The job
If you don’t already know me from my regular travels to our restaurants across the country (or from my various blog posts!), my job is to ensure that we attract, engage and develop the very best talent in the industry. I make sure that all of our team are fully enabled: competent and confident in their role, so that they have a great time in work, genuinely care and respect their colleagues and share that experience with their guests. Sounds a bit geeky when you put it like that, but trust me - it’s anything but!
I’ve got to admit that when I joined Friday’s I thought that the brand had a great reputation for training and development, so for me it was a great environment in which to learn fast, and I latently believed that I would work in the brand for a few years and then move onto a new opportunity. And then within a matter of a few weeks I realized two key things: Friday’s had really got under my skin - it was a place where I could really have a career; and secondly the only constant in business is change; so it was possible to keep learning whilst remaining inside the same global business.
So from starting out as a manager in training – learning the ropes of every component of the restaurant operation, I worked my way up and into the support team. I’ve had the opportunity over the last few years to be part of the leadership team as we moved out of the Whitbread portfolio, and set up the new business and develop greater alignment and working relations with our parent company Carlson.
The role definitely suits my personality – I’m driven (often in my gorgeous VW camper van called Tinks), have bags of energy and don’t take myself too seriously!
The Team
I love the people I work with – there’s a fantastic family feeling, and a genuine belief that the next few years is a great time to be part of the Friday’s team.
The Perks
Yes, we all work hard, and are very passionate about protecting and developing the brand reputation and our people. We’re also all highly rewarded and recognized for it! From overseas conferences and plenty of professional development to simply genuinely feeling appreciated and valued as an individual, mum and wife!
Top Tip
Better to greatly invest in developing your people and risk they leave, than do nothing and risk they stay.
by Caryn Gwilliam - Support Centre
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