Skip to main content

Shelley Castle - Property and Tied Trade Recruitment Co-Ordinator

Posted: 9th February 2015

Age: 34

Lives: Minster

Career: Shelley went to St George’s School in Broadstairs, then studied Leisure and Tourism at the former Thanet College. She joined the Ramada Hotel in Ramsgate as a receptionist, where she remained for eight years, progressing to revenue manager. She then transferred to work in the same role at the Ramada Hotel in Chichester, before returning to Kent, working in Sittingbourne as a recruitment consultant for the New Appointments Group (NAG). She returned to work as revenue and front of house manager at the Ramada in Ramsgate, then went back to NAG as senior recruitment consultant, a position she held for six years. She joined Shepherd Neame at the end of November last year.

Favourite Shepherd Neame beer: Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager

What are your main responsibilities? I co-ordinate the recruitment of licensees for tenanted pubs across the Shepherd Neame estate. I also co-ordinate the recruitment of senior members of staff at our managed houses, such as general managers and head chefs.

What does your role involve? I start at 8.30am and I finish at 5pm, Monday to Friday. I normally start the day by checking my emails for any new enquiries about our pub tenancies, and then contact the potential tenants. I conduct a preliminary phone interview for a general assessment of their experience and financial situation, and if they meet the necessary criteria, I post out our information pack on the tenancy application process. I also book them for an interview with the relevant business development manager. My role also involves creating and managing advertisements for available tenancies and managed house roles, using internal and external sources, and pro-actively searching for suitable candidates. I conduct preliminary phone interviews with potential managed house staff, and I also provide advice on staff recruitment for tenants and managers. I work closely with Linda Reece, who recently moved from this role after 25 years, and is now in a newly created role as tenant induction co-ordinator, helping to guide new tenants through the process.

Shepherd Neame Managed Property

Shelley Castle 2

Shelley Castle 1

The Brewery

What personal characteristics help you in your role? I am very outgoing, chatty and inquisitive, which is essential in recruitment. I am also very tenacious, which helps in this role as I won’t give in until I have found the perfect person for the position we are trying to fill.

What are the most rewarding parts of your job? It is very rewarding to see the results of your work pay off, for example with the right tenant matched to the right pub. It is great to see they are happy and making a success of the business.

What is tough about the job? It is a very busy role, with a high volume of work, but we have a great team at Shepherd Neame and there is lots of support available.

Why did you want to go into the hospitality industry after school? I originally wanted to work in an airport, so when I was at college I passed the British Airways air fares and ticketing course, in addition to completing my leisure and tourism studies. But at the age of 18, I wasn’t ready to leave home and live in London, so I applied for the receptionist job at the Ramada in Ramsgate and never looked back. Every day was different, it was never boring, and I absolutely loved interacting with all the different people who stayed and worked at the hotel.

Why did you join Shepherd Neame? I grew up in Kent, so I was familiar with Shepherd Neame’s pubs and beers, and I liked the idea of working for such a well-known, long-standing company.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love classic ska and reggae music, shopping, and I am also very family-oriented, with five nieces and nephews to keep me busy!

What advice would you give someone considering a similar career in the hospitality industry? Go for it! I have enjoyed every moment of my career so far, and met and worked with some fantastic people. It is a really rewarding and interesting industry.