Erin Bridson
Beverage Operations Manager
Morris Hospitality
I started with Morris Hospitality in December 2022 as Bar Manager at The Albert Park Hotel. The opportunity presented itself when an old colleague and friend who was already working at the venue asked me if I was interested in the role and here we are! I quickly moved into the Assistant Venue Manager role and have had the pleasure of work in some other venues in the group during that time.
I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I was very young and have worked through many different facets of the industry in various roles: pubs, boutique brew bars, nightclubs, restaurants, functions and events. I also have a background in operations and logistics in the live music industry working on tours with some incredible artists like P!nk, Fleetwood Mac, Shania Twain, Peggy Gou, and Cher. But I could never really shake the call of hospitality, so even during this time I still worked in the industry helping out friends and old colleagues when the opportunity came up.
Currently I’m the Beverage Operations Manager for Morris Hospitality, so I look after operation of the bars across all the venues in collaboration with the General Managers and Beverage Managers in venue. I oversee and help with cocktail programs, beverage training and incentives, stock control and stocktake, and anything in the POS system relating to beverage.I also work closely with accounts, finance, marketing, and venue teams to ensure we have a collaborative, consistent, and delicious beverage program, strong process, protocols, and of course support where I can give it. I’d say my top five skills for this role are communication, relationship-building, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate positively.
When I first started with Morris Hospitality, I had a general career goal to be a General Manager or in a group role by the time I was 30. Keeping the goal pretty broad meant I was able to say ‘yes’ to everything by that came my way to get here. I believe that opportunities are made. I put my head down worked hard and said ‘yes’, and wasn’t shy about wanting to learn, grow, and progress within the business.
I love working for this business. I have gained some lifelong friends, confidence in my own abilities, the space to be creative, ability to create, and set constructive boundaries. The ability to experience so many different things in this business is one of its biggest assets. The collaboration and being able to work through different businesses and departments is unmatched.
I simply wouldn’t be here without my teammates. The team at The Albert Park Hotel has been quite simply just a pleasure to be a part of. The support, camaraderie, learning, and mentorship I have experienced has been a career highlight. The Shared Services team has also welcomed me with open arms, and I have to thank them for the all the support they have given not just me, but everyone. They are true superstars!