From summer job to Head Office: Rich's journey at M&B

Meet Rich, one of our many success stories at M&B, whose journey from a temporary summer role to a key position in our head office is nothing short of inspiring. 

What started as a short stint in our Stock System Team turned into a fulfilling career, thanks to Rich's hard work, passion, and the supportive environment at M&B. 

In this interview, Rich shares how a summer job at M&B opened doors, shaped his career, and why he believes there’s no place quite like M&B to work and grow. 

Tell us what brought you to M&B!

"I initially worked with M&B for about six months in 2004 on a short-term project. After that, I left to use my degree in TV and spent a couple of years working on TV projects. But I found the industry tough. 

In 2006, my brother, who was already working for M&B, suggested I join the stock system team at the Retail Support Centre. It was supposed to be just a temporary summer job for six weeks, but it developed into a Stock Software Support Analyst role, where I stayed from 2007 to 2011. 

From there, I moved into a project implementing zonal tills across the estate, which then evolved into my current role as a Business Process Design Manager."

What was it about a summer role that caught your eye?

"I really liked the atmosphere in the office and the relationships I built with my co-workers. The stability that M&B offered was also appealing. It felt like a place where I could see myself growing."

What’s the best part about working with M&B over the summer?

"I would say it's the lively and energetic environment. There's always something happening, and it keeps the workday exciting. Plus, the summer season often brings a more energetic and lively atmosphere to the workplace. It can also open doors to future opportunities, offering valuable experience that could lead to growth within the company."

Is there anything you find challenging about working over the summer?

"During busy periods, the increased number of guests presents an exciting opportunity for support teams to step up, collaborate, and ensure smooth operations. But it's also what makes the job so rewarding - when everything comes together, it’s a great feeling."

What’s your most memorable experience working at M&B?

"One of my proudest moments was when I got buy-in from the kitchen teams after implementing the Kitchen Management System. There was some initial pushback, due to a huge change in ways of working, but after the system was up and running, I received positive feedback from our Head Chefs, which was no small feat. 

I'm also proud of the Christmas Day Pre-order system we implemented for Christmas 2023 - that was a big win for the team."

What sets M&B apart from other companies in the hospitality industry?

"There’s no place to work like M&B. There’s a real sense of fun at M&B, with a good balance between work and play. 

Plus, there are lots of like-minded people to bounce ideas off and get support from."

Would you recommend a summer job at M&B to anyone out there? If so, why?

"Absolutely! A summer job at M&B is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and be part of a fun and supportive team. 

The skills you pick up and the connections you make can really set you up for future opportunities within the company, just like they did for me."

At M&B, what starts as a fun summer job can quickly turn into an exciting career! Whether you're pulling pints or serving up smiles, you'll gain valuable experience and make connections that can take you further than you ever imagined. 

Many of our team members began with a summer gig and are now thriving in Head Office roles, managing pubs, or leading teams. So why not kickstart your journey with us? Apply for a summer job at M&B today, and who knows where it might lead!