Deputy Pub Manager

About Your Union  

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association (aka Your Union) sits at the heart of the Campus - recently voted as one of the leading Universities in the UK, ranked first in the UK by the Guardian and Times/Sunday Times and with a reputation to protect. With over 11,000 members we are the primary student venue in St Andrews and support a thriving student scene with over 140 affiliated societies.   

We are a dynamic, student-led organisation dedicated to enhancing the student experience for every student in St Andrews. We provide a wide range of services, including events, campaigns, societies, support, and representation. Our mission is to empower students, support their development, and create a vibrant campus culture.  

Role Overview 

To support, lead and motivate the team to meet sales, profit and compliance targets. To run shifts 

independently and ensure delivery of excellent customer service, correct product specification, and a clean, safe and legal workplace. The role includes deputising for the Pub Manager and taking full responsibility for the pub in their absence.  

Key Responsibilities 

Operational Management 

• Oversee and guide pub operations, leading by example 

• Run shifts independently and ensure smooth execution 

• Ensure opening and closing procedures are followed correctly 

• Apply “stand back and look” (SBAL) standards across all areas  

• Maintain presentation, cleanliness, and operational consistency 

Customer Experience & Standards 

• Deliver excellent customer service at all times 

• Ensure food and drink are served to correct specification 

• Maintain strong visibility and engagement with customers 

• Respond to customer feedback positively and implement improvements  

Commercial & Financial Management 

• Support achievement of sales and profit targets  

• Work with the Pub Manager on forecasting and cost control 

• Assist in managing profit and loss performance 

• Maximise sales opportunities and commercial performance  

• Manage stock, deliveries, and shrinkage control 

• Complete line checks, wastage logs, and investigate variances 

Team Leadership & People Management 

• Support, lead and motivate the team  

• Assist with recruitment, induction, and training processes 

• Conduct probation reviews and training reviews 

• Support performance management, attendance, and disciplinary processes  

• Manage rotas aligned to sales and labour targets  

• Support development and succession planning 

Compliance, Governance & Risk 

• Ensure adherence to SOPs and company policies  

• Maintain a clean, safe, and legal environment 

• Enforce licensing, food safety, and health & safety requirements  

• Ensure incidents, complaints, and issues are recorded appropriately 

Systems & Administration 

• Maintain office administration in line with GDPR and company requirements  

• Use operational systems and reporting tools 

• Stay up to date with management action packs and operational briefs  

Maintenance & Facilities 

• Monitor and manage maintenance issues 

• Liaise with contractors to resolve issues efficiently 

Deputising Responsibilities 

• Deputise for the Pub Manager when required  

• Take full operational and commercial responsibility in their absence 

• Ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making across all areas

Financial Responsibilities 

• Support delivery of pub financial targets 

• Assist in managing budgets, costs, and stock 

• Contribute to profitability through cost control and sales growth 

• Ensure efficient use of labour and resources 

Key Outcomes 

• Consistently high operational and customer service standards 

• Strong shift delivery and team performance 

• Effective support to Pub Manager and leadership continuity 

• Achievement of sales and profit targets 

• Fully compliant and well-managed pub operation 

Person Specification 

Expected Behaviours 

• Demonstrates strong leadership and accountability 

• Effective communicator with strong organisational skills 

• Calm and resilient in a fast-paced environment 

• Professional, motivated, and proactive 

• Strong work ethic and attention to standards  

Essential 

• Experience in a hospitality or retail management role  

• Strong organisational and time management skills 

• Ability to lead and develop teams 

• Understanding of operational and compliance requirements 

• Basic IT and systems knowledge 

Desirable 

• Completion of management training programmes 

• Experience supporting full business operations 

• Exposure to financial and performance management 

Organisational Values 

• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

• Focus on people development and team culture. 

• Dedication to delivering outstanding customer experiences. 

• A commitment to put students at the heart of everything that the Students’ Association does.  

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and an ability to turn this commitment into real 

change for under-represented groups.  

• A commitment to a positive workplace culture which is friendly, approachable and open to listening.  

Inclusivity and Accessibility 

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and  welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. While successful candidates will always be recruited on merit, we particularly aim to include applicants with disabilities, from BAME backgrounds, and those with diverse sexualities or marginalised gender identities.