Progression and Succession at M&B - From General Manager to Area Manager

In this blog series we will be speaking to some of the inspirational people across the business who have showcased the breadth of opportunity for progression here at M&B both across roles and our 14 unique brands.

In this blog we will be putting the spotlight on Retail Business Manager Jennifer Henley. Since joining M&B as a General Manager, Jenifer has worked her way up through the business to her current position as Retail Business Manager (RBM) .

In this blog Jennifer speaks to us about her journey at M&B and how she feels she has been supported to create a successful career within hospitality. 

I joined M&B following a recommendation from a former colleague who had joined them previously, they had told me about the brilliant opportunities and benefits they had.

Please can you summarise your career at M&B and the different roles you have had and what the role entailed.

I joined as a GM and during those 9 years I ran several units from new openings to sites in distress. These roles involved recruiting and developing team members at all levels of the business, ensuring the businesses were safe and legal. I also worked as an accredited General Manager whose role is to induct and support new managers joining the company.  I also worked in a HIPO GM role that helped me develop into the RBM role and was exposed to various brand projects through this.

How has your experience across a variety of the M&B brands supported your growth/career progression?

I was seconded to another brand for 6 months and found this to be hugely beneficial to my own development as it showed me areas of the business, I had never been exposed to such as the Carvery offer. It also exposed me to colleagues outside of my own brand who were able to coach and support me in my development.

How has M&B supported you in your career progression?

I joined the HIPO GM programme in order to fulfil my ambition to become an RBM, this is a programme designed to help you achieve the role that you want – it doesn’t have to be RBM as here are many other roles available. 

What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?

I love the variety of the role and how each day can be different. I also enjoy seeing the team members developing into further roles.

What would you say to someone considering a career at M&B?

It’s a brilliant company to work for with a huge range of benefits and perks for all employees and that it can be more than just a job if that’s what you are looking for.