Cooking up a kitchen career: James’ journey from Chef to Head Chef

Ever wondered how a kitchen career can really take off? We caught up with James Chilongo, who started as a Chef back in 2007 and is now a Kitchen Investment Trainer at M&B. 

From working across four different brands to stepping into leadership roles, James’ journey shows how a Head Chef job at M&B isn’t just a role, it’s a career full of growth, learning, and opportunity.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about your next kitchen move, his story is packed with tips, inspiration, and insight into what it takes to succeed in a kitchen career today.

From Chef to Head Chef: James’ career journey

‘I started as a Chef in 2007, and by the end of 2008, I was promoted to Kitchen Lead. In 2010, I joined a cohort of Kitchen Leads stepping up to Kitchen Manager roles, it felt amazing to have my hard work recognised!

In 2012, I became one of 12 Kitchen Managers nominated to support Retail Business Managers and their districts as an Accredited Kitchen Manager (AKM). Most recently, in January 2022, I was promoted to Kitchen Investment Trainer.’

How M&B supports a thriving kitchen career

‘Throughout my career, I’ve had incredible support from RBMs, Kitchen Skills Trainers, and Pub Managers. Darren, my current RBM, and Mark, my Kitchen Skills Trainer, have helped me build confidence to train and support other Chefs.

M&B’s training programs, like MABLE, have been brilliant, and in 2019 I became the first employee to achieve the Departmental Operational Manager Diploma Level 5 through Lifetime Apprenticeships.’

At M&B, we believe it’s never too late to start learning, and apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers.

James’ top 5 ingredients for a successful kitchen career

1. Work hard – dedication pays off.
2. Know what you want – set a clear plan.
3. Stay focused and positive – tough days happen, but stick with it.
4. Seek support – ask for feedback, embrace failure, live the M&B values.
5. Be self-aware – adapt your leadership style, communicate effectively, and treat everyone as an individual.

Why working in a kitchen team feels like family

‘The best part is the team spirit. We work hard, laugh even harder, and often form friendships that last outside the kitchen.’

Hospitality is one of the few sectors where camaraderie and solidarity are at the heart of daily life, and at M&B, we celebrate that culture.

Advice for aspiring kitchen professionals

‘Be yourself, enjoy the job, and stay focused on your career path. M&B rewards hard work, and I’m proof of that.’

A recipe for success at M&B

At M&B, a kitchen career is a chance to grow, learn new skills, and work with a team that feels like family. From gaining experience across different brands to accessing award-winning training, your kitchen career here can be as dynamic as you want it to be.

If James’ story has inspired you, why not take the next step? Explore our available Head Chef jobs and start cooking up your own career at M&B today.