Case Studies
Take a look below at some real life examples of how some people have developed their career in hotels:
House Manager
I have worked in the hotel industry since the age of 15 serving breakfasts at the weekend! I completed a BA (Hons) Degree with my 3rd year in the industry working at The Lygon Arms, Broadway. The placement was superb and from a room service waiter I departed in the position of a Banqueting co-ordinator. My final year complete, I was asked back to The Lygon as an Assistant Manager being promoted to Banqueting Manager, 3 years later.
A move to London within the same group was offered 8 years ago and I arrived at Claridge’s as an Assistant Banqueting Manager and began my London apprenticeship! Working my way up in the department allowed me to branch out and take on the Groups and Special Visit role before becoming the Front Office Manager. The corporate office beckoned next and I was off as a Senior Sales Manager, focusing on banqueting and a selection of our corporate accounts for all of the properties in the portfolio.
But I missed the operation!
The Banqueting Manager’s job was sitting vacant and was too much of a wonderful role to turn down so back to Claridge’s and in this role for 3 years. Earlier this year promotion was available to the position of House Manager with responsibility for all of the Front Office departments, Security and Telecoms. A total of 20 years within the same group, now Maybourne Hotel Group, and so many opportunities for progression and development.
James Partridge
House Manager
Claridge’s
Assistant Night Manager
I started working for Jurys Inn Birmingham in July 2004. I started as a Night Auditor and was soon promoted to Reception Shift Leader and from there I was promoted to Assistant Night Manager. I got to that position through dedication, hard work and enjoyed it all the way.
It is a busy property and there is always something new to learn if not from first hand experience from other managers. Jurys have sent me on numerous courses all of there content have been useful and have made me into a good Assistant Night Manager.
During my annual appraisal they asked ‘What is your aim within this company?’ I said ‘I’d like to be Revenue Manager’ Jurys then set me up with an outside NVQ representative and i've just passed Level 3 in Hospitality.
I really enjoy working here I have a great team that work well together. I get to meet allsorts of interesting people everyday who I talk to find out what there doing in Birmingham. I now have a few guests who ask for me just to say hello. It makes me feel good when I make impression like that.
Jurys reward staff for their hard work. During my time I won Outstanding Employee of the Month where they gave me £100 and from there I was chosen as Outstanding Employee of Jurys Inn Birmingham and from there Jurys jetted my mom and myself off to Dublin for the Award Ceremony. From there I went on to win Outstanding Employee of the UK. As my prize they’re sending a friend and myself to USA for 5 nights with spending money. It was a lovely surprise because whist working so hard and putting in 100% giving it the best I could it was because I wanted too, because I enjoy making other people happy. And for that Jurys have made me happy by sending me to USA.
Ellen Bennett
Assistant Night Manager
Jurys Inn Birmingham
Reception Shift Leader
I joined Ramada Chester in January 2004, as a Linen Attendant and in a matter of weeks, I was soon moved around to do tasks in various departments within the hotel. I enjoyed being busy and in demand. It was fun! It wasn’t long before I was recognised as a hard working individual with eagerness to learn and develop.
2005 was an eventful year for me. Firstly I collected the Employee of the Year award and attended the Annual Awards Ceremony. I have also set a new company record for receiving over 200 customer compliments in one month. Secondly I scooped the top prize from CATS (Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills) and won the award for Excellence in Customer Service beating 30 others in my category.
I am currently the Reception Shift Leader and have been given another responsibility as a Guest Manager assisting my General Manager in the smooth running of the hotel, ensuring the excellent delivery of the Company standards to both internal and external customers. I am looking forward to this new challenge!
Philip Patrick
Reception Shift Leader
Ramada Chester
Training
"I officially joined Ramada Jarvis in 1997 as Personnel & Training Manager at Ramada Fairfield Manor but have had various operational job roles in the past. I was also undertaking the role of Deputy General Manager whenever the General Manager is not available. I was happy and stayed in this role for some time but very hungry for more varied and challenging job.
In April 2006, there was a restructure in the HR department at our Support Office and I was promoted to become the Learning & Development Manager for the North of England. This role enables me to be heavily involved in assessing, coaching and delivering the training and developing needs of the management teams in the Northern region for which I thoroughly enjoy. I also support the HR function in the region and I get involved with HR issues, and provide advice on disciplinaries, grievances, restructures, etc.
Over the years, I have completed a variety of vocational and professional qualifications. I have just completed my studies via the coaching academy for a Corporate and Executive Coaching Diploma and Life Skills Coaching Diploma. What next? I am always looking forward to a new challenge. Ramada Jarvis has provided many excellent opportunities for me in my career. Who knows what the future holds?"
Linda Midgley
Learning & Development Manager
North of England