At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support six cafés on military sites, enhancing community morale and welfare.
- Company: CESSAC, a charity dedicated to serving military personnel and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee assistance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of serving military members and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong people skills required.
- Other info: Part-time hybrid role with travel; great for those passionate about community support.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Part-time: (minimum 3 days pw, approx. 22.5 hrs)
Hybrid role: home-based with regular travel (including occasional overnight stays)
Reports to: Director of Operations
Closing date: 13 March 2026
Are you an experienced hospitality manager looking for a genuinely rewarding role where your work has a tangible impact on the lived experience of the serving military community? CESSAC is seeking a UK Area Manager to lead and support six cafés on military sites, helping to create welcoming, well-run spaces that directly support morale, welfare and everyday life.
The Church of England Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Clubs (CESSAC) is a long-established tri-service charity dedicated to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Through our cafés on military sites, we provide affordable, friendly places to eat, meet and connect, playing a quiet but important role in morale, welfare and everyday life.
We are now seeking a UK Area Manager (Hospitality & Catering) to provide hands-on leadership, guidance and practical support across six cafés located broadly along the M3 / M25 / A34 / A14 corridors. Working closely with the Director of Operations, you will:
- lead, coach and support Café Managers and their teams;
- ensure each location operates safely, compliantly and to its full potential;
- balance commercial awareness with a strong sense of charitable purpose;
- build trusted relationships with military stakeholders at each site.
This is a varied, people-focused and highly rewarding role, combining operational leadership, staff development and stakeholder engagement. The post is part-time (minimum three days per week), hybrid in nature, and involves regular travel with occasional overnight stays.
You will bring experience in hospitality, catering or retail operations (ideally across multiple sites), along with strong people-management and communication skills. Experience of the Armed Forces or the charity sector would be welcomed, but is not essential.
Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 per annum (FTE), pro-rata, dependent on experience and qualifications
Other benefits: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, generous Annual Leave Allowance.
How to apply: Please submit a CV and a short covering statement outlining your suitability to: enquiries@cessaha.co.uk (for the attention of Mrs Sarah Gittins)
Appointments are subject to references, security vetting and background checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and hold a full driving licence.
CESSAC – UK Area Manager (Hospitality & Catering) employer: Confederation of Service Charities
Contact Detail:
Confederation of Service Charities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CESSAC – UK Area Manager (Hospitality & Catering)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality and catering industry, especially those with military connections. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CESSAC and its mission. Show us that you understand the impact of your role on the military community. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s often easier to track your application and you might find additional resources to help you stand out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace CESSAC – UK Area Manager (Hospitality & Catering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of UK Area Manager. Highlight your experience in hospitality and any leadership roles you've had, especially if they involve multiple sites. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at CESSAC!
Craft a Compelling Covering Statement: Your covering statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise but impactful. Explain why you're passionate about supporting the military community and how your skills can help us create welcoming spaces in our cafés.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focused role, we need to see your strong communication and management skills. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or built relationships with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confederation of Service Charities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with CESSAC's mission and how the UK Area Manager fits into their goals. Be ready to discuss your experience in hospitality and how it aligns with supporting the military community.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As this role is all about leading teams and building relationships, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed staff and engaged with stakeholders. Highlight any experience you have in coaching or mentoring others.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Balance your passion for charity with a strong understanding of operational efficiency. Think about how you can ensure each café runs smoothly while still serving the community. Bring ideas on how to enhance both the customer experience and the bottom line.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and CESSAC’s future plans. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.