James’ recipe for cooking up a progressive kitchen career
James’ recipe for cooking up a progressive kitchen career
We recently heard from James Chilongo, an Accredited Kitchen Manager, who told us about his amazing career journey with M&B – his words! When asked why he wanted to join us, James said that he felt we had the best opportunities for progression and job security, and that over the years its proven to be true.
Having started with us in 2007, James gradually worked his way up the ranks, working for four different M&B brands: Nicholson’s, Oak Tree, Sizzling Pubs and most recently High Street pubs. Career progression is just one of many benefits we offer at M&B, because we value our people and encourage them to develop their skills, or even try new opportunities if they want to.
Tell us about your career journey with M&B
‘I joined as a chef and by the end of 2008, I was made Kitchen Lead. Then in 2010 I was part of a cohort of Kitchen Leads who were promoted to Kitchen Manager positions. It felt so rewarding that my hard work was recognised!
In 2012, I was one of 12 Kitchen Managers to be nominated to help Retail Business Managers (RBMs) and their districts as Accredited Kitchen Managers (AKMs), a role I’ve been in until recently when I was promoted to Kitchen Investment Trainer, starting January 2022.’
How have you been supported throughout the development of your kitchen career?
‘I’ve worked with great RBM, Kitchen Skills Trainers, and Pub Managers, who have all been kind, supportive and helpful with my career development and progression. Darren, my current RBM, and Mark, my current Kitchen Skills trainer, have really helped me believe in myself, giving me the confidence to train and support other chefs.
During my career, M&B have supported me through fantastic training MABLE programs which have really helped. Additionally, in 2019, I become the first employee at M&B to qualify and be awarded the Departmental Operational Manager Diploma Level 5 through Lifetime Apprenticeships.’
With a blend of determination, hard work, and making the most of the wide range of opportunities we have on offer, James’ kitchen career at M&B has flourished. And remember, Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers; at M&B we believe it’s never too late to start learning!
What are some key traits needed to progress a kitchen career?
James shared his top 5 ingredients to successfully progress your kitchen career, and they are spot on:
1. Work hard
2. Know what you want; have a plan
3. Stay focused, positive, and determined. Even though some days may be tough, stick to it
4. Seek help and support. Don't be afraid to fail, ask for feedback, live the M&B values
5. Have self-awareness. Use different leadership styles, work on your communication and negotiation skills, be tough when you need to, and be gentle as everyone is different.
At M&B, it’s our culture that makes work so worthwhile, so in our kitchens and across our whole business, we like to be considerate of all our teams and their feelings. We’re a big family, striving to be a more inclusive employer, and we’re making progress, but we’ve got a long way to go.
What is the best thing about working as part of a kitchen team?
‘The best part is working as a team; we work hard, but we laugh and joke a lot. Over the years I have made fantastic working relationships with teammates, and we have ended having great friendship outside of the kitchen.’
The sense of solidarity that comes with working in hospitality is unrivalled in any other sector, which is why we celebrate working with our besties as so many of our teams end up as life-long friends.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking of bringing their kitchen career to M&B?
‘Be yourself, enjoy the job, set out a clear career path, and stay focused in order to get to where you want to be. M&B reward hard working individuals, and I am an example of it.’
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!
A recipe for success at M&B
At M&B, we like to reward our hardworking staff with the career progress they desire, and we encourage them to gain experience in a variety of areas to build their skillset.
We’re creating opportunities for anyone, from any background, with any level of experience, who is willing to work hard and get stuck in. If you’ve been inspired by James’ story and you’re looking for your next challenge, take a look at our available kitchen jobs today.
Receive articles like this
Looking for more related content to feast on?
If you like what you're reading but you're hungry for more, we've got a little something for you.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2024
Summary
So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2024
Summary
At M&B, we're on a bold sustainability mission with an ambitious goal: reaching Net Zero by 2040. Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is driving innovative changes across our oper
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
What is a Team Leader job? Are you a natural-born leader with a passion for food? Then we’ve got a place for you as one of our Kitchen Team Leaders at Mitchells and Butlers. As a Team Leader in
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/04/2024
Summary
Whether you’re a school leaver, a student, or a parent looking to put some extra cash in the bank, a summer pub job can be the perfect solution. But how do you find that ideal summer job that’s fun, a
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
To celebrate National Coming Out Day this year, we spoke to several people at M&B to hear about their experience, including Keith Meadows who works at The Hesketh Arms Pub & Restaurant. Keith is o
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/05/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, our chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion into every dish they craft. But what about when they need a little culinary comfort themselves? We've delve
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen? Whether you’re moving between Mitchells and Butlers brands or teams, or looking for an exciting new role, there are plenty of kitchen assistant skills that
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Think that being a Kitchen Assistant is a boring job with no career progression? Think again! That’s just one of many big myths about working in a kitchen. There’s much more to being a Kitchen Assista
by
Rachael Langley
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
Evenings are staying lighter for longer and the days are growing warmer. Dare we say summer is on the way? If you’re thinking “How can I make money as a student?” and are keen to make some extra cas
by
Jess Birch
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Up to £36000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Mitchells and Butlers – South East , Kingston Centre, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BA, United Kingdom
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
As Head Chef at Join us at Mitchells & Butlers, the heart of hospitality. With over 1,600 businesses we’re the home of some of the nation's favourite restaurants, bustling bars, cosy country pubs and
Reference
2254213
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Emily SmithAuthor
Emily SmithSalary
Up to £39000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Mitchells and Butlers – West Midlands, Bridgeman St, Walsall WS2 9NW, UK
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Walsall
Description
Join our team as a Head Chef with Mitchells & Butlers! We're hiring across a variety of our iconic brands, including Premium Country Pubs, Miller and Carter, Toby Carvery, and many more. Bring your le
Reference
2231804
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Emily SmithAuthor
Emily SmithSalary
Up to £39000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Mitchells and Butlers – Yorkshire and The Humber, Leeds LS1 4DY, UK
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Leeds
Description
Join our team as a Head Chef with Mitchells & Butlers! We're hiring across a variety of our iconic brands, including Premium Country Pubs, Miller and Carter, Toby Carvery, and many more. Bring your le
Reference
2296795
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Emily SmithAuthor
Emily SmithPerks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.