Punch Pubs & Co
New Site Activation Specialist (Nationwide)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Come as you are — and thrive
At Punch, we believe great pubs are built by great people, and great people don’t all look, think or act the same.
We’re proud to be a place where individuality is welcomed, differences are valued, and everyone can bring their whole self to work.
If you need adjustments or a different approach to help you shine, we’ll work with you to make it happen.
We are committed to equal opportunities for all and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Role Overview
The New Site Activation Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the end-to-end openings process for new Unity Social Pubs - ensuring each site launches on time, on brand, in line with operational standards and with fully trained, confident teams.
You will work in partnership with the Unity Social Operations team in creating the Unity Social family that works at the heart of the local community.
What You’ll Get In Return
- Competitive salary
- Performance related annual bonus
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- 25 holiday days + bank holidays
- Option to buy and sell holidays, plus long service days
- Retail and leisure discount schemes
- Car allowance
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Health and wellbeing suite via Perkbox
- Employee assistance programme via Perkbox
- Free pay day drinks
- Progression and development opportunities
- Pub discount scheme
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Accountabilities
Pre-Opening Planning
- Lead the full openings project plan for each new pub, ensuring critical paths, timelines, and milestones are met.
- Collaborate with other teams in the business to align opening requirements.
- Conduct site readiness assessments and ensure operational compliance.
Operational Setup
- Ensure operational equipment, systems, stock, and supplies are ready.
- Coordinate system installations with relevant partners for example beer dispense, EPOS systems and any relevant sound and leisure system that may be required.
- Support our Unity Social Partners with establishing operational processes.
Launch Execution
- Lead soft-launch and opening-day activities.
- Provide hands-on operational support during launch working directly with the Operations team to establish effective, sales driving rhythms of the week – ensuring every pub has a reason to visit that is delivered to an excellent standard.
- Gather and act on feedback to optimise performance.
- Ensuring the team feel confident and capable to execute the perfect launch.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Post-Opening Support & Handover
- Review performance against opening KPIs.
- Produce reports and recommendations for improvements.
- Ensure smooth handover to Operations Managers / Area Managers
Key stakeholders
- Unity Social Operations Team
- Management Partners / Publicans
- Operations Managers / Area Managers
- Recruitment
- Property / Estates
- Legal & Governance
- IT / EPOS Suppliers
- Marketing
Person Specification – Technical Competencies/Professional expertise
Essential
- Experience opening hospitality venues.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Deep operational understanding of hospitality.
- Ability to travel frequently and work flexibly.
Desirable
- Experience in pub operations.
- Multi-site or refurbishment experience.
- Knowledge of licensing, H&S, and compliance.
Personal Attributes
- Energetic, positive, and passionate about hospitality.
- Calm under pressure and solutions-focused.
- Collaborative and confident working independently.
- Motivational with strong attention to detail.
Our values are really important to us, they are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our daily actions, influence our decision making and shape our workplace culture.
Interested?
Apply now!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills