WAY BACK WHEN...

I joined ODEON Lincoln 5 years ago after turning 17. Starting college, I wanted a part time job which was flexible, fun and interesting. Following my interview, I was offered a position as a Barista at Costa Coffee (one of the first to open within the ODEON estate) which is where my passion for coffee and cinema began.

STEPPING FORWARD...

I really enjoyed the camaraderie with the team and the ever-growing business and was fortunate enough to go on a supervisor course and got promoted to a Barista Maestro by the time I turned 19. During this time I also learnt to work on ODEON retail stands and screen ushering. The Ben and Jerry's counter really interested me and I was lucky enough to be trusted to take the position on.

STEPPING UP...

Running Ben and Jerry's was an excellent insight into managing stock levels and running incentives. From this I made a lateral step to ODEON 'Step Up' Team Leader, demonstrating the mutual respect between myself and the company. This year I was successfully appointed the new role of Guest Experience Supervisor, through which I have continued to expand my knowledge and skill set with a higher level of responsibility and accountability.

UP NEXT...

In the near future I look forward to enhancing my skills and hopefully start working with the training side of the company; experiencing different locations in the UK and abroad to feed my passion for working with all different kinds of people.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO ODEON INITIALLY?

I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do after I left uni. I was looking for something exciting where I had the opportunity to progress when I saw the opportunity with ODEON. I was working for an events company at the time and was looking for something in an exciting and fast paced environment which the Cinema definitely is.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER WITH ODEON?

I started on a Graduate Fast Track programme where I began training to be a Deputy Manager and then became a General Manager after I had been with the Company for a year.

WHAT MOVES HAVE YOU MADE SINCE? HOW DID THEY COME ABOUT?

I have had lots of opportunities to move around with the company which has been great and which has definitely helped my Career to progress with ODEON. I started out training in Uxbridge, I then moved to Bournemouth, then I got to be part of the team to open the Cinema in Dorchester. I then moved to Loughborough where I became a General Manager and I also moved to Hatfield as a General Manager. I then moved to my current role in the HR department based in Manchester.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?

I am the Operations Recruitment Manager in the HR team so I support the Cinemas across the country in their recruitment needs as well as getting involved in lots of different projects within HR.

I was keen to join ODEON when I left university as I loved films and was excited by the graduate scheme, which promised moves around the country and great management experience. In 1996 I joined as a Trainee General Manager, which gave me the opportunity to work in 10 cinemas over an 18 month period learning about the business and developing my own skills.

I was first appointed to a General Manager position at Norwich in 1998 and went on to progress through a number of cinemas including opening one of our biggest cinemas in Kingston in 2002. I then was promoted to a Regional Manager position in 2005 looking after 20 cinemas and then moved up to the Area Manager role in 2010, where I looked after 60 cinemas across the UK and Ireland.

More recently I worked in our Support Office as the Head of Operational Transformation designing new ways of running our cinemas, which ultimately led to be becoming the Operations Director in 2015, responsible for the strategy and management of our UK cinema estate. Next up for me is a move to HR Director, which is an exciting opportunity to work in a new field and help engage all of our teams.

Martin Waller, HR Director

Our passion for teamwork and corporate responsibility extends out with our special relationships in the world at large. ODEON works with partners across the industry, charities and in local communities.

ODEON & NFTS

Since 2015, we've partnered with the National Film and TV School (NFTS), one of the world's leading film, games and television schools. As the platinum cinema sponsor, we can give something back to the industry, to the community and provide even more opportunities for our people.

Learning is a big passion here at ODEON and so throughout the year, we'll offer places on NFTS short courses and online learning as an extra opportunity for our colleagues to show their creativity, build their skills and of course make our business brilliant every day.

And we're big film lovers at ODEON and NFTS, obviously! We showcase the best short films the school has to offer in an annual Short Film Festival in selected ODEON cinemas across the UK.

Nik Powell, NFTS Director says: "We're extremely pleased to continue our partnership with ODEON. It makes perfect sense for the UK's leading film school to work with the UK's largest cinema chain; both institutions have the support and development of young British talent at their heart. We would encourage ODEON's cinema-loving colleagues to apply for our MA courses and join the rising stars in the world of film and television that come from the NFTS."

Find out more about NFTS here.

"My favourite ODEON moment so far was winning team member of the month twice in a row"

Ben Caithness

"What I love most about working for ODEON is Screen Unseen. I love watching these films, as we normally don't get those "type" of films. I really have fun talking with the other guests who are trying to work out what film it is, and seeing what they think afterwards."

Ben Greening

"My favourite ODEON moment so far is dressing up as a Bond Girl for Spectre!"

Chloe Peck

"What I love most about working for ODEON is being able to come into work with such passionate, dedicated and brilliant people. I love being constantly amazed at the brilliant performance and effort by the team here"

Chris Peeke

"What I love most about working for ODEON is the amazing support that the company and staff have given me when dealing with personal issues. I could not imagine any other company being as supportive as"

Jack Harris

"My favourite ODEON moment so far was when we went to Thorpe Park for the team day out, it greatly improved the team's morale and was just a fantastic day out."

Jack Turbefield

"My favourite ODEON moments so far are the games nights we have to unwind after busy periods at work. They really help us have fun together playing multiplayer games on a big screen following a stressful blockbuster release."

Martin Smith

"What I love most about working for ODEON is regular guest Sam showing me how to do 'Red Nose Reindeer' in sign language and spelling his name in sign when he comes in."

Mary Barrett

"My favourite ODEON moment so far was nacho training where I won the race to make the quickest nacho combo and then we did a piñata smashing quiz and it rained sweets and toys. I even got a yoyo and a jar of bubbles."

Rebecca Rayner

"My favourite ODEON moment is when the kids I work with at youth clubs recognise me and call me "The Cinema Man!"

Ryan Howarth

"I really enjoy talking with guests about films. When guests are unsure what to see I can help them decide and they always come back to thank me for my suggestions"

Tracy Climo

BUT DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF...

AN EXCITING OFFER...

When I first got the offer from ODEON I was so excited - a year on and I still go to work every day with the same excitement! No two days are the same at ODEON - from the campaigns and films you work on, to the people you work with.

From the very beginning, I have been treated as a respected and valued member of the business. During brainstorming meetings my ideas are always listened to and taken on board. I've been able to get involved in a wide range of projects, which has aided my understanding of the business and the industry. I've also been lucky enough to attend some amazing events such as premieres, press conferences, screenings, theatre and the NBA!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIVE...

My day often starts by scheduling content across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram before attending a brainstorm with the team for a new film launch campaign. I'm lucky to work with different areas of the business, such as film booking, event cinema and promotions.

MY FAVOURITE THING...

I don't think I have ONE favourite thing... however working with film everyday has to be a highlight. The people are amazing and you're rewarded for being curious... oh and the karaoke nights!

HAVING WHAT IT TAKES...

You need to have a passion for film and be able to run at a fast pace, picking up last minute requests and be confident in voicing your ideas whilst listening and taking on board others opinions.

I would love to come back to ODEON in the future!

WE'RE ALL PART OF THE SAME TEAM, SO YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO...

SYLVIA LOFTING MEETS GOLD STANDARD...

Our Scratchcard reward scheme is designed to reward individual colleagues for going above and beyond the call of duty at ODEON. The highly coveted GOLD Scratchcard is the creme de la creme of scratchcard rewards - only a limited number are awarded by the Senior Management team for outstanding contribution to ODEON cinemas.

When the previous GM went on maternity leave unexpectedly early in September, Sylvia didn't hesitate to step up and take accountability for everything the GM role demands.

Sylvia kept the team motivated and organised, facilitated all the new initiatives, supported the Costa team who were also without a manager at that time and ensured the whole team were at their best for the next big film launch. She wasn't asked to do it, and has never requested anything in return.

Sylvia epitomises the ODEON Values through her passion, dedication and commitment.

She only ever thinks of the greater good and supporting others. The team could not respect and love her more! A paragraph is not enough to describe her efforts, but I am absolutely convinced that no one else deserves this award more. She is completely irreplaceable!

Sylvia said she was really honoured to have been selected.

THINK YOU COULD MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE LIKE SYLVIA?

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CAPES AT THE READY...

We're always on the hunt for high performing cinema hosts who are hungry for adventure and fresh challenges. Supermen and wonderwomen who can influence our whole brand, bring some boom to our guest experience and push the limits of our product development. It's a career opportunity with extra kapow!

After only 6 months with us you could join this super squad with opportunities for fast-tracked personal career development, top-flight training and eight months of adventure and discovery.

LOOK DEEP INSIDE YOURSELF...

Do you see the 10 superpowers we're looking for?

TRANSFORMING INTO A BRAND HERO BRINGS YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE, HEAR AND EXPERIENCE THE ODEON UNIVERSE LIKE NEVER BEFORE...

THINK YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES? THAT'S THE SPIRIT!

Join the ODEON team and in 6 months you could be be part of the elite Brand Hero squad

Hi, my name is Natalie and I'm the Charity Champion in the ODEON Guest Service Centre, which means I am responsible for:

My first and favourite event...

Tash 'N' Hat day - we made cakes and dressed "dapper". It made me so happy to see so many people get involved and raise money for a great cause, I felt so proud of my team. It was such a success that we are doing it again this year!

The charity work we do is essential...

Not just for the charities involved but for ODEON colleagues too. It boosts morale and helps to bring us even closer - not just as a working team but as an ODEON family. The charities benefit not just by the money we raise, but also the awareness.

2016 has been an exciting year...

We have already hosted Happy Monday, where we all wore something that made us happy and brought in our favourite comfort foods. Up next is Tash 'N' Hat day, then Alice's Tea Party in Wonderland along with a sponsored Wax, and The Guest Service Drag Race, and that only takes us to July! We have some great Raffles prizes and lot's more Ideas to come.

I started my ODEON Career 4 years ago and never expected to become Charity Champion. It's an honour to work with such a wonderful ODEON Family, and have so much fun at the same!

We know that when it comes to understanding what it's really like to work for ODEON, our colleagues are the experts

That's why we regularly run our OHI survey, which is completely anonymous, giving everyone across the business the opportunity to feedback on life at ODEON.

OHI stands for Organisational Health Index (OHI) and checks the 'health' of our business from our colleagues' point of view. It's a great way for our leadership team to find out what our people value and what we can do better. The results are then used to develop real action plans for the business.

Our colleagues help shape our future

Because it's so important that everyone's voice gets heard, prior to the survey going live, we deliver detailed communications to colleagues to raise awareness and explain everything they need to know about completing the survey and why it's so important.

Not only that, knowing how many inspirational and creative minds we have amongst us, we invited our colleagues to make their own videos to promote the survey. Here's something our cinema team in Hereford put together...

Things change quickly at ODEON so it's not enough to ask once and assume we know all the answers. We need to stay in touch with how our colleagues feel.

Following the last full survey in 2014 we carried out a short 'pulse check' in 2015.

We had a fantastic response to our 2014 and 2015 surveys and so far have used the feedback to:

AND THERE'S MORE TO COME! FANCY HELPING SHAPE OUR FUTURE?

By living our Values on a daily basis, every colleague has a lead role in helping make our Vision a reality

It's not enough to simply talk about our Vision and Values - they should shine through in every service, experience and interaction. And what better way to achieve this than by handing over to our extraordinary and immensely creative colleagues?

With our colleagues in the driving seat, inspiration at ODEON knows no bounds!

Here's just a few snippets from our last big Vision & Values campaign which saw our colleagues get stuck into storytelling in a BIG way with the help of a giant calendar of activities and a travelling supersized storybook!

ODEON colleagues are incredibly hard working and it's only right that they are recognised and rewarded for all their achievements - big and small

We use special BE OUTSTANDING Scratchcards to reward colleagues with an on the spot prize for going above and beyond to live our Vision and Values.

More than 1,000 colleagues have been presented with scratchcard prizes since the scheme launched in January 2016 and the number is rising everyday across all of our locations!

Our range of guests is diverse, so it stands to reason that their needs and requests will be pretty diverse too! That's why our Contact Centre team in Stoke need to be the source of all ODEON knowledge for everything we do...

...From nut content in our food, to screen sizes and pricing information for cinemas up and down the country.

They talk to our guests via phone, post, email and now live chat.

If you have a passion for great guest service, this could be the perfect career path for you!

Our team of Film Booking experts are responsible for making important decisions across the whole of the UK and Ireland, on a local and national level.

They work hard to make sure we continue to offer our guests the very best, even if that means working into the small hours to add extra shows on opening nights!

It's thanks to our booking team that our guests have the freedom to choose from all the best films, and in turn, enable us to get such great box-office results.

Within this team there are a huge range of opportunities to put your talent to use...

Digital teams work hard to keep guests updated on upcoming films, offers and promotions and events in cinemas.

Our Brand team work on a whole host of projects, from campaigns to promote new releases to ensuring that ODEON maintains its iconic brand status.

Sales, Promotions and Events offer a career in growing our business - building new partnerships to enhance our offer event further!

Whether based in our Support Office in Manchester or out in the field, the HR team really knows what it takes to help ODEON maintain its position as the largest and best known cinema chain in the UK and Ireland. Where better to develop your own talents?

HR at ODEON offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Recruiting talent
• Developing teams
• Reward
• Employee relations
• People strategy

Why not put your people powers to the test with us?

They work to provide the best possible venues to showcase films in and ensure our estate is always getting better by leading refurbishment programmes, sourcing and opening new sites.

Whether you are looking for a career in business transactions or in accountancy and strategy, our finance team are always on the lookout for new talent. We need people who can understand and manipulate our information to support business decisions.

The team is based mainly in Manchester, and work in dedicated groups to ensure that every part of the business is covered. But it's not all just number crunching. Despite being one of the largest departments within ODEON, there's a real community feel to the finance team and, after a hard day, they can regularly be found striking out at the local bowling alley, testing their knowledge at a pub quiz or racing round a Go-Karting track.

The legal team help to keep our business on track and running smoothly. They deal with all sorts of queries, providing advice on everything from property to commercial decisions. If you are looking for a legal career with variety, then ODEON could be for you.

Throughout the business, it's the Risk Management team who ensure we're fully compliant and manage all of the risk control programmes associated with each of the following:

• Health & safety
• Food safety
• Disability legislation
• Security issues
• Environmental protectio
• Licensing (premises, cinema & alcohol)

Our small field-based team takes care of all of ODEON's insurance programmes, and makes sure that every guest and employee that passes through our doors is kept safe and secure.

An operation the size of ODEON needs a purchasing strategy that not only finds the best quality products from the best suppliers, but can help to reduce costs wherever possible.

Based in Manchester, our small procurement team plays a key part in ODEON's promotions and initiatives - always looking for ways to improve our levels of guest service through supplier performance.

The team is split across:

• Business Engagement - working with other teams across the business to understand future needs
• Architecture - designing the right solutions
• Operations - keeping all systems online and in working order
• Business Management - making sure the growing department runs smoothly.

If you know your HTML from your SSAS then look no further for a varied and dynamic career with ODEON!

At ODEON we're always on the hunt for high performing individuals who are hungry for adventure and fresh challenges. Supermen and wonderwomen who can influence our whole brand, bring some boom to our guest experience and push the limits of our product development – we call them our Brand Heroes. It's a career opportunity with extra kapow!

An example of this is the video below. Carles, one of our Spanish Brand Heroes, recently went on an exclusive training camp adventure, based on the fantastic movie Assassins Creed, in Seville, courtesy of our friends at 20^th Century FOX. You can see for yourself how much fun he had as well as demonstrating our Brand Hero superpowers of commitment, courage, determination and definitely awesomeness!
As one of our cinema hosts you could be part of the elite Brand Hero squad after only six months with us - with opportunities for fast-tracked personal career development, top-flight training (just like Carles!) and eight months of adventure and discovery.

Search on the Jobs tab above now for your cinema and apply now – we can't wait to hear from you!

From attending the group selection day I was looking forward to joining ODEON as the hosts that I had met on the day were really engaged in their roles and had a real passion for the company.

Coming from a retail background I was moving into a totally different industry I found the training so varied that on any day you could be learning about HR to film booking.

One of my most exciting challenges during my training would have to be learning about projection and being signed off as a projectionist, this is an area I did not think I would have to learn so much about but I have found it very interesting and now able to complete maintenance tasks like lamp changes if needed.

My advice to someone looking to join ODEON would be if you are the kind of person who loves to throw themselves into a new challenge, likes to have fun at work and you don't mind getting your hand dirty in the operations of a business with the rest of the team then ODEON is right for your next challenge.

I thought it would be a fun and challenging place to work, with a real emphasis on bringing a larger than life experience to all guests. I didn't realise how much effort goes into playing and maintaining all the digital aspects of running a cinema.

I really enjoyed getting to work in a variety of cinemas and meeting the different teams, working on different projects with the other GM's, which allowed me to get to know them better. Also visiting head office and getting to see how the different departments work and are all aligned to achieving the same goal.

As a challenge I gave myself four weeks to get signed off as a key-holder, digitally trained and be able to work in all areas of the business to a competent standard.

I would say get stuck in on all areas of the business and really get to know as many people as possible.

From looking at the company values and the job role description I felt I knew what to expect when joining the company, but in fact it's much better than I imagined. The company looks after its colleagues, ensures they are supported, trained to do the job and rewarded. Even after leaving the previous company I worked for for 8 years, I have no regrets.

Being asked to help with revise the cinema host induction training, helping to revise the GES training documents to planning the summer event and covering Kingston, all within my first 6 months was great! This made me feel I was valued as a Manager, even though I was new to the business. It was great to get involved with shaping the company, supporting my region and meeting so many new people from all over the business.

My biggest challenge was being asked to cover Kingston for a month whilst the GM was helping the region. It was a big site to manage for my first go at running a cinema but my ROM and the team were really supportive during this time. It was great to have this experience to add to my training. I was also asked if I could plan a summer event for the South of the business to reward and engage the cinema teams. This allowed me to work with other managers from our region and enabled me to contribute the the business at an early stage. It was fun planning it and a great day for all.

I would say don't rush your training, take your time to learn and take it all in before taking your own site. Ask to repeat and go back over areas you feel you need to revisit as many times as necessary, it's your training so be vocal with the support you need.

ODEON are leaders in technological innovation, passionate about service and driven to get the very best from their people through coaching, encouragement and support. The Values and Company Vision help to encourage a great, multi-functional support network which is endemic throughout the organisation.

Getting the opportunity to work alongside some really talented, passionate people has given great insight into what makes ODEON tick. Being exposed to so many different aspects of the operation gives a great depth of understanding early on; it also creates opportunity - dynamic change is a part of ODEON's success and every employee plays a part.

I had the challenge of some exceptional opportunities to focus on my own management style, and reflect on what I wanted my impact to be, set me up perfectly for my first cinema. Right the way through my induction, being given the chance to experiment in a 'live' cinema environment, created the platform on which my success has been built.

I would say take every opportunity to put into practice what you learn. Be tenacious! The induction process is very comprehensive, but it goes past very quickly so make the most of every single day - and don't ever be reticent in picking up the telephone. We all want you to succeed!

Having had the opportunity to spend time with a number of General Managers and having made visits to several ODEON cinemas before commencing with the organisation I was excited to be joining a team of such highly engaged people. I was impressed by the passion each individual showed for their own business, each one somewhat unique in it's own way yet all familiar under the strong brand I grew up knowing.

Learning every aspect of the cinema operation, both from a guest facing perspective and covering the numerous back of house tasks required to provide our guests with a fantastic experience on every visit. Further, I have enjoyed being able to bring my own experiences from my previous career to a receptive audience.

ODEON cinemas work at a fast pace so balancing learning new skills with supporting the business is challenging but fun. Alongside plenty to learn I have been happy to be involved in a number of projects in the short time I've been with ODEON through which I believe I am making a difference and helping the company to grow stronger.

I would say come ready to work at pace but be safe in the knowledge that you will be joining an impressive team who passionately support one another. Enjoy taking accountability for delivery of a fantastic product in superb facilities.

My initial expectations of ODEON was to find a company who were market leaders that use the latest digital technology and is a smart operator. I found most of it to be true and know that they are looking at updating some systems and processes. ODEON love change as a way of improving how they deliver business performance, whilst still embracing the core of their operating practices.

I feel I had a brilliant induction, one of the best I have ever experienced. The highlight for me was being able to spend some time in different cinemas and learn the best practices from each ready to bring to my own cinema, no two cinemas are the same.

I have had many exciting challenges from supporting Brighton with staff recruitment and Tunbridge Wells with their Croma Pizzeria and on a regional level with Limitless sales.

I would say don't be shy, get stuck in and have a go, it's hard to break anything and mistakes are how I felt I learnt things faster. Stick to your learning plan and be selfish with your learnings, it can be easy to get dragged into the needs to the cinema you are based at.

Are you ready to take the next step and be a Costa Manager?

Are you a Supervisor Superstar who is ready to support the Costa team to success?

Is a Barista your next step?

Is a Regional Operations Manager the right role for you?

Is a General Manager Role your Goal?

Is a Deputy Manager role your next step?

Is a Guest Experience Supervisor role just what you are looking for?

Are you looking for a Cinema Host?

Are you our next Restaurant Manager?

Is a Head Chef what you are looking for?

Is a Croma Supervisor your next step?

Are you looking to become a Croma Chef?

Is a Croma Waiter the right role for you?

At Odeon we are passionate about our people, their development and giving our colleagues skills for life. We have just launched our new apprenticeship scheme investing in our people and focusing on up skilling leaders across our business.

After a hugely successful day assessment day at Manchester University we were able to offer a total of 15 places to level 5 and level 6 candidates to study business management. In addition to this we have 45 supervisors about to embark on their level 3 leadership journey.

These are our Odeon Bright Lights and we can't wait to see what their future brings!