At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences. 

We believe in celebrating success, and at our prestigious PRIDE awards this October, we were thrilled to recognise some of our most accomplished leaders as General Managers of the Year.

How career progression shapes an award-winning General Manager

Every General Manager at M&B has their own unique journey, and their stories showcase the incredible career progression opportunities we offer. 

Nathan, for example, started as a glass collector at O'Neill’s. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, "I started off as a glass collector just down the road in O'Neill's, Friday and Saturday nights, picking glasses.” 

With ambition and the support of his Area Manager, Nathan climbed the ranks to become an award-winning General Manager in High Street.

Andy’s path began as a retail graduate at Harvester in Manchester. With a focus on personal growth, he has risen to become one of our General Managers of the Year for Miller & Carter. 

"My goal was to get a green scorecard. That’s all I wanted in 10 years," Andy recalls, underscoring how a clear vision and adaptability across brands helped him succeed.

Mentorship: The secret ingredient to success

Behind every great General Manager is a network of support and mentorship. Nathan credits his Area Manager, Karen, with helping him grow: "She took me under her wing massively." 

Similarly, Martin, GM of the year for Harvester, takes pride in giving back by mentoring others. "I've developed like 10 GMs and many Kitchen Managers," he shares. 

This culture of mentorship at M&B ensures our General Managers always have the support and guidance they need to succeed and pay it forward to their teams.

What it takes to lead as a General Manager

Leadership is about more than managing a team—it’s about inspiring them. Nathan explains, "I make my team feel very, very part of the business. I get them to create events and involve themselves in the business."

Martin’s competitive edge keeps his team motivated through regular incentives and updates, saying, "We do a lot of incentives on reviews, up-sales, and we always provide updates for the team." 

At M&B, teamwork and communication are the driving forces behind every great General Manager.

Standards make the difference

General Managers at M&B know that success comes from maintaining exceptional standards. Andy’s approach is simple but powerful: "You can’t turn a blind eye to anything; if you walk past something, you’re just as bad as that person." 

Mark, another of our award-winning General Managers, keeps his focus on the essentials: "There’s no secret in this job. Deliver guests cold drinks, hot food, and a smile."

Rising to the challenge as a General Manager

Resilience is key in hospitality, and our General Managers know how to adapt to tough situations. Andy shares how his team thrived during the challenges of COVID-19, celebrating their best-ever profit conversion. 

Similarly, Matt, GM of the year for Nicholson’s, reflects on navigating the pandemic: "We got together, and when you were allowed to open, we opened. It gained us trust with guests."

Ambition drives success

Our General Managers are united by their drive to improve and grow. Nathan’s passion for progress is clear: "I’ve always wanted to do more, and I’ve never really wanted to stop. I always want to know what’s next." 

Matt’s journey from a market trader to a General Manager is a testament to ambition and hard work. "It’s all about people," he says, focusing on the importance of team development and guest satisfaction.

Grow into a General Manager role with M&B 

The stories of our General Managers of the Year prove that with hard work, ambition, and the right support, incredible career progression is possible at M&B. From mentorship to leadership opportunities, we give you the tools to succeed and celebrate your achievements. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, join us at Mitchells & Butlers. Who knows? You could be our next General Manager of the Year!