GMs making their mark: Jade Cunningham, O’Shannons, Kilmarnock

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, 8 March, DRAM celebrates just a few of Scotland’s inspirational female general managers who are making their mark on the licensed trade.

Today, we speak to Jade Cunningham who is General Manager of O’Shannons in Kilmarnock about moving up in the trade and what she loves about the job.

Name: Jade Cunningham – General Manager

Role: General Manager, O’Shannons

Location: Kilmarnock

Age: 33

Jade Cunningham has headed up popular, independent Kilmarnock pub, O’Shannons, ever since it opened in 2008, after being asked to run the pub by owner Henry McGregor.

Jade started out at 16 at Belhaven pub The Yard, where she worked up from glass collector to supervisor, then took a manger job at Hansons Bar and Snooker Club before joining O’Shannons. Today her role involves managing her team of six to ensure the pub runs smoothly.

She is also more than happy to muck in when needed. Jade says, “I do everything from the rotas and stock ordering to arranging the menus, events, tidying the cellar (I can lift full kegs thanks to all the training I’ve had!) I’ll even take a day in the kitchen to give the chef a break.”

Jade loves the trade, adding, “It’s a really sociable and rewarding job. I’ve worked up to where I am now, and love the customers and staff. You really get to know people in the trade.”

She adds, “I love my job and don’t think it should be just men that do it. Even in difficult situations, you quickly learn how to handle yourself – it’s all about how you approach the situation, which you learn with experience.”

When I’m not in the pub: I love walking my dog down the beach, Freddie a Cockapoo (a Cocker Spaniel mixed with a poodle!) He’s the love of my life… along with my boyfriend!

Drink of choice: Desperados, I’m surprised I don’t have a beer belly yet!

Star sign: Libra

Click below to meet more inspirational general managers in the Scottish on-trade

Therese Grethe, Waxy O’Connors, Glasgow

Helen Taylor, The Anchor, Broughty Ferry

Geraldine Murphy, The Pot Still, Glasgow

Babs Steele, The Allison Arms, Glasgow

Gayle Copland, The Wine Press, Dundee

Rozlynn Gavin, The Applebank Inn, Larkhall

Nicola Haslam, The Seven Kings, Dunfermline

Sandy Gourlay, Oran Mor, Glasgow

Lynda McGaw, The Parkville Hotel, Blantyre

Beth Harding, Montpeliers, Edinburgh

Category: Features
Tags: International Women’s Day, Jade Cunningham, kilmarnock, O’Shannons