Simon King
Company:
Fat Duck Group
Job title:
Operations Manager
How did you get into the sector:
Initially a part time job but enjoyed it so much I decided to study hospitality aft my A-Levels
What do you enjoy about your role:
No two days are the same, always challenging and working with some of the most talented people in our industry.
Career High:
Winning Young Waiter of the Year, as it raised my profile, improved my network and helped me obtain my first management position.
Career low:
Losing a very talented assistant manager in a freak accident while he was on honeymoon.
What are your plans for the next year:
Nature and develop the teams in all the restaurants to ensure stability and consistency for the future.
What was the biggest break of your career:
Restaurant Manager at Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Royal Hospital road at the age of 25
What are you most proud of in your career:
Seeing people you have managed progress, fulfil their potential and enjoy their own success.
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the industry:
Have patience, ensure you are well grounded with good knowledge, this will give you a strong platform to build a successful career.
Who inspires you:
People with drive, passion and commitment
What do you do in your downtime:
I'm a active person I go to the gym as often as possible, participate in Triathlons and dine out regularly
What question do you always ask in interviews:
What makes you angry?
Tips that have made you a success:
Be consistent and dependable in everything you do, knowledge and contacts are key, hard work, treat people the way you want to be treated, never do anything you cannot do yourself.