Growing a Career in Hospitality: Jason’s Journey from Kitchen to Head Office

Ever wondered where a career in hospitality could take you?

For Jason, it started as a Kitchen Assistant role in a busy pub kitchen. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and he’s now helping launch new pubs and restaurants across M&B.

His story is proof that hospitality careers aren’t just jobs. They can become long-term careers packed with progression, new challenges and opportunities you might never have expected. 

How Jason started his hospitality career

Jason joined M&B in September 2005 as a Kitchen Assistant at Harvester Bassetts Pole in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.

Like many people starting out in hospitality jobs, he began by learning the fundamentals of working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. From food preparation to service standards, every shift helped him build new skills and confidence.

Before long, Jason knew he wanted to develop his career further.

As his experience grew, he progressed into a Chef role and, in 2010, became a Head Chef, taking responsibility for leading a team and running a successful kitchen.

Reflecting on his journey, Jason says:

"Throughout my career journey, there’s always been my team pushing me forward. From learning how to prepare and present food, to running a section, holding the kitchen when my Head Chef was on leave and eventually stepping up to be a Head Chef myself."

What career progression in hospitality looks like

One of the things Jason values most about working at M&B is the opportunity to keep learning.

Rather than staying in the same role, he looked for ways to expand his skills and experience. He trained to become an Accredited Kitchen Manager, opening the door to opportunities beyond his own pub.

In this position, Jason supported kitchens across the business, helping maintain food quality and safety standards while delivering inductions for new Head Chefs.

It also gave him a wider understanding of how different brands and teams operate across M&B.

For anyone wondering, "Can you build a long-term career in hospitality?" Jason's answer would probably be yes.

Taking on a new challenge with the Openings Team

After years of developing his leadership skills, Jason was ready for something new.

In September 2024, he joined the Openings Team as a Kitchen Investment Trainer.

The role combines everything he's learned throughout his hospitality career. He works closely with kitchen teams to set up new kitchens, introduce equipment and support chefs as they prepare to open their doors.

Jason credits his managers and colleagues for encouraging him to leap.

"My managers and colleagues encouraged me to explore other areas of the business. They knew I needed a new challenge and really backed me to go for it."

Starting a new role after years in a familiar environment wasn't easy, but the support he received made all the difference.

"Joining the Openings Team has genuinely been one of the best decisions I have made. I went from being very comfortable in my role to feeling like the new person again. It was overwhelming at first but the support has been incredible. The other members of the openings team are welcoming, caring and nothing is ever too much trouble."

Since joining the team, Jason has supported openings across several M&B brands, including Harvester, Castle, Stonehouse and Sizzling.

How working in hospitality changed Jason's life

Career growth isn't just about promotions and new job titles.

For Jason, working at M&B has helped shape his life both inside and outside of work.

Over the years, he's built confidence, developed valuable leadership skills and created lasting friendships. He even met his wife through work and has since started a family.

"M&B gave me the chance to build a home, meet my wife through work and now have two children. I've gained confidence, skills and friendships along the way, and it's shaped where I am today."

It's a reminder that a great workplace can have a lasting impact far beyond your day-to-day role.

Why choose a career in hospitality at M&B?

Jason's journey highlights many of the reasons people choose to build their careers at M&B:

• Clear progression from entry-level hospitality jobs into leadership roles
• Opportunities to move across different areas of the business
• Ongoing training and development
• Supportive managers who encourage career growth
• The chance to build confidence, leadership skills and lifelong friendships
• Opportunities to work across some of the UK's best-loved pub and restaurant brands

Whether you're looking for your first kitchen role or planning your next career move, hospitality offers more opportunities than many people realise.

Looking for hospitality jobs? Your journey could start here

From washing pots as a Kitchen Assistant to helping launch brand-new pubs and restaurants, Jason's story shows just how far a career in hospitality can take you.

At M&B, we're passionate about helping our people learn, develop and progress. Whether you want to become a Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or explore opportunities beyond the kitchen, we'll support you every step of the way.

So, where could your hospitality career lead?

Explore our latest chef and kitchen opportunities and discover what your future at M&B could look like.