Public house manager : Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are required to enter this profession, although the following degree/HND subjects may improve your chances and allow you to progress more quickly:

• business/management;
• business and hospitality;
• marketing;
• hotel and catering;
• hospitality management.

In England and Wales, under the Licensing Act of 2003, anyone supplying or authorising the supply or retail sale of alcohol must hold a personal licence. In order to gain a licence, you must have an accredited licensing qualification, for which the main awarding body is the British Institute of Innkeepers Awarding Body (BIIAB) . Although it may be possible to study for this during a training period in a management position, it might be worth considering taking the qualification before, to help you gain entry into a role.

In Scotland the legislation is slightly different, and the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) is required. See BII Scotland  for details.

Some of the larger pub companies run graduate training schemes in which trainees join the company as assistant pub managers and work through a structured programme to learn all aspects of the role. They then take the relevant licensing exams, gain more practical experience and move into a management position. Candidates are usually required to have a good standard of degree. Training schemes do not usually ask for applicants with specific degree subjects but they do emphasise the need for previous relevant work experience.

Candidates are usually expected to have a good background in customer service at a supervisory level and experience of bar work or work in a food establishment is normally required. You will also need to show evidence of the following:

• a commercial approach (preferably developed through experience in a retail environment) and the ability to organise successful marketing and promotional activities;
• a working knowledge of cellar management and catering;
• literacy and numeracy skills;
• ability to set and meet targets;
• excellent staff management and leadership skills plus excellent communication and social skills;
• knowledge of relevant legislation;
• knowledge of products served and customer facilities;
• ability to respond positively to pressure.

A work placement with a company can provide a valuable insight into the industry and help you decide if you wish to pursue a career in the licensed trade. Placements of between six months and one year are available to those eager to learn about all aspects of the business. This will give you the opportunity to try different areas of the industry and improve your job prospects.

The hospitality industry offers fast career progression from a relatively young age and there are also opportunities for individuals with experience in related areas.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.