to work with external suppliers and the wider IT team to support pubs by resolving any problems and or issues they may have with their back-office systems.
Finally, in 2022 I saw a role advertised in Pub Partners for a Franchise Learning & Development Manager; this was an opportunity too good to miss. This is my current role and allows me to support a team of 4 fantastic, knowledgeable trainers and an amazing L&D franchise coordinator while we work closely with Franchise Operations, Property and Marketing as we grow our Franchise pub estate through significant investments. We look after new Franchisee Inductions, on-site training during the handover and launch period & ongoing training and development for the Franchisees and their teams.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ACROSS A VARIETY OF THE GREENE KING BRANDS SUPPORTED YOUR GROWTH/CAREER PROGRESSION?
Snippet Title
Throughout the years in a training role, this has allowed me to naturally ask questions and learn more about each brand in Greene King to provide better support. This could be from menus, drink range to target demographics & service style. I have always been hungry for knowledge with a desire to learn every bit of detail and I can confidently say with every previous role I have acquired new skills and knowledge that has helped me with the following role. For example my time spent learning about different Greene King brands on the Integration project really supported me as a Retail Systems Trainers as I was already aware of how each different Greene King brand operated.
HOW HAS GREENE KING SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER PROGRESSION?
Snippet Title
Greene King has allowed me the freedom to figure out what I enjoy doing and pursue that passion, while helping me to network with wider teams, build great relationships and surround myself with people that know the answer.
What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?
Snippet Title
Customer Service has always been the most satisfying thing for me, whether that's providing quality food and drink for our Guests, delivering great Training & Support for our Pub Managers and their teams or collaborating with Marketing, Operations, Recruitment, IT and Property to overcome challenges and support each other to deliver amazing results.
What would you say to someone considering a career at Greene King?
Snippet Title
I have had an incredible journey with Greene King over the last 10 years, the company has helped me understand my potential and supported me in achieving it every step of the way.
It's important to challenge yourself throughout your career but equally important to have a company like Greene King behind you to support you on your journey to success.
Tags
4 REASONS TO CONSIDER PUB MANAGEMENT ROLES AT GREENE KING
Is there anywhere happier than the pub? The place 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 up happiness. If you’re thinking about Pub Management roles, Greene King should be on your radar. Here are four reasons why our Pub Management roles are unique and rewarding:
Read More...related jobs
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Sunrise House,Burton-upon-Trent,DE14 3JZ
Business Area
Marketing & Digital
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
Burton on Trent
Description
Your role as a Campaign Developer : Working closely with the CRM team to understand their campaign and test plans to create and execute brilliant CRM journeys, campaign’s and automations inside our m
Reference
795d26f1-2e5d-4fcd-a454-3b0c89cf4fa0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abida PerveenAuthor
Abida PerveenSalary
Competitive Salary
Location
Abbot House,Bury St Edmunds,IP33 1QT
Business Area
IT
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
Bury St Edmunds
Description
As our HRIS Administrator you will...Ensure the local operation of the HRIS and the supporting processes always comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and GDPRAct as first line suppor
Reference
267e8147-0b55-4d95-98fc-a2e2a89f6f96
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Sunrise House,Burton-upon-Trent,DE14 3JZ
Business Area
IT
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
Burton-On-Trent
Description
In your role as Cloud engineer you will...Develop and maintain Azure cloud infrastructure, including virtual networks, storage accounts, and virtual machines Design and implement cloud-based solutions
Reference
b39a8c35-6e93-45be-a05a-f07e2aa6dc57
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Alison ConnaughtonAuthor
Alison ConnaughtonSalary
£28,000 - £31,000 + Bonus
Location
Quayside Inn (Falmouth),Falmouth,TR11 3LH
Business Area
Assistant Manager
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Falmouth
Description
What you'll do as an Assistant Manager... Support the General Manager in the day to day running of the business and leading the business in their absence. Bring our brand to life by leading the tea
Reference
7d7adf03-bfe7-4b2e-b506-f41c62afed69
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£38,000 - £42,000 + Bonus
Location
Worlds End (Finsbury Park),Finsbury Park,N4 3EF
Business Area
General Manager
Brand
Metropolitan Pub Company
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
What you'll do as a General Manager... Work with your business development manager and management team to grow pub sales Lead by example in everything you do and bring our brand to life through your t
Reference
60ff78fd-6bc6-43f8-90d5-3946688a8c2e
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sam StaceyAuthor
Sam StaceySalary
£28,000 - £30,000 + Bonus
Location
White Elephant (Northampton),Northampton,NN2 7HG
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Northampton
Description
As a Kitchen Manager, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team i
Reference
c65b519d-1032-4d8b-96bc-75cb638957a3
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Louise MitchellAuthor
Louise MitchellSalary
Competitive Salary
Location
London Office,London,NW1 3AU
Business Area
Marketing & Digital
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
THIS ROLE CAN BE BASED IN LONDON OR BURTON ON TRENT In your role as a Commercial Marketing Executive you will.......Develop and execute the annual Drinks Marketing plan in line with business, commerci
Reference
f34e0e31-600e-4abc-87eb-15d2ca988e57
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abida PerveenAuthor
Abida PerveenSalary
Competitive Salary + Bonus
Location
London Office,London,NW1 3AU
Business Area
Marketing & Digital
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
THIS ROLE CAN BE BASED IN LONDON OR BURTON ON TRENT As a Commercial Marketing Manager you will.......Work with the Drinks Team, Format Marketing Teams and the Brand Team, to define, create and evaluat
Reference
b6009e4b-2f9f-43ce-81e2-6c0d03c1a163
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abida PerveenAuthor
Abida PerveenSalary
£33,000 - £37,000 + Bonus
Location
Two Brewers (Chipperfield),Chipperfield,WD4 9BS
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Chef and Brewer
Hours
Full time
Location
Kings Langley
Description
As a Kitchen Manager, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team i
Reference
8a840f85-195f-4350-bef5-13785004e36c
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lindsey ButlerAuthor
Lindsey ButlerSalary
Competitive Salary
Location
Sunrise House,Burton-upon-Trent,DE14 3JZ
Business Area
Marketing & Digital
Brand
Greene King
Hours
Full time
Location
Burton upon Trent
Description
THIS ROLE CAN BE BASED IN LONDON OR BURTON ON TRENT As a Commercial Intelligence Analyst you will......Support the Commercial Intelligence Manager on all commercial and growth analysis, planning
Reference
e7037390-4487-4eb2-9eba-c559729e5ae7
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abida PerveenAuthor
Abida Perveenrelated posts

Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
PodcastPublish date
11/16/2023
Summary
PINT OF PERSPECTIVE BONUS EPISODE 3: Charlotte Charlotte is a member of Greene Sky, the employee led inclusion group (ELIG) focused on amplifying the voices of women in the the Gre
by
Greene Sky

Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/31/2023
Summary
Snippet Title Did you know that menopause affects approximately 51% of the UK population? This means at some point in your career, you, your family members, friends, or work colleagues may be d
by
Greene Sky

Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/20/2023
Summary
Snippet Title At Greene King, you can unlock countless opportunities for career development, growth and learning. And one of our colleagues, Ellie, is a true testament to this. We recently caug
by
Rachel Jones

Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/20/2023
Summary
Snippet Title When people think of Bar and Waiting jobs, they think of pouring pints and prepping orders for customers. But Bar and Waiting jobs are so much more than that. In the hustle and bu
by
Kelly Batho

Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/20/2023
Summary
Snippet Title Here at Greene King, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s more than that. We're working hard to make Everyday Inclusion a reality for all our people, every day. By listening to
by
Ability
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/16/2023
Summary
With an impressive background in the world of hospitality, Joanne wanted a role which would allow her more freedom; she found herself knocking at the doors of Greene King. Starting as a Gener
by
Charley Young
Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
PodcastPublish date
10/16/2023
Summary
PINT OF PERSPECTIVE EPISODE 4: Claire In the latest episode of Pint of Perspective, we talk to the brilliant, inspiring Claire about the effects of menopause on women in the workp
by
Greene Sky

Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2023
Summary
Snippet Title As the holiday season approaches us, we’ve got a lot of exciting job opportunities waiting for you. Seasonal jobs can be a great way to earn extra income whilst enjoying festiviti
by
Abida Perveen

Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
PodcastPublish date
10/05/2023
Summary
PINT OF PERSPECTIVE EPISODE 3: Sherice In this episode, we speak to Sherice. She’s a Brand Lead at Greene King and a member of Unity—an employee led inclusion group or ‘ELIG’ that provides
by
Unity

Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/29/2023
Summary
Snippet Title At Greene King, we are on a journey to create an environment where everyone enjoys and has access to equal opportunities to grow and succeed. Recognising the importance of interna
by
Greene Sky