'I wanted a new challenge within Operations'
We look to bring the very best talent into our business and do everything we can to ensure they stick around. As the UK’s leading hospitality company, we’re in the fortunate position to offer incredible careers and industry-leading development opportunities.
In the first in a series of posts highlighting just how expansive career moves are within Whitbread, PETE COX talks us through his journey so far. Pete joined through our graduate scheme, which gave him the opportunity to run his own hotel site. He has since brought that insight and skill back to our central team and now supports change projects across our entire estate.
“I applied for the Premier Inn Operations Graduate scheme shortly after I left university. I started as a Housekeeper in the Norwich Nelson Premier Inn and progressed to work across all departments in the hotel. After completing the programme, I was given the opportunity to open the new Great Yarmouth Premier Inn as Operations Manager (OM).
“Operations provided a really fun and exciting fast-paced environment to work in. It was challenging at times, but I loved coaching the team and supporting them to deliver great service to our guests whilst developing and progressing their careers.
“I gained some solid experience as an OM and reached out to my HR Business Partner regarding next steps and potential opportunities at Support Centre. My Line Manager at the time was really supportive of my ambition to work in central support and helped and championed me throughout the process. I was keen to develop my skill set. I’d worked in Operations for a number of years and felt it was time for a new challenge but wanted to retain my connection with Ops.
“My move to the Service Delivery team gave me great satisfaction – supporting our sites out in Operations to allow them to focus on what really matters – delivering great experiences to our guests. I loved that I got to travel the country, meeting a variety of individuals across the business.
“I’m now looking at making transformational change in the laundry industry as Change Analyst, making strategic decisions that will drive huge benefit for our hotels in the future.”
