What does it take to work as a Sales Manager for Revolution Bars Group? We ask our very own pros for a snapshot of their career stories so far.

 

Let’s start easy. What’s your name and how long have you worked for Revolution Bars Group?

 

Hannah Mead (HM) and I’ve been working with the Group for 8 years

 

Anastasia Wood (AW) and I’ve been here for 6 and a half!

 

Give us a brief history of your RBG journey.

 

HM: I joined Revolution Cambridge in 2011 for a year-long work placement as “Party Assistant Manager”, now known as Sales Coordinator, as part of my degree in Event Management. I then returned to Bournemouth University for 9 months to finish my degree and then came back to Cambridge as Sales Manager. Worked in Cambridge for 6 years, with the last 2 years also including an area support role, Senior Sales Manager – South East. I was promoted to National Sales Manager – North, 2 years ago.

 

AW: It’s very hard to keep it brief as it is has been an exciting 6+ year journey which started in Revolution Bristol in 2013 as a Sales Coordinator. I then covered sales at Revolution Plymouth during their refurbishment programme and as a result of the success of the venue’s re-launch, was promoted to Sales Manager for Revolution Bristol in May 2014.

 

In 2015 I was very fortunate to be able to take on an Area Sales Support responsibilities for South West as well as still being a Sales Manager in Bristol. I then moved to Revolution Cardiff in 2016 as a Sales Manager there while continuing my Area Sales Support responsibilities. In September 2017 I was appointed as a maternity cover National Sales Manager for the South. Following the end of this, I took on the Corporate Sales Manager role in April 2018 for the southern region which was dual-brand for Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba. And here I am today, as a National Sales Manager for South, having been appointed into the role in July 2019!

 

Can you tell us your proudest moment within the company?

 

HM: December 2017, not only did I win Sales Manager of the Year (which had been my goal for the previous 3 years!) but my General Manager won ‘Special Achievement’ and Revolution Cambridge won Food Bar of the Year – it was a massive night for us all and for a team that I was so proud to be part of.

 

AW: Seeing a Sales Coordinator that I employed into the business for my own team at Revolution Cardiff progress to Sales Manager at the venue and her winning the company Sales Manager of the Year award in 2019 – incredible feeling!

 

What do you enjoy most about working here?

 

HM: How it has constantly challenged me over the past 8 years and never given me a dull day!

 

AW: The many opportunities that are available for progression, as is evident by my path with the company so far, and the company really rewarding hard work.

 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

 

HM: The Northern sales team are super talented, so, so driven and just keep on delivering period after period, without losing their sense of fun – meaning that they are such a pleasure to work with. The feeling when we hit a target or goal as a region is just fantastic.

 

AW: The pure joy you experience when an employee you supported and helped on their journey with Revolution progresses on to their dream job with us!

 

Why did you join RBG in the first place?

 

HM: Spent many night outs in Revolution Cambridge and loved the brand. When I saw Revolution on the list of available placements it appealed to me straight away. The Cocktail Masterclass as part of my interview definitely helped too as it came across as a fun place to work from the word go!

 

AW: I graduated with an Events Management degree and my passion was to be within an events-related industry so the Sales Event Coordinator role was the perfect fit and a great starting point!

 

How has RBG supported your development so far?

 

HM: I owe so much to the General Managers, Area Managers and National Sales Managers who pushed me year after year in Cambridge and helped grow my love for the role – by keeping me constantly challenged and providing recognition when big milestones were hit. In my day to day role now, I have a large support network and have had several development opportunities over the past two years including additional courses and new projects to own.

 

AW: I have been very fortunate to gain experience over the last 6 and a half years in a number of various roles, leading to where I am now, which in itself is personal and invaluable development for me as a person which my support network and management team at RGB has guided me through.

 

What do you love about working in hospitality?

 

HM: No two days have been the same in eight whole years! The Revolution Sales Team are constantly booking in parties, hosting celebrations and providing fun and memorable experiences… what could be better?!

 

AW: No day or week is ever the same – there always new product launches, national and international events which the hospitality sector gets involved in, so many various customer bases that you get to work with… You end up always being engaged with the hospitality world which will never make you bored!

 

What’s the hardest thing about your role?

 

HM: Continuing to beat our previous year’s pre-booked sales performance when the results were so strong is probably the hardest part of the role, but this only means it feels like an even bigger success when we do achieve it.

 

AW: Getting attached to the colleagues you work with and if anyone ever happens to move on to something different, it is always hard to say goodbye as the team is very close-knit.

 

Can you describe your role in three words?

 

HM: Challenging, rewarding and fun!

 

AW: Creative, people-focused, fast-paced.