Kevin, Deputy Hotel Manager, Premier Inn
Getting back into the working world after a while, or embarking on something new can be daunting. Fear, self doubt and questioning whether it’s even possible is holding people back from starting a new chapter in their life. At Whitbread, we want to turn around the negatives and help you change your story – both the stories you tell yourself about lack of confidence, ability or employability, and your future ambitions too. You’re at the best place to #ChangeYourStory, with the UK’s leading hospitality business.
“Football was all I’d known. I loved the sport from a child and I was forging a career as a football coach at schools, teaching the beautiful game to kids. Unfortunately an injury meant I had to rethink my plans.
“I got a job at the hotel and expected it to be a stop gap – I didn’t think I would make a career from it, how wrong I was!
“I started behind the bar – I was 21 years old but I had no hospitality experience. I just took to it straight away and what’s followed has been qualifications, promotions and more. With the encouragement and support of the team around me, I’ve found my place. Quite early on my manager at the time saw me as potential for a Duty Manager role.
“I’ve progressed to being a Deputy Hotel Manager (DHM) now and, together with the Hotel Manager, I’m responsible for the general running of the hotel. So that’s supporting recruitment, on floor shifts leading the team, training and development, orders, health and safety, business updates with hotel manager, business reviews.
“Running the day-to-day of the hotel is not too dissimilar to the coaching that I loved. Coaching my team to a level they are good at their role is my favourite part of the job.
“I do think it’s the flexibility of the job that makes it great at Premier Inn and the career options available. I'm an operational person, I get my enjoyment from working with guests and team - but I’ve seen so many people take different avenues. There are so many different areas of the business that you can go into that you just don’t realise.
“I love the feeling of bringing out the best in people. I see what they are good at and stretch them to see them gain experience and do really well. Seeing that change in confidence in people really excites me. There is one person in particular that I've seen really come out of his shell this year. To play a part in that is a real gift.
“We work hard to ensure the team can have a great work life balance and it shows. I couldn’t imagine the freedom I have in any other job that I get here.
“I’ve been fortunate to get some recognition for the job I’ve done. At a DHM conference I won an outstanding achievement award - presented in front of my peers, it was a proud moment. My Regional Operations Manager acknowledged my hard work and the award takes pride of place in the office!
“What’s next? Who knows. But it’s great to be in a job that feels so secure. Premier Inn’s growing all the time so I know I’m in the right place.
“I thought my coaching days were over - now as a DHM I am able to coach in a different way. It’s the best part of the job, helping people see what they can achieve.”
#ChangeYourStory with shifts to suit everyone at the UK’s leading hospitality business here…
