Progress isn’t always a straight line: Nuno’s Area Manager journey

When Nuno poured his first pint in Hampstead back in 1999, he probably didn’t imagine he’d one day be leading some of our top-performing districts as an Area Manager. 

His story is a reminder that career development doesn’t have to follow a set path. Through lateral moves, brand switches, and the Area Manager Development Programme, he built a career rich in experience and results. 

That’s what’s great about a career at M&B: opportunities pop up in places you don’t expect, and they can take you further than you thought.

From Kitchen Assistant to Area Manager

Nuno’s M&B journey began in the kitchen at The White Hart, a Nicholson’s pub. He progressed to Head Chef, then General Manager, and later moved brands to Castle. Even a break to attend university couldn’t keep him away from hospitality!

By 2012, he returned to a GM role with Sizzling. During a 2016 review, an Area Manager asked if he had considered that role. 

That conversation sparked the idea that would shape the next stage of his career. He joined the Area Manager Development Programme, and things began to shift.

Lateral moves that build Area Manager confidence

His first experience as an Area Manager came in 2018, covering a district in Wales while being based in London. Nuno embraced the challenge, taking on new teams, travel, and responsibilities. “It was frightening,” he admits, but he “built strong relationships and learned a lot.” 

He credits some of his success to having excellent leadership, saying it’s crucial to have someone who trusts you with autonomy and lets you grow through decision-making, both successes and mistakes.

From there, Nuno took on a Sizzling district, then moved to Ember Inns, where his district hit third on the MAB scorecard and won District of the Year! Eventually, he moved into Premium Country Pubs, bringing valuable experience and a fresh perspective.

No two businesses are alike, even across divisions. These moves taught Nuno about working with different people, understanding brand differences, and discovering his own leadership style.

“The job’s the same, but the way you do it changes”

What Nuno loves most about being an Area Manager is the variety and autonomy, which allows him to make a real impact. He’s especially proud of the relationships he’s built, the strong teams he’s shaped, and the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and leaders.

Communication is key. Nuno emphasises the importance of tapping into your network and understanding new challenges as they arise, skills that make every Area Manager journey unique.

Advice for aspiring Area Managers

Nuno’s advice? Don’t wait for the perfect moment. “Spend time with people and reach out to senior leaders and colleagues. If you’re visible and connected, you’ll be front of mind when opportunities come up.”

He also encourages following your heart in hospitality. “Moving from one brand to another requires adjustment, but that experience helps you balance risk and impact.”

From experience to expertise: Nuno’s area manager journey

Nuno’s mantra: stay curious, stay connected, and never stop learning.

If you’re inspired by Nuno’s journey and want to explore a similar path, explore our job opportunities today: 

• Kitchen Jobs
  
  
• Front of House Jobs
  
  
• Area Manager Opportunities
  
  
• And more roles across M&B