Area Manager - Unity

At Punch Pubs we’re aiming to be the 5
* pub company. We want to create a world‑class team where every employee embodies the essence of 5
* Partnership, supporting our brilliant Pubs. We strive to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent, ensuring each individual experiences growth, recognition and fulfilment in their roles. The job description sets out what we need from you to be successful in your role and what you can expect in return.

Area Manager – Unity Social

Core Purpose

Lead a portfolio of pubs operated by self‑employed partners. Support, coach and challenge operators to deliver outstanding community‑focused pubs, deliver exceptional guest experiences, drive sales and maintain high operational standards. Work in partnership with the Unity Social Senior OM and Operations Director to create the Unity Social family that works at the heart of the local community.

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Company Bonus Scheme
• Company pension
• 25 Annual holiday days (Option to buy and sell)
• Progression and development opportunities
• Free pay‑day drinks
• Retail & Leisure discount scheme
• Pub discount scheme
• Long service awards

and much more…

• Build strong relationships with pub operators, acting as a trusted advisor and coach.
• Support operators in delivering excellent customer service and community engagement.
• Ensure the delivery of well‑defined, structured onboarding plans for all new Partners in Unity Social, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge and support to launch their pub effectively and set them up for success.
• Drive accountability of Publican team, through clear objectives, regular feedback and direction, coupled with a culture of continuous improvement.
• Set an exceptional example with regular evening visits and weekend visits.

• Champion Unity Social’s community ethos by encouraging operators to build strong local connections.
• Support initiatives that enhance the pub’s role in the community.

• Build a sales hungry culture through inspiring, challenging and supporting Publicans and AMs to achieve the best possible proposition within each business.
• Monitor and drive performance across sales, margin and cost control.
• Analyse trading data and trends to identify opportunities for growth.
• Ensure pubs are maximising their potential through local marketing and events.

• Deliver operational excellence across all Pubs maintaining the highest retail standards.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure standards are upheld across cleanliness, compliance and presentation.
• Support operators in resolving operational challenges and implementing best practices.

• Ensure all pubs operate within licensing laws, health & safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct audits and follow up on action plans to mitigate risk.

• Passion for community‑focused hospitality.
• Demonstrable experience of leading high‑performing teams – strong coaching and relationship building skills.
• A love for creating sales building activity in pubs and willingness to demonstrate it in the pub at peak trading time.
• A deep appreciation of the importance of sport to our customers.
• Demonstrated humility in what you say and how you act.
• High enthusiasm and energy and commitment in the face of setbacks and pressure.
• Prioritise and effectively manage time and workload.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, with passion, integrity and credibility to influence and persuade.
• Ability to convert commercial awareness and understanding into making sound business decisions which enable profitable outcomes.
• Pre‑empt issues or problems and put permanent fixes in place.
• Deliver results without compromising company values and leadership behaviours.
• Actively seek to develop own professional development and industry knowledge.
• Understanding of wet‑led pub operations.

• Group Strategy and Commercial Director
• Unity Social Operations Director
• Unity Social Publicans
• Every single community served by a Unity Social pub
• Marketing Manager
• Property Manager
• Recruitment Manager
• Senior HR Business Partner
• L&D Business Partner
• Finance Business Partner

Interested? Apply now!