
Leading the way: Insights from a Food and Beverage Team Leader at Accor
Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Merhawit Tsegay, the Food & Beverage Team Leader at ibis London Shoreditch. Merhawit shares her inspiring journey in the hospitality industry and provides insights into what it takes to succeed at Accor.
Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and how you began your career in hospitality?
"I saw that I would be able to grow my career at Accor because I tried my hand in hospitality before. I had a part-time job alongside my studies.
After I graduated, I interviewed at Accor and during the onboarding process they mentioned there was an opportunity to grow and that motivated me to learn everything I needed to know about my job."
All leaders start somewhere - with experiences that allow them to flourish, grow, and become the best version of themselves. And our graduate opportunities offer just that.
What are some of your responsibilities as a Food & Beverage Team Leader?
“My job as Team Leader involves supporting my team in the Food & Beverage department, developing their skills, and establishing a relationship with guests from the moment they join us for their stay."
The responsibilities are varied and this is what makes the role so exciting and adds to the fun.”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"I enjoy getting through a busy shift like the breakfast buffet and at the bar, working hand in hand with my team. I like providing good service and making sure guests have an amazing experience.
I love it when they feel they belong and that is because of the connection we make with them. Sometimes they ask for a recommendation for what they can do or see during the day, and at the end of the day, they come back and tell me about their experience."
At Accor, we obsess over our customers. Our guests are the drivers of our decisions and our actions. We put them first, we care for them. Do you have a passion for customer service? Then we may have a spot for you at Accor.
What is your favorite thing about working in hospitality?
"My favorite thing is the flexibility of the scheduling; no two days are the same. I know there will be something new tomorrow, and that keeps me excited about going to work.
I learn something each day – about myself and my personal growth, or my job – how to complete my tasks and upgrade my skills."
Can you share one of your proudest moments in your career?
"I have a lot of proud moments because everyday is a new challenge. But my proudest was when we were going through a transition because our Manager was leaving and we had a one-month gap until the new manager joined and that was when I got promoted to a Team Leader, working hand in hand with the Kitchen Supervisor.
I stepped up to help our department to face those challenges as a team, running the daily operations with support from senior management."
All our Heartists® are talents in the making, the future of our Group and our hotels. So, when you step up and take responsibility, you’ll always be recognized and feel valued.
What does being a Heartist® mean to you?
"Being a Heartist® is about providing an amazing experience so that our guests feel welcome, and that they belong.
That is only possible when our team feels valued, when they feel free to be themselves, so that they are inspired and are working towards a common goal – providing a quality service guests can remember and recommend."
What advice would you give to newcomers in the industry?
"My advice to newcomers is to form connections and build strong relationships with your colleagues because you spend many hours with them.
Have the right attitude to work and ask a lot of questions, so that you can learn your role because you never know where it is going to take you."
Bring your passion for hospitality to Accor
If you are passionate about hospitality and eager to develop your career, explore exciting opportunities at Accor.
A place where you’ll enjoy every day and feel valued with a job in Food and Beverage in one of our hotel or lifestyle brands.
Become part of a team that values dedication, growth, and excellence.
Discover our latest news!
Latest thinking
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, every Heartist® plays a part in creating exceptional experiences for our guests — and the Maintenance Technician is no exception. As the backbone of hotel operations, Maintenance Technic
.jpeg)
Teaser
HR jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, our Heartists® are at the heart of everything we do, and our Human Resources (HR) teams play an important role in shaping that success. Behind every thriving team and engaged Heartist® i
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
Step into any Accor hotel, and you’ll notice the polished floors, the perfect lighting, and the quiet hum of everything working just as it should. What you won’t always see is the team making that
.jpeg)
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
There’s something special about the way a great meal can bring people together. At Accor, food and drink go far beyond the plate, they’re an experience, a connection, and a chance to make someone’s

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, we believe that a fulfilling career goes hand in hand with making a positive impact on the world. Sustainability in hospitality is at the heart of our values, and we’re proud to be leadin
__original+(1).jpeg)
Teaser
Revenue Management jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
What is a Hotel Revenue Manager? A hotel revenue manager at Accor is a strategic leader who drives profitability and shapes the future of the hotel’s financial success. This role goes beyond numb
.jpeg)
Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences? Do you dream of honing your skills in a dynamic and inspiring kitchen? At Accor, being a Commis Chef is more than just a job—it’s

Teaser
Revenue Management jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
03/05/2025
Summary
As a child, I saw a globe and became determined to travel. As a result, I invested much time and energy in learning languages. I graduated from university in tourism economics and as part of that

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
03/04/2025
Summary
At Accor, all our Heartists® are talents in the making. It is essential that each of them can cultivate their curiosity, by exploring new horizons and developing new skills, in order to be the adve

Teaser
Head Office jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
02/17/2025
Summary
You might already be familiar with Accor as a pioneer in the hospitality industry. Perhaps you have already enjoyed a stay in one of our lifestyle destinations, or heard about the latest initiative
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
AlUla
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and visionary Director of Food & Beverage to join our team in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing all asp
Reference
9566ae09-7235-4f05-b1b2-e9ae04ba0cd6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
AlUla
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking a highly organized and customer-focused Housekeeping Manager to join our team in the historic city of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. As the Housekeeping Manager, you will be responsible for maint
Reference
321e9939-2786-45a7-86ad-c7e02e725aab
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
AlUla
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Rooms to join our luxury hotel in the historic city of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. As a key member of our executive team, you will oversee the entire ro
Reference
a7a37893-befa-490c-af73-4038c84ea1f9
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
ibis Zurich Messe Airport, Zürich, Switzerland
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
IBIS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Zürich
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
“Step into Leadership in Food & Beverage – Where Creativity Meets Growth.”As F&B Manager (m/w/x), you will play a central role in our hotel operations, overseeing, developing, and motivating our 9-mem
Reference
cdacdd7d-3875-4b97-9507-cc0f2d70e6af
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SOFITEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Dubai
Job Category
Sales
Description
Conducts daily sales calls and arrange site inspection trips to hotel for Leisure/ Corporate / MICE / GCC clients.Able to provide quick and timely responses, immediate communication to the properties,
Reference
ae837a89-c159-4642-a46d-73e3c69f6ee2
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
HOXTON THE HOXTON SOUTHWARK, London, United Kingdom
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
London
Job Category
Rooms
Description
You make sure our guest experience never flags, even at night! Whatever's needed, you treat our guests as individuals, make them feel welcome and their stay special - the Hox wayDeal with the coming a
Reference
aad04f01-db15-443c-9805-1c2cc8ab7d4b
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
HOXTON THE HOXTON SOUTHWARK, London, United Kingdom
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
London
Job Category
Rooms
Description
What you'll do...Maintain a positive and friendly attitude at all times, even when working to achieve solutions to challenges.Deal with the arrival and departure processes for all guests, ensuring all
Reference
ac122132-2dfd-449b-9530-be98966d9109
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Victoria Golf Resort and Spa Managed by Accor, Vilamoura, Portugal
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Portugal
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Director of Rooms Operations (H/F/X)Lead with purpose. Serve with excellence. Inspire every guest journey.As a key member of the executive leadership team and reporting directly to the General Manager
Reference
70697da0-f0a8-4fe8-b01e-22f2fdbfebb6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
HOXTON THE HOXTON SHOREDITCH, London, United Kingdom
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
THE HOXTON
Job type
Permanent
Locations
London
Job Category
Rooms
Description
What you’ll do…To take overall responsibility for the management of the housekeeping and front office teams, ensuring guests are well cared for and guest expectations are exceeded.To ensure that all h
Reference
ed8ed043-85c9-442a-ba7d-22ed96db032a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
HOXTON THE HOXTON SOUTHWARK, London, United Kingdom
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
London
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Lead the barista team in creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere where guests come to start up their day and enjoy themselvesBe creative and share ideas to develop our hot & healthy drink – play part in
Reference
9c905d59-615c-4d9c-b4ef-038f6a4bfe64
Expiry Date
01/01/0001