Becoming an Assistant Manager with Mitchells & Butlers

What made you join Mitchells & Butlers?

"At my previous workplace, I felt like I had hit a wall in my career. I was looking for my next step and a bit of inspiration when I saw Nicholson’s were recruiting. I was really looking forward to joining a successful brand and setting myself more challenging goals."

If career progression is important to you, M&B could be just the ticket. With so many businesses scattered across the UK, we've always got new hospitality jobs springing up and we look for fresh talent to step up and take on a new challenge.

Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Mitchells & Butlers so far.

"I joined as a Kitchen Manager in Covent Garden. I really enjoyed working in the kitchen, but after 13 months I was looking for a fresh challenge. I moved to an Assistant Manager role at the Greyhounds in London Soho, aspiring to become a General Manager with my own pub in the future."

For Ashley, working in the thick of it is what he loves most. And why wouldn't you want a job in London where you're just a stones throw from some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city? That said, if you enjoy peace and tranquility, we have coastal jobs and jobs in the countryside. With 82% of the UK population living less than five miles from an M&B pub, bar or restaurant, you're bound to find a spot that suits you.

What has been your drive to switch roles?

"I decided to move from a kitchen jobs to a waiting staff job because I’m a people person and I love entertaining guests. I really enjoyed creating dishes, and progressed to Kitchen Manager, which has been great, but my long-term ambition has been to be a General Manager."

Ashley isn't the only person at M&B to move from a back-of-house job to a front-of-house job. We encourage every team member to explore all the career opportunities available to them. If there's a direction you want to take your career in but you can't see a clear path, we'll help you find it.

How has Mitchells & Butlers supported your development?

"Mitchells & Butlers has a great management development programme in place that has helped me gain the knowledge and skills to drive my progression. I have also had the opportunity to take the Level 4 Food & Beverage Hospitality Apprenticeship. Alongside this, the network of regional trainers and Regional Business Managers have been great at giving me the support to progress to Assistant Manager."

Helping our team fulfil their career goals is what matters most to us. We have a range of apprenticeships which are designed to support you build up yout confidence. That's not to say you won't be pushed. You'll gain some essential life skills at any one of our many famous brands.

What’s your advice to those looking to progress in the hospitality sector?

"My advice is to aim high and take the opportunity to learn through apprenticeships. They’re a great opportunity to learn new tricks of the trade."

This is great advice from Ashley, and we couldn't agree more. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to earn while they learn?

Interested in a role in pub management? 

So, you're ready for your next career move! Or perhaps, you're just putting some feelers out. Either way, you've come to the right place. If you liked hearing about Ashley's career at M&B, we've got a few more stories you'll love. We caught up with a few of our Premium Country Pubs team members to learn more about a day in the life of an Assistant Manager at a multi-million-pound business.

Feeling inspired? Find out more about our opportunities for you to build a business to be proud of on our management jobs page. From there, you can explore our latest assistant manager jobs, kitchen manager jobs and general manager jobs.