Biased opinion – I think being the manager of a pub is the best job in the world, so you’ve made a great choice.
It’s a chance to do something different every day, be your own boss, run your own diary, experience all the extreme highs and lows that go with food and beverage service, while at the same time working with the best examples of humans going – hospitality workers.
We are a unique breed – comedians, councillors, survivors, grafters – the kind of people you want to go into battle with every day and communally push towards the same vision and goal – to give our customers the best possible experience.
Are you the right kind of person to be a Pub Manager?
One of the myths I’d like to debunk is that being a pub manager is one specific role. The beauty of the pub trade is that each business is unique and is as different as the customers who frequent it. No two businesses can, or should, be run in the same way and therefore they all require a different approach to leadership.
Whether you are working, as I am, in the managed PubCo world, or as a tenant, a leaseholder, or have taken the step to buy and run your own free house, then the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that you bring to the table should be appropriate for the business you operate.
Supply should follow demand – and the demand in our business is purely about what our customers and community we serve are asking for.
What does the role look like?
The role of a pub manager isn’t just about pulling pints, cooking food, and serving customers anymore (though I won’t suggest it doesn’t include this); it’s about committing to a journey, balancing hospitality, leadership, and business acumen.
Whether you’re at the outset of your career or have a wealth of life experience and professional roles, managing a pub is a rewarding and dynamic career path that will challenge you in the best possible way.
I’ve always said that starting your career from being on the front line is a great path for individuals embarking on a career in pub management.
Many successful pub managers begin their journey as bar staff or serving on the floor or in the kitchen, gaining invaluable insights into operations and customer service.
Whether you’re beginning your career journey or transitioning from another profession, embracing entry-level roles allows you to understand the intricacies of the business from the ground up and gain an understanding and empathy with the teams you run.
As you progress, continuous learning becomes essential. Staying abreast of trends, learning how to use wider insight to drive business decisions, and following your own leadership journey is crucial. Attend workshops, courses, and networking events to expand your knowledge, skill set and contacts. Teams expect this of a good leader, and it will mean you are informed and practicing the same level of stretch you will want your teams to go through.
Effective leadership is a cornerstone of successful pub management, irrespective of your career stage. Cultivate your ability to communicate effectively, motivate teams, and resolve conflicts to steer your team towards success.
What help is there?
Networking is key for individuals seeking opportunities in pub management. Tap into your professional network to explore job openings, gain industry insights, and connect with fellow managers. Attend industry events, join associations, and participate in wider industry events to expand your circle and exchange ideas with peers. BII Workforce is a fantastic place to look at where to start on this front, and then later, being a full BII member to support your career will be invaluable.
Embracing the lifestyle of pub management is essential for success. Prepare yourself for high pressure, risk, challenging conversations and learning from mistakes. But also get excited about the extreme highs of success, making a difference and helping a huge number of people achieve their goals.
Understanding and embracing the unique rhythm of pub life can make the journey all the more rewarding, regardless of your career stage.
In conclusion, being a pub manager is a multifaceted role that requires passion, dedication, and resilience. Whether you’re at the outset of your career journey or seeking a new challenge, the world of pub management offers a vibrant and fulfilling career path.
The next stages will be filled with success, learning, support, and most importantly, incredibly memorable moments.
So, let’s raise a glass to the journey ahead, together.
