Hospitality, restaurant jobs, waiting jobs, bar jobs, hospitality career, general manager

Progression and Succession at M&B - From General Manager to Operations Manager

Progression and Succession at M&B - From General Manager to Operations Manager

Amandeep Chahal our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 15/06/2024

At Mitchells and Butlers, we believe in providing all of our teams the opportunity to grow in their roles with progression and development being a key pillar to everything we do.

In this blog series we will be speaking to some of the inspirational people across the business who have showcased the breadth of opportunity for progression here at M&B both across roles and our 14 unique brands.

In this blog we will be putting the spotlight on Operations Manager David Lawson. Since joining M&B in 2010 as a General Manager, David has worked his way up through the business working across several of our brands including Browns, Sizzling and Castle. David is a great example of how working for a multi brand business such as M&B can set you up for success.

In this blog David speaks to us about his journey at M&B and how he feels he has been supported to create a successful career within hospitality. 

What made you decide to join M&B?

I used to run a HaHa bar in Sheffield. In 2010 M&B bought HaHa and I moved across to M&B. I had always been a guest of M&B businesses, so it was exciting to become part of a much bigger company with great opportunities.

Please can you summarise your career at M&B and the different roles 

After coming across as part of HaHa my site in Sheffield was remodelled into a Browns. I was General Manager there for about 3 years and then got the opportunity to take over the Leeds Browns site. Leeds was always one of the north flagship sites, so it was great to have a new opportunity. Also, having been living in Leeds during all my time in Sheffield it was great to be closer to home!

 I was GM at Browns Leeds for about 3 years in which time I also began working towards my RBM development. I got offered the chance to take on a holding RBM role covering a Yorkshire area for what was the SPOTON brands. I started the role just as the company decided to split SPOTON into Suburban Pubs and High Street. I only had about 4 months under the SPOTON brand, but it was great insight into the role.

When the brand split, I moved onto an RBM role with Sizzing pubs covering Greater Manchester, Preston and Blackpool. I absolutely loved the role!! Whilst it was a little different to Browns (!) the teams were great and incredibly passionate about their pubs and communities – a genuine local feel! After about 18months, the RBM role in my old Browns district came up, and although I was sad to leave, I’d always loved the Browns brand and it felt like the right opportunity to go for. I took on the North Browns district running sites from Birmingham up to Edinburgh/Glasgow. At one point I was even running Milton Keynes and Cambridge all the way up to Edinburgh and Glasgow… dread to think how long I’ve spent on trains!! I was with Browns for 5 years whilst also working on my OM development. In January this year I was offered the chance to do an OM hold in Castle. Another superb brand, which allows me to combine my experience with both drink and food, whilst also offering me the chance to work across the north still, but also oversee some of the companies most iconic pubs in London.

How has your experience across a variety of the M&B brands supported your growth/career progression?

 I think this is the beauty of M&B. It is so diverse and there are always opportunities to take on new roles. I certainly feel branching out from just one brand is key. You can gain experience in different areas across the company, getting a feel for pubs, bars and restaurants and allowing you to continually develop your skill set. Learning how different parts of the company work and meeting the various support teams who work across the brands really helps you gain different insight and learn new ways of working.

How has M&B supported you in your career progression?

 I was clear when I joined M&B that I wanted to progress up to an Operations role. M&B, and the leadership teams I’ve worked for, have really helped get me there. From district, brand and divisional projects to personal development training, they have always helped support me towards reaching my goals.

What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?

 Cliché answer, but the people! That’s the beauty about working across different brands. We have so many amazing people across the company who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable and its great to work alongside them.

What would you say to someone considering a career at M&B?

 Do it! … There is a fantastic culture in M&B, you will be working with the best people and there are great opportunities to progress.

Where could a career with M&B take you?

If David's story has inspired you to find your next job with us, then what are you waiting for? We have a whole host of jobs that are yours for the taking. Check out our kitchen jobs, bar and waiting jobs or management jobs and take that one step closer to joining the M&B family.

 Where could a career with M&B take you?

Or, if you want to learn more about #LifeAtMAB, you can check out our latest M&B blogs.

List #1

Some articles you might like

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two men and one woman working in a kitchen in their chef whites and smiling
Everything you need to know about being a Kitchen Manager at the different M&B brands

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place.  To give you a better ide

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Chef

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at Toby

Reference

2350251

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Food Production Operative

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Kitchen Assistant

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  With your suppor

Reference

2350249

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Christmas Kitchen Assistant

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Kitchen Assistant

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  Unwrap your per

Reference

2350248

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search