J D Wetherspoon - What Career Live

Company Profile

About J D Wetherspoon

Our Chairman, Tim Martin, set up J D Wetherspoon in 1979. Why ‘J D Wetherspoon’? Because ‘J D’ form the initials of Sheriff JD Hogg, from ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ TV series, of course, while Mr Wetherspoon was one of Tim’s teachers in New Zealand!

In addition to our 909 Wetherspoon pubs, we also run Lloyds No.1 bars – the same great standards and value, but with music. We also have 45 Wetherspoon hotels – quality accommodation, at great prices.

Our People

People are our greatest asset – and we are very proud of the recognition which we have received from those independent bodies awarding us in this area.

Let’s be blunt: without the best people, we can’t offer the best service – and it’s great service which customers want, above all else. We seek to develop staff through effective and award-winning training and development, through a positive working environment and, of course, by means of a decent pay packet. Every year, thousands of staff complete one or more training courses, not only preparing them to work safely and to the best of their ability, but also inspiring them to pursue positive career development.

Attracting and retaining talent

We employ over 35,000 people across our pubs, in regional roles and at our head office in Watford, Hertfordshire. Many employees have chosen to spend their career with us and progress through the company. The average length of service for a pub manager is now over 10.5 years, with 18% of associates with us for over three years.

Working with us

Everything our customers eat or drink will be served by you. You’ll be responsible for the head on their pint, the peas on their plate and the froth on their latte. Our customers’ happiness and satisfaction will rest on your shoulders – so, you are very important to us!

Of course, you’ll deliver superb service to every customer who walks through our doors; you’ll be friendly, helpful and full of fun! You’ll love being part of a team and will always be willing to lend a hand. You’ll think fast, on your feet, when dealing with customers’ comments, while keeping that smile on your face.

More about J D Wetherspoon

J D Wetherspoon – Steve Jordan

J D Wetherspoon – Mouncif

Mouncif has been with us for four years and three months.

Before I started at J D Wetherspoon, I was a recruitment consultant. The job wasn’t really for me; it felt like every day was exactly the same, involving a lot of sitting-down all day. I moved on from that and started a primary education course, while also working part time at Wetherspoon. What attracted me about working for a spoons pub initially were the flexible working hours and the fun, very active role of bar work.

I first started as a part-time bar associate, working on Friday and Saturday nights, for a bit of extra money, while studying at university. My first pub was The Willow Walk (in Victoria, London). My career at Wetherspoon has seen various roles in the pubs: I have worked as a bar associate, team leader, shift leader, shift leader and, finally, where I am today – deputy manager. I have also spent some time working in the kitchen to keep myself rounded.

I have had the most fun being an associate: it was such an enjoyable role, being able to engage with customers and keeping active. However, I very much enjoy the responsibilities which come with being a manager, making sure that the pub is as profitable as it can be and that both the staff and customers enjoy themselves in the process.

It’s funny – however much fun you’re having with each position, it comes with its own unique challenges. Understanding and overcoming them is what builds both character and competence. As someone once said to me: “Working in a pub isn’t hard – it’s just a load of really small jobs which you need to learn how to perform.”

The main staying factors for me are the fact that the job is never dull, every day is different and there is always something to learn or ways to improve yourself. The career progression allows you constantly to aspire to more; I wouldn’t be able to stand a dead-end job. I am constantly learning here and have gained many skills, both small and large, varying from how to pour pints to the knowledge and abilities required to run a successful pub.

For anyone looking to join J D Wetherspoon, I would advise to work hard and have fun. Remember that you are part of a team; you can get far with the right attitude and a bit of elbow grease. My future at Wetherspoon is exciting. I am looking at my next goal of getting to pub manager level; after that, I’m not sure where my path will take me – maybe audit or as an area manager.

The opportunities at J D Wetherspoon are endless and it’s really easy to move from the pubs to head office and vice versa. There was a role as a regional personnel manager which came up once, but, to be honest, I enjoy being on the ground level of Wetherspoon. The job is ever changing and your work directly affects the business.

The best thing about Wetherspoon, in my eyes, is the people: I have met some amazing individuals and have learned a lot from them in the process.