Welcome back to our “Career Champions” series, where we’ll be spotlighting a group of talented hospitality professionals from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, sharing their personal journeys and insights into how they began and progressed within the industry.
In this edition, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Philip Gallivan, Hotel Operations Manager at Park Plaza, who has worked across different teams and built both his skills and knowledge within the hospitality industry.
How did you first enter the industry?
“Purely by accident. I had left school and a friend of mine said they could get me an interview with their company at East Midlands Airport working as a Customer Service Assistant”.
Can you share your professional journey?
“I started as a Pot Washer in the busy Food Village at East Midlands Airport. I was enrolled on their development programme where I was trained to supervisor level across all the different brands they operate in the Airport, and I was a Duty Manager for a couple of years.
Hotels were always an area of hospitality I wanted to work in. The first hotel I worked in was the Premier Inn on Nottingham Knight Island. It was a room only property, but I was able to learn the ins and outs of Housekeeping and Reception; lead some projects and learn some new systems.
After Premier Inn, next stop was Jurys Inn as an Assistant Manager. I’d probably learnt most of the job I have now in that role because I was able to work anywhere and had to most days. I worked my way up the ranks with Jurys Inn, both in Nottingham and Derby, leaving as a Food and Beverage Manager and on to the newly rebranded DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham. I truly thought I understood hotels until I worked at the DoubleTree because whilst Jurys had heaps of Stag and Hen parties staying every weekend – the DoubleTree had the Weddings. I was over the moon to be so involved in a day that would be remembered forever, and I took that very seriously. Every detail mattered and we delivered each time.
In 2017, I took a break from the industry and worked in social care However, this career brake only solidified for me that I am hospitality through and through, and I couldn’t resist the siren call of the hotel industry. I was soon back in the midst of it, having taken a position with the Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth as their Reservations Manager. I was so happy to be part of a hotel family again. In 2019, I couldn’t resist the call of Front of House again and went back to resume my role at the DoubleTree before Covid hit in 2020.
Now, I’m Operations Manager of the Park Plaza Nottingham, where I have been since 2021”.
Could you describe your current role, including our day-to-day responsibilities?
“Anything involving a guest, I manage. From Welcome to Fairwell, every guest interaction matters.
I work closely with the team to train on delivering authentic service and memorable guest experiences.
Guests choose Park Plaza because we have a great reputation; offer an authentic service, quality product in a prime location and deliver it with the best people in meaningful ways.
My main responsibility is ensuring the team can deliver expectational service and to be on hand to support.
Other areas I am responsible for are, health and safety, budget management and team welfare, the latter I am particularly passionate about”.
What aspects of your current role do you find the most rewarding?
“People. I’m nothing without the team around me and when I see people being their best selves at work it makes the worst of days worthwhile.
Like every manager, I have targets I have to meet so when they’re in the right place I’m a happy man”.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to join the industry?
“If you love people and are looking for a job where every day is different this is the industry for you”!
In your opinion, what makes hospitality and tourism an exciting career path?
“You’re part of something special in hospitality. For the most part in hotels, you have business guests in the week and leisure at the weekend but behind every guest is a story, it’s up to you to make the effort and find it out.
By being part of this industry, you can make someone’s day better or create a memorable experience – no matter what levels in your career you get to you should keep in mind every single day”.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
“I would love to be the General Manager of my own property; this is something which is firmly on my radar in terms of career progression.
I’ve also enjoyed supporting team members through apprenticeships and development programmes recently so would like to explore that more as it works in line with my day to day”.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the industry?
Have fun and don’t take it all so seriously. This is an incredible industry to work in where you will have the opportunity to experience amazing things so grab every chance you can to get involved with all sides of the business”.
As you can tell from what he says, Philip has had an amazing journey within hospitality and has enjoyed it every step of the way. We’re grateful to him for giving up his time to speak to us about his role and the fantastic work he does at the Park Plaza Nottingham.
We are proud to be working alongside Futures on this campaign. Futures provide career advice, mentoring, training, and employment support to those looking to get a head start in their chosen industry or make their next career move.
To get in touch with the team at futures, please email hello@futuresadvice.org or visit www.futuresadvice.org to find out more.
Posted on 13 March 2025
