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Career path:
Knutsford Mere Premier Inn
Started in hotel as Designate General Manager; promoted to General Manager within eight months.
Eclectic Hotel Group
Reservations Manager
Holden Vale Hotel & Conference Centre
Conference and Wedding Co-ordinator
Schools Direct Supplies
Account Executive
- Name:
- Dale Thompson
- Employer:
- Whitbread
- Position:
- General Manager Knutsford Mere Premier Inn
Q: What made you choose to join your current employer?
I joined Whitbread because of the opportunities for advancement and development.
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)?
Not relevant but my work experience to date within hospitality and sales are far more valuable.
Q: Describe some of the key tasks involved in performing your current role and the frequency with which you have to perform them.
Sales, revenue management, staff training, budget forecasting, P&L review and performance, budget setting, customer service.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work each day?
The very first thing I do is make sure I spend time and go and talk to each member of staff to see how they are.
Q: How big is the team in which you work?
Thirteen people.
Q: Describe how your job interacts with the rest of your team.
I make a concerted effort to make sure my role interacts with my team as this keeps everyone involved and creates maximum buy in from the team.
Q: How would you describe the working culture of your current employer?
People developers, driven and passionate.
Q: What career avenues do you hope to be able to pursue in the next: two years, five years and ten years?
I hope to move to a bigger restaurant and hotel site within one year then onto a larger, more complex site within three years.
Q: What do you like most about your current role and why?
I love the target-driven ethos of Premier Inn; always giving me a goal to aim for, which I believe is important. I also enjoy the satisfaction you get from seeing your hard work and training really benefit both the hotel and team.
Q: What did you/do you find hardest about your current role?
At first the hardest thing was managing teams and being able to get buy in from them but this has been my biggest improvement to date with help from the courses I have attended. Training is one of the most, if not the most, important aspects of being a great manager which I believe I am on the way to being.
Q: How close do you think that the general public’s view of your employer to the reality?
Not close at all - coming in externally myself I knew about Premier Inn through adverts and marketing and knew they were a large company, but not to the scale that I now know.
The standards we uphold, the real dedication to both staff and guests and investment in all areas of the company really make it a pleasure and I'm proud to say I work for Premier Inn.
Q: Would you recommend your employer to a friend and if so, why?
Most definitely - we offer real job progression, training and importantly personal development.
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.
