INDUSTRY ROLE MODEL CASE STUDY – WILLIE ROWELL, REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER, ARAMARK Introduction This case study consists of a personal profile of Willie Rowell, a Regional Operations Manager with ARAMARK. It is based on a questionnaire interview. Many thanks to Willie and to ARAMARK for providing this information.
Background ARAMARK Limited is an award-winning food service management company. It is a food service partner to organisations across a range of sectors including: • • • • •
business and industry defence education healthcare offshore
There are over 12,500 employees in the UK offering a vast range of services to ARAMARK’s customers. ARAMARK offers management, supervisory and employee opportunities at locations throughout the UK. Interview Name: Job Title: Location:
Willie Rowell Regional Operations Manager Scotland
Willie Rowell works for the ARAMARK Business Dining Division. He is responsible for catering, housekeeping and grounds maintenance for the Head Office and Training Centre of a major client, a leading petroleum company. Willie has lots of interesting information at his finger tips, for example: • 500,000 cups of tea/coffee are drunk at the HO building every year! • As ARAMARK is committed to corporate responsibility, it takes a ‘green’ approach - the coffee grains are re-cycled for use as compost. • The Executive Head Chef won Contract Catering Chef of the Year in the annual Catering in Scotland Excellence Awards •
After a very thorough inspection, the ARAMARK team was recently awarded the Scottish Healthy Eating Award and Eat Safe.
The Eat Safe Award is run by Aberdeen City Council in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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In a press release Willie said: “Being presented with the Eat Safe Award is a huge accolade considering only five other food outlets in Aberdeen have received it. Over the past few months, we have been busy submitting applications and presenting hygiene certificates and service manuals for inspection to ensure that our restaurant exceeds the government’s food hygiene standards.
Our entire premises have been inspected, from the food storage units to the toilets and staff room so we can reassure customers that our whole restaurant meets the strictest criteria and demonstrates our commitment to provide a safe eating environment." Questions & Answers: 1. Why were you attracted into the industry? I always liked cooking as a schoolboy and it must have stuck !!! 2. What was your first job in the industry? Commis Chef 3. What educational qualifications do you have and/or training at work? How have these helped in your career? I only have school qualifications, numerous on job training courses and MHICMA. 4. Did you have a mentor who encouraged you during the early stages of your career? If so, who and why were they inspirational? There was a hotel owner where I first worked after school and various people through my career - too many to mention. Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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5. What do you regard as being your biggest achievement to date? Getting to my position without having a degree but having a “Degree in Life”! 6. What industry ambitions would you still like to achieve? Always be happy in my job! 7. What gives you a buzz about your job? The people and team spirit. 8. Why would you recommend the industry to potential recruits? It is one of the only growth industries we have at present.
Willie (on the right) at the Grampian Heat of the Springboard FutureChef competition
9. What are your top 3 tips to people entering the industry? • Don’t be scared of hard work • Be a team player • And ENJOY 10. Any other comments you would like to make? Yes. Although qualifications are great to have in our industry you can get to the top with pure dedication and hard work.
For further information about ARAMARK and job opportunities please visit: www.aramark.co.uk
Springboard Education at: http://education.springboarduk.net and http://resource-gateway.co.uk To contact us directly email: education@springboarduk.org.uk
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