Openings Manager

Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse - We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025 at The Publican Awards!

As an Openings Manager, you will be an integral part of opening all new Restaurants, setting the tone from day one. As an experienced senior manager, you're passionate about embedding high operational standards and building a strong, positive culture that empowers teams to thrive. Working closely with key stakeholders, you ensure each new Smokehouse opens with energy, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose - creating the best possible experience for both teams and guests.

Responsibilities & deliverables:

Team:

• To take an active, hands-on approach to training and coaching new teams, including management.
• To be a role model and lead by example during the initial weeks of trading. To pull the restaurant up to required standards within the agreed timeline.
• To support the Openings Operations Manager and people team in the recruitment of new teams.
• To support/assist in the management and mentorship of support teams.
• To be an ambassador for our culture and values, always portraying an authentic positive attitude.

Guests:

• Coaching new team members on how to protect and develop community spirit amongst team members and guests.
• To review and monitor all avenues of guest experience and feedback, ensuring they are dealt with accordingly and actively implement any necessary changes.
• To be daring, using Southern Hospitality as a tool to "WOW" and thrill our guests.
• Constantly look to develop our day-to-day operations to create an ever-improving guest experience.
• Ensure our restaurants are inviting and friendly environments for our guests to visit - every day and every service.

Restaurants:

• To support the Openings Operations Manager in managing multiple timelines and take ownership of certain tasks.
• Achieve pre-agreed KPIs for each opening and initial trading weeks.
• Proactively work towards a handover of the Opening to the new Management/Ops team, with all pre-agreed KPIs being met and a clear direction for the Restaurant moving forward.
• Complete a post-opening analysis and forward-thinking plans to actively improve all future openings.
• Effectively plan for contingencies in all Opening processes.
• To be an advocate for NPS within restaurants and continuously drive the progression of scores.

Thank Yous & Benefits:

• A generous Assistant General Manager package of up to £43,000 per year including Tip Jar!
• Excellent training & progression opportunities - through our award-winning Hickory's Training Academy.
• Qualification opportunities as you work (up to A-Level & Degree level equivalent).
• Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year.
• Free smokin' BBQ on shift - team food & drinks menu.
• Christmas Day off work - every year.
• Moments that matter - Paid occasions days off (Wedding day, kid's first day at school, moving into first home & more).
• Team Player card - 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory's (rising to 50% for loyal service).
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities.
• Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme.
• Our pledge to a work-life balance - monitoring & managing through our Red Zone.
• A packed team social & engagement calendar & annual team party.
• A chance to 'give a bit back' with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids.
• Up to £500 for you - through the refer a friend scheme.

If that sounds good or you want to find out more, click 'apply' now and speak to your GM or Area Manager, and let's talk about how you can be part of our road trip and the future of Hickory's!