At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of exciting new pubs, bars, and restaurants across London.
- Company: Join an award-winning pub, bar, and restaurant group with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, 30% discount, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing business and shape London's hospitality scene.
- Qualifications: Experience in opening venues, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25965 - 31735 £ per year.
Urban Pubs, Bars & Restaurants are looking for a Head of Openings to lead the opening of our exciting new pubs, bars and restaurants across London. We are an award-winning, growing business with a passion for creating brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants that are at the heart of their communities. Our sites are all individual, but they share the same values: great people, exceptional fresh food, brilliant drinks and outstanding hospitality.
As Head of Openings, you will play a key role in bringing our new sites to life and managing the Openings Team (Openings Managers, Chefs and Front of House team). Working closely with our Operations, Kitchen, People, Marketing and Development teams, you will take ownership of the opening process from the final stages of development through to launch and beyond. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves the energy of an opening, thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows what it takes to build a great team and deliver an exceptional first impression.
The Role
You will be responsible for planning and delivering our new site openings, making sure every detail is ready before we open our doors. From recruitment and training through to operational standards, suppliers, stock, systems and the guest experience, you will coordinate the different teams involved and make sure everyone is working towards the same goal. You will be on the ground during openings, leading from the front, supporting the team and making sure the site is ready to deliver the standards we expect from day one. You will also play an important role in reviewing each opening, identifying what worked well and what we can improve, helping us continually develop our opening process as we grow.
What We're Looking For
- Experienced in opening new pubs, bars or restaurants
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- A strong communicator who can bring different teams together
- Confident recruiting, training and developing new teams
- Hands-on and comfortable working on the floor when required
- Commercially aware with a good understanding of costs and budgets
- Passionate about fresh food, quality drinks and great hospitality
- Calm under pressure and able to solve problems quickly
- A natural leader who can inspire a team from the very beginning
- Someone who genuinely cares about creating great places for both our teams and guests
Most importantly, you will have energy, personality and a genuine passion for opening great pubs and restaurants.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & bonus
- The opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing business
- 30% discount across all our pubs and restaurants
- Training and development opportunities
- The chance to work closely with our senior leadership team
- A varied role with the opportunity to influence how we open future sites
- The opportunity to help shape some of London's most exciting new pubs, bars and restaurants
If you love hospitality, enjoy building teams and get a real buzz from seeing a new site come to life, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Openings in London employer: UPB Head Office
Urban Pubs and Bars is an award-winning employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and development, as well as a range of benefits including generous discounts, flexible working conditions, and a family-like atmosphere, we ensure our Maintenance Technicians feel valued and empowered. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that celebrates success and prioritises your well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Openings in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like UPB Head Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to UPB Head Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to UPB Head Office directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Openings in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about UPB Head Office and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at UPB Head Office
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
