At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support six cafés on military sites, enhancing morale and welfare.
- Company: CESSAC, a charity dedicated to serving military personnel and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of serving military communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong people skills required.
- Other info: Part-time, hybrid role with travel; great opportunity for personal and professional growth.
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: (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) in London 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) in London
✨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. Understand how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to show that you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about supporting the military community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style can enhance the café experience for both staff and customers. We believe that showcasing your people-management skills will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CESSAC team and making a difference in the lives of serving personnel.
We think you need these skills to ace CESSAC – UK Area Manager (Hospitality & Catering) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the UK Area Manager role. Highlight your hospitality management experience and any leadership roles you've had, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Covering Statement: Your covering statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting the military community and how your background aligns with our mission at CESSAC. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and engaging with stakeholders, make sure to highlight your people-management skills in both your CV and covering statement. We want to see how you build relationships and motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confederation of Service Charities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the mission of CESSAC and how their cafés support the military community. Familiarise yourself with their values and be ready to discuss how your experience in hospitality aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced in hospitality management and how you overcame them, especially in a multi-site environment.
✨Build Rapport with Military Stakeholders
Since this role involves engaging with military personnel, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Research the military culture and be prepared to discuss how you would connect with stakeholders at each café.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the specific challenges facing the cafés or how success is measured in this role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.