Joanne's Journey to Operations Manager
With an impressive background in the world of hospitality, Joanne wanted a role which would allow her more freedom; she found herself knocking at the doors of Greene King.
Starting as a General Manager, Joanne thrived on the joy of providing exceptional service to each and every customer who walked into her pub.
To Joanne, the growth and development of her team were at the very core of her journey. Her genuine commitment to increasing their potential ignited a profound passion for empowering others.
Today Joanne stands as a beacon of inspiration, leading a team of dynamic business development managers.
WHY DID YOU JOIN GREENE KING?
“I had worked in hospitality for 14 years with TGI Fridays and wanted a change where I would work in a pub, rather than a restaurant. Greene King stood out and seemed like a great company to work for.
I knew that Greene King had local pubs all around the country and thought this would be an opportunity to drive sales as a pub manager in my own way.”
We’ll hand you the keys to your own success so you can create great pub experiences, bring your ideas to life, and grow as a leader. And that’s not all, you’ll be getting rewarded for all your hard work.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY AT GREENE KING
General Manager
“I've worn several hats during my time at Greene King, starting as a General Manager (or what I like to call a Pub Landlady) in two local pubs. My role was a blend of overseeing P&L, team development, and ensuring every guest had an amazing experience.”
Operational Food Trainer
“From there, I transitioned into an Operational Food Trainer, akin to today's food and drink coaches, focusing on new menu implementation, kitchen operations and margins.”
Business Development Manager
“After a year in this capacity, I moved up the ladder, becoming a Business Development Manager (BDM), supervising and mentoring GMs in a cluster of 15 pubs to hit performance targets.”
Operations Manager
“Following a rewarding 6 and a half years as a BDM, I stepped into the role of Operations Manager, steering a team of 7 BDMs to achieve great results and nurturing their career growth, all while contributing to the strategic direction of my division.”
HOW HAS GREENE KING SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CAREER PROGRESSION?
“My entire career has been in managed pubs— both local and urban. However, I've had the privilege of delving into different parts of the business through my connections across different divisions and support teams.
Learning and growing alongside these incredible individuals have been the cornerstone of my career journey.
Over my 13 years at GK, I've always felt the support. Certain standout folks I've crossed paths with have not only inspired me but vocally championed my growth. The culture at Greene King where everyone supports one another to progress cannot be underestimated.
Programs like Wingman and Elevate were real game-changers, especially in shaping my leadership skills.”
Whether you start crafting your journey in a bustling pub or take your first steps in an office, the possibilities are diverse and exciting.
From honing your skills at the heart of our establishments to exploring leadership roles and beyond, the path is yours to navigate.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN HOSPITALITY?
“I love that our guests come to us to have a good time and I find joy in shaping their experience. We’ve got great people delivering great experiences at Greene King.”
At Greene King, our values help to steer us along our journey towards becoming the pride of British hospitality.
One of our values is a customer-first approach which means customers are at the heart of everything we do.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER AT GREENE KING?
“At Greene King, the options are endless! I mean, unless you're eyeing brain surgery (let's leave that to the pros!), there's a whole world of opportunities.
It's not just about beer and burgers—think HR, Legal, Audit, Marketing, Risk, food development, guest relations, ER, and the list goes on!
With such a massive company, you've got tons of ways to grow and shape your career.”
Unlock endless career opportunities with Greene King
In a nutshell, Greene King is a hub of endless growth and progress. There's a seat at the table for anyone eager to forge ahead.
Whether you're keen on the pub scene or eyeing a strategic business role, we've got room for your ambition.
Take that leap, apply, and let's unlock your career potential together.
Why did you join Greene King?
I had worked in hospitality for 14 years with TGI Fridays, I wanted a change to work in pubs not restaurants and thought Greene King as a business looked like a good company to work for. I specifically chose local pubs because of the freedom to drive sales as a pub manager in my own way.
Summarise your career at Greene King and the different roles you have had .
I was a General Manager (or Pub Landlady as I think of it) for 4 and a half years in 2 different local pubs - with overall accountability for the P&L, development of the team and most importantly ensuring all the guests had a brilliant time.
I was then the Operational Food trainer - which is similar to the current food and drink coaches - involved in new menu implementation, kitchen operations and margins. I did this coaching role for a year, working directly with GMs, KMs and supporting their BDMs.
Next came Designate BDM, then BDM (Business Development Manager) - which is managing and coaching the GMs in an area of around 15 pubs to deliver great results across the dartboard.
After 6 and a half years of being a BDM, I became an Operations Manager - leading a group of 7 BDMs to deliver great results and developing them in their careers, whilst supporting the strategic direction of my division.
How has your experience across a variety of the Greene King brands supported your growth/career progression?
I've only ever worked directly in managed pubs - locals and urbans, but have experienced lots of different parts of the business through connections in each of our divisions and support teams. I have always learned so much from spending time with people in other parts of the business and grown as my career progresses.
How has Greene King supported you in your career progression?
I have always felt supported, but some key people I have come into contact with over my time with GK have really inspired and backed me publicly which has helped my progression.
There has been a number of different development or leadership courses that I have had the opportunity to be involved in over the last 13 years I've worked for GK - Wingman and Elevate in particular stand out as supporting leadership development.
What I've always found is great people that have coached me along the way - sometimes with no agenda or responsibility to - and that culture in GK of supporting colleagues to progress can't be underestimated.
What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?
I love that our guests come to us to have a good time and at the end of the day I like being able to influence the guest experience - through great people delivering great service in great pubs.
What would you say to someone considering a career at Greene King?
There are so many parts to Greene King that whatever someone aspires to do, they can probably do it in Greene King (apart from Brain surgery - that's best left to the professionals)
Its Beer and burgers - but so much more to do within that - HR, Legal, Audit, Marketing, Risk, food development, guest relations, ER etc etc. with so many parts to the business and such a big company it gives tonnes of development and career options.
Tags
WHAT CAN A APPRENTICESHIP DO FOR YOU?
Are you looking to jumpstart your career in the hospitality industry? Look no further than Greene King Apprenticeships!
Whether you’re interested in cheffing it up in the kitchen, pouring crazy cocktails, or leading a team to new heights - this is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level. You can get a lot out of an Apprenticeship, so let’s dive straight into it:
related jobs
Salary
£40,000 - £45,000 + Bonus + Service Charge
Location
Hare & Billet (Blackheath),Blackheath,SE3 0QJ
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Metropolitan Pub Company
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
As a Head Chef, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team in orde
Reference
f086c0cd-b708-4bdf-be34-1e6e2b30e277
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£40,000 - £45,000 + Bonus + Service Charge
Location
Havelock Tavern (Brook Green),Brook Green,W14 0LS
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Metropolitan Pub Company
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
As a Head Chef, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team in orde
Reference
6b914eb5-66f3-43b3-a388-36ef950f3e75
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£30,000 - £33,000 + Bonus
Location
Oxon Priory (Shrewsbury),Shelton,SY3 8DL
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Pub and Grill
Hours
Full time
Location
Shrewsbury
Description
As a Kitchen Manager, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team i
Reference
d878795a-f416-4aec-a974-93af76c94003
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Kelly BathoAuthor
Kelly BathoSalary
£30,000 - £34,000 + Bonus
Location
Dick Turpin (Wickford),Wickford,SS12 9HZ
Business Area
Assistant Manager
Brand
Pub and Carvery
Hours
Full time
Location
Wickford
Description
What you'll do as an Assistant Manager... Support the General Manager in the day to day running of the business and leading the business in their absence. Bring our brand to life by leading the tea
Reference
ca6b23bd-8ec2-4456-99be-3ff3a4ef3c09
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Caroline AtkinsAuthor
Caroline AtkinsSalary
£28,000 - £32,000 + Bonus
Location
Watermill (Dorking),Diss,RH4 1NN
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Crafted Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Dorking
Description
As a Sous Chef, you will… Communicate with all the team and develop great working relationships with all team members Take responsibility for ensuring standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintain
Reference
f63d739a-51ad-4864-9620-430eaf83e52e
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Thomas NewellAuthor
Thomas NewellSalary
Upto £14.00 per hour + Tips
Location
George (Holborn),Holborn,WC2R 1AP
Business Area
Chef
Brand
Metropolitan Pub Company
Hours
Full time
Location
London
Description
As a Chef, you will…Prepare, cook and present food which meets specs and customer expectationsMaintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help guarantee the safety of your entire
Reference
9ed14242-e2e2-45fa-a502-d8c14a23ba23
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sam StaceyAuthor
Sam StaceySalary
£28,000 - £31,000 + Bonus
Location
Crown (Claydon),Claydon,IP6 0AA
Business Area
Assistant Manager
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Full time
Location
Claydon
Description
What you'll do as an Assistant Manager... Support the General Manager in the day to day running of the business and leading the business in their absence. Bring our brand to life by leading the tea
Reference
7299b872-fba4-44f6-ab07-d44539229b5d
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Caroline AtkinsAuthor
Caroline AtkinsSalary
£30,000 - £33,000 + Bonus
Location
Star (Burnley),Burnley,BB11 2EG
Business Area
Kitchen Manager
Brand
Pub and Carvery
Hours
Full time
Location
Burnley
Description
As a Kitchen Manager, you will… Take the reins in the kitchen, whether you are making decisions or coming up with fresh ways to help the team run better together. Communicate clearly with your team i
Reference
49ac520a-0fd0-42a9-a7fa-c9b41506d934
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Carol WatsonAuthor
Carol WatsonSalary
£30,000 - £33,000 + Bonus
Location
Swan (Abbots Langley),Abbots Langley,WD5 0NR
Business Area
Assistant Manager
Brand
Greene King Pubs
Hours
Full time
Location
Abbots Langley
Description
What you'll do as an Assistant Manager... Support the General Manager in the day to day running of the business and leading the business in their absence. Bring our brand to life by leading the tea
Reference
23ca3bcd-43fd-4216-b05f-ea52a50459c7
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ellie BurrowsAuthor
Ellie BurrowsSalary
Upto £11.44 per hour
Location
Oadby Owl (Leicester),Oadby,LE2 4PE
Business Area
Waiting Staff
Brand
Hungry Horse
Hours
Part time
Location
Leicester
Description
Your role as Waiting Staff, you will... Provide customers with a heartfelt and memorable experience each and every time they visit Know the menu inside out, offering recommendations to customers. Gr
Reference
640b7ea0-19bd-4fd5-b6ee-30a7ef62d9d0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
related posts
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/13/2024
Summary
Looking a Change this Summer ? Greene King Serves Up Flexibility Summer is the time for new adventures. A break from everyday routines. Whether you're a student heading home,
by
Charley Young
Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Imagine walking into work each day at one of the nation's most iconic pubs, restaurants, or hotels. You love creating memorable experiences and get to do this in a fast-paced, vibrant environment,
by
Carol Watson
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
Snippet Title At Greene King, our values help to steer us along our journey towards becoming the pride of British hospitality. One of our values is a customer-first approach which means custom
by
Ellie Burrows
Teaser
Inclusion & DiversityContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/19/2024
Summary
What does it mean to be an ally? It's a question that calls us to look beyond our own experience, to see the inequities and barriers faced by others in our midst. At Greene King, we believe that f
by
Billie McGibbon
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
Crafting a CV that reflects your unique flavour, is not just about listing experiences; it's about showcasing your passion for the kitchen, your dedication to quality, and your flair for teamwork.
by
Caroline Atkins
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/17/2024
Summary
Snippet Title Discover why working as a Team Leader is more than just a job, it's an adventure filled with pride, passion, and pints of personality! Our customers are at the heart of everything
by
Kelly Batho
Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2024
Summary
At Greene King, we believe in nurturing our talent. One of our values embodies this - freedom to succeed. This looks like giving our colleagues the freedom to explore and create their own career path
by
Tom Risley
Teaser
BreweryContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2024
Summary
Snippet Title Did you know that here at Greene King we brew around 130 million pints a year? That’s enough to fill 29 Olympic swimming pools. If you are passionate about the art of brewing and the s
by
Jenn Morris
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/09/2024
Summary
Soak Up Good Vibes With Summer Jobs at Greene KingAs the warm weather arrives and the days grow longer, there's no better place to soak up the summer vibes than at a Greene King pub. Whether
by
Charley Young
Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/07/2024
Summary
Snippet Title At Greene King, we're not just about crafting extraordinary dishes; we're committed to building careers through Apprenticeships. From the very beginning, you'll blend hands-on exp
by
Rachel Jones