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Career path:
2010 Beefeater & Premier Inn, Livingston
General Manager
2008 Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre South
General Manager
2007 Whitbread / Premier Inn
Designate General Manager
2005 Glasgow Marriott
Director of Operations
2003 Downtown Houston Courtyard Hotel
Assistant General Manager
2000 Renaissance Orlando Resort
Director of Restaurant Operations
1999 Renaissance Houston Hotel
Director of Rooms Operations
1997 Renaissance Stanford Court Hotel
San Francisco Front Office Manager
1995 Renaissance Orlando Resort
Front Office Manager
1994 Renaissance Orlando Resort
Assistant Housekeeping Manager
1993 Renaissance Crystal City Hotel
Assistant Director of Housekeeping
1992 Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington DC
Assistant Housekeeping Manager
1991 Renaissance Houston Hotel
Generalist Management Trainee
- Name:
- Jeffrey Palmer
- Employer:
- Whitbread
- Position:
- General Manager
Q: What made you choose to join your current employer?
I wanted a better work life balance after the birth of my twin daughters. Whitbread had an excellent reputation of providing this and in addition is a rapidly growing company with lots of opportunities.
Q: What is the basic function/purpose of your current role?
My basic function is the day to day operations of a large restaurant and hotel. I am also tasked with ensuring that budgets are met, sales are brought in to the business and it continues to grow. In addition I must ensure that training and development for my team are a high priority as well as ensure that all current legislation is adhered to. In short I must ensure the business runs in a positive and favourable manner from a guest, employee, investor and legal perspective.
Q: How relevant were your qualifications to you getting the job (i.e. did you need qualifications in specific subjects, a general level of education or were they largely irrelevant)?
I feel that qualifications are necessary to rapidly grow your career however this industry also supports on the job learning. As a result Whitbread operates a nationally recognised apprenticeship scheme that allows employees to gain the necessary qualifications to further their career simply by working and learning along the way.
Q: Describe some of the key tasks involved in performing your current role and the frequency with which you have to perform them.
Sales activities: Weekly
Financial Responsibilities: Daily/Weekly/Monthly
Coaching/Training Team: Daily
Brand Standard Compliance: Daily/Weekly/Monthly
Customer Contact: Daily
Revenue Management: Daily/Weekly/Monthly.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work each day?
Speak to all of the staff on duty.
Q: How big is the team in which you work?
50 people.
Q: Describe how your job interacts with the rest of your team.
My job interacts on a daily basis with the team members providing guidance and direction so that the site continues in a positive manner.
Q: How would you describe the working culture of your current employer?
The working culture is one that promotes open and honest communication. There is a huge focus on work life balance and ensuring that it is right.
Q: What career avenues do you hope to be able to pursue in the next: two years, five years and ten years?
My next move is possibly to a larger site and ultimately to a Regional Manager role.
Q: What do you like most about your current role and why?
I like being able to run the business as if it were my own. I enjoy the autonomy as well as the recognition of a job well done.
Q: What did you/do you find hardest about your current role?
The hardest part of my role is ensuring that all staff receive information and action it in a timely manner. This is due to the nature of the business as it is 24/7 and you must ensure that every staff member receives the necessary information and they also understand it.
Q: How close do you think that the general public’s view of your employer to the reality?
I think the public is starting to realise what an outstanding company Whitbread is to work for. I think Whitbread has done an excellent job in positioning their brands in a very positive manner and also that the number of brands operated appeal to the majority of the public.
Q: Would you recommend your employer to a friend and if so, why?
Yes I would as they have certainly demonstrated their passion for winning and delivering their brand promises. Also, Whitbread's commitment to a positive work life balance is something that I have never previously experienced in my career.
If there's an employee you think epitomises your company ethos or you'd like to draw attention to a particular role, why not get in touch with our team right now? Just email: advertising@theappointment.co.uk.
