Testimonials
Read testimonials from: Becka Griffin | Hannah Daly
Licensed House Manager
Hope and Anchor, Liverpool
Career history with M&B: Started while at Uni, as bar staff in a then-Firkin pub in Liverpool in 2001; transferred to the nearby Scream (Hope and Anchor) in my third year. Did the Retail Graduate Scheme assessment just before graduating, got an Assistant Managers position in a Scream in Oxford. After six months moved to the Up in Arms in Reading as Assistant Manager, stayed there for a year, then came back to the Hope and Anchor as Assistant Manager. The then Licensed House Manager left and I did a holding relief for three months before finally getting the Licensed House Manager's position in January 2004.
Degree title: BA (hons) Graphic Arts
Degree university: Liverpool John Moores
Date you graduated: May 2002
Job description: In charge of every aspect of the day to day running of a student-orientated pub.
What do I actually do: In the past two years the Hope and Anchor's food trade has gone from strength to strength, so the main emphasis of the week is our weekday lunchtimes. We also operate a late licence on a Thursday, and show football on our big screen. I try to work the busiest shifts, as I do not have an Assistant Manager, however I do have a fantastic management team made up of full and part time team leaders who do an amazing job whenever I am not working. Since first becoming an Assistant Manager I have had a strong interest in Human Resources and training side of my job and encourage my team leaders to take control of their career development whenever possible.
How I got into it: I started doing bar work while studying for my A-levels in Cumbria; I really enjoyed every aspect of it and continued to do bar work throughout my degree. Nearing graduation my Licensed House Manager at the time told me about the ‘Progress' Graduate Scheme and it sounded like a really good idea.
Best bits of the job: Seeing people achieve their potential. When one of my Team Leaders got his first Assistant Managers position I felt really proud. I also get a buzz on a busy shift when I look around and think "I'm the boss!" I am also lucky enough to get on with my staff really well - some of them I have known since I worked alongside them as bar staff. Bonuses can be quite nice too.
Most likely to put off: Obviously the anti-social hours; but fortunately my boyfriend works in the same industry so he understands the pressures. Telling staff off can be a bit of a nightmare too, especially when they are good friends.
Most memorable moment: The phone call I got telling me I had the Licensed House Managers job at the Hope & Anchor. I could hardly speak as I was so sure someone else had got it - and my Retail Business Manager (Area Manager) had to phone back later to check I was okay! My nameplate arrived the same day so I celebrated!
Top job-hunting tip: I had four years of bar experience and already worked for Mitchells and Butlers ; so I was confident in knowing what I was talking about. The management team where I was working at the time were really supportive and helped me every step of the way; however I was also very motivated and, most importantly, was prepared to relocate.
Skills most used?
Communication skills and tact when dealing with awkward customers (and
staff)! Attention to detail is also really important.
What next?
I'd like to pursue the HR and training side of my current job; however
I've toyed with all sorts of careers from teaching to the Police. At the
moment I'm happy where I am so no immediate plans to move on just yet.
Licensed House Manager
O'Neills, Blackfriars
Career history with M&B: Started at O'Neills, Leeds as a Retail Graduate Assistant Manager, moved to O'Neills, Islington as Assistant Manager - involved with the first new trial site, and now the Licensed House Manager at O'Neills, Blackfriars
Degree title: Business Management & Hospitality
Degree University: Salford University
Date you graduated: May 2003
What do I actually do: Duties include running of the business, staffing, creating a pleasant environment for customers to return to. Fully responsible for cash and stock, Even though I work for a big company, you are in charge of your outlet's cash and stock.
How I got into it: I had always worked on a Part Time basis in the industry and I always enjoyed what I was doing. I heard about the Retail Graduate Scheme through a friend who had applied and what was involved and how a career would develop. I applied and was successful. I received the Assistant Manager's vacancy list every week and saw the Assistant Manager position at O'Neills, Leeds so went for an interview with the area manager and met the Licensed House Manager and got the job.
Best bits of the job: Team involvement - if you as a manager cannot get on with your team, there is no point in being in the job. Also, having a craic with the customers.
Most likely to put off: Getting up at 6.30am for a beer delivery.
Most memorable moment: Being involved from start to finish in the first new trial site at O'Neills, Islington. The pub was closed for 4 weeks whilst the pub was striped and refurbed and then we had 2 weeks of preparation including a recruitment event and training the staff. It was stressful, especially when the guiness was not delivered until 2 days before opening but seeing the end product was worth it. Its great to see how the staff are doing now after all the training.
Top job-hunting tip: Show you are hardworking and willing to learn in your interview. Be aware and not afraid of the amount of hours you have to work. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel- you get out what you put in!