Sarah, Regional Operations Manager, Premier Inn

From Kitchen Porter to Regional Operations Manager, there is no set career journey at Whitbread. With the right leadership and support we aim to bring out your best skills and support you on the path that fits you. Right here and now is the place where you can begin to #ChangeYourStory

“My introduction to Whitbread started in 2000 when I applied for a Kitchen Porter job in my local Brewers Fayre. Today, I am proud to say I’m a Regional Operations Manager for Premier Inn, South Yorkshire.

“When I was a Kitchen Porter I saw first hand what development looked like. I worked with some great management team who really believed in me and invested time to support my progression to Grill Chef then Head Chef and eventually Assistant Manager. When I got the opportunity to lead and develop my own team as General Manager in a Brewers Fayre in Bristol, I jumped at the chance. It was something I had dreamed of for so long.

“The next 13 years were spent travelling the country as a General Manager, across many of our restaurant brands. Working at lots of different locations and with different brands, the highlight of the role was always supporting and developing the future leaders of our business. Nothing made me prouder than seeing my team grow, develop, and reach their goals, making the most of the same chances that had been given to me.

“The time I spent as General Manager really helped me grow and I had gained so many new skills that I was promoted to Regional Operations Manager. I knew it would be a challenge but like every role I’d had, I knew it would be enjoyable too. I used skills such as coaching and mentoring, talent planning, communication, and being confident with financial information which helped me support my team to deliver consistently strong results.

“After several years in restaurants, I was delighted when I had the opportunity to take on a new challenge. I became Regional Operations Manager for Premier Inn and was able to transfer the invaluable skills I had learnt to the hotel side of our business. I don’t believe any other business could support my development as Whitbread have.

“Starting out as a single parent and being part of the LGBTQ community, I have felt fully supported throughout my career. I am encouraged to share my experiences and love being part of a diverse and forward-thinking business. From the benefits and incentives offered, to the career support and guidance I have received; I cannot imagine I would get this anywhere else in our industry.

“There is no better place to start, or continue, your career development with. At Whitbread you are backed to be the best that you can be, working in a culture that welcomes diversity and where people make the biggest difference.

“I truly believe I work for the best hospitality business in the UK – so why would I want to go anywhere else? The future is bright, the future is Whitbread.”

#ChangeYourStory with shifts to suit everyone at the UK’s leading hospitality business here…