Our people
James - HR Manager
Group Support Office
Meet James
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Why did you choose to work for us?
Accidentally, and I’ve never looked back!
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Tell us about your story so far?
I joined the company in 2010 as an Assistant Manager in Southampton. From there I moved to London for my first GM role in a traditional English pub in Canary Wharf. I then moved on up to Glasgow to manage a city centre bar. My last role as GM was opening our barrel-aged cocktail bar and steak restaurant, Silk and Grain, in the city of London. I then worked part-time at Alston Bar & Beef in Glasgow Central station whilst studying for my Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. During this time I work closely with Glendola HR and I’m now back full-time working in the wonderful world of HR!
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What do you get up to on a typical day/shift?
Oh gosh, the days are so diverse! Currently, I’m working a lot on learning and development, particularly expert knowledge in spirits and drinks. I also work alongside General Managers and can be found recruiting, coaching, organising, planning, training and smiling every day!
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What do you like most about working here?
It’s hard to pick, but probably two things. Firstly, the people. I know it sounds soppy and everyone says it, but I really would miss the people if I didn’t work here! Secondly the autonomy and trust for me to get on with the job and hopefully do it well.
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What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
There have been so many. Finishing a new opening was a big one. My real achievements are probably developing talent and seeing bartenders, supervisors and assistant managers who I used to manage move on with their careers in Glendola.
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What makes someone successful here?
This is a difficult question because I always feel you just know if someone is ‘Glendola’...In my opinion the most successful people are all-rounders who love food, drinks, service, atmosphere and can work at all levels within a business. Most of our success stories have worked as Kitchen Porters, Bar Tenders, Waiting Staff, Supervisors, Assistant Managers, Managers. In that order.
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Tell us about the training and development…
Well I’d like to say it’s amazing as myself and my HR colleagues deliver a fair chunk of it! However, what I see at individual business level is great. My own experience of the Management Development Program was also amazing and really taught me the skills to effectively run my own business.
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What is it really like to work here?
It’s hard work. There can be conflict. But the best thing is that everyone really cares about the decisions that are made, the objectives of Glendola and the future of our people.
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What do you think makes us unique as an employer?
The family feel. In my opinion, working with such a large but family owned company is great.
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What would you say to someone who was thinking of applying?
If you want to be successful, think about your skill set. For example, if you have a really strong liquor knowledge but want to do well with Glendola, think about our food businesses and what kind of role you could do there to develop your skills and make you that successful all-rounder.
A bit more about you...
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What is your favourite story (film, play or book)?
The Jungle Book
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What’s your favourite song?
Santigold – L.E.S. Artistes
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If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, which 4 people would you choose?
Beyoncé, Nicola Sturgeon, Prince Harry and Bradley Cooper.
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What would be your ideal holiday destination and why?
Iceland – I will go one day!
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I love helping people move on with their careers in Glendola
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