At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple food units, ensuring safety, compliance, and high performance every day.
- Company: Global food travel experts with a passion for delicious experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meal discounts, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Equal opportunity employer committed to diverse talent and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the food travel industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a senior GM or multi-site leader with strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 39520 - 41600 £ per year.
If you're passionate about food and travel, you've come to the right place.
We are the Global food travel experts, and we have something delicious for everyone.
Whether you're flying, taking a train, or just passing by, we have the best food and drink options for you.
- As Area Manager, you'll be rewarded with a competitive salary of up to £45,000 and enjoy:
- Discounted meal on shift
- Colleague discount - up to 50%
- Friends & Family discount up to 20% (T&C apply)
- Access to digital GPs, 24/7 helpline for you & family
- Wellbeing support through Retail Trust and family friendly leave
- Variety of networks to support you, Neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ and many more
- Life assurance
- Apprenticeships and ongoing development opportunities
- Share incentive plan (SIP)
Role Summary
The Area Manager is a senior operational leader, accountable for the performance, standards and day‑to‑day running of a defined set of units.
This is a hands on, high ownership General Manager role, responsible for leading multiple sites and ensuring every unit trades safely, compliantly, and commercially every single day.
The expectation is for an Area Manager to be in units 80% of the working week, supporting managers, hourly paid colleagues.
The role is supported by an Operations Manager, who provides coaching, strategic direction and escalation support.
While this is not an Operations Manager role, it is intentionally designed as the primary development platform for internal talent preparing for future progression into an Operations Manager position.
In this role, the Area Manager develops the capability, behaviours and operational discipline required for the next step, with progression earned through consistent delivery, leadership impact and the ability to manage units with confidence and accountability.
Balance Scorecard and weekly deliverables as a measure as well as the how. Measurement is 50/50 the what and how.
- Main Responsibilities
- Full ownership for day‑to‑day operation across all units, role modelling teamwork by stepping in when needed, supporting GM’s and creating unity across the units.
- Ensure every unit opens and trades safely
- Hold unit GMs accountable to brand standards
- Supporting other units during a crisis or staff shortage
- Encouraging shared best practice and consistent standards
- Bring visible energy to the floor, motivating teams through presence, standards and celebrating great performance.
- Coach and develop GMs across the units.
- Build a culture of accountability and performance
- Ensure training, onboarding and succession planning
- Constantly challenge how things are done
- Seek better ways to run operations
- Reduce SITs
- Improve labour deployment and enhance customer experience
- Own the units P&L fully
- Lead forecasting, labour planning and optimisation
- Drive sales and profitability through strong execution
- Standards, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all units are audit‑ready
- Lead food safety, H&S and legislative compliance
- Personally intervene when standards slip
- Ensure every unit opens and trade safely every day
- Following through relentlessly on issues, audits and actions
Stakeholder & Client Management
- as a senior SSP contact for the landlord and the Millie's Brand
- Represent SSP professionally and consistently
Operational Delivery & Problem Solving
- Be the escalation point for issues impacting trade
- Resolve operational gaps quickly and effectively
- Provide visible leadership during key trading periods Person Specification
- Experienced senior GM or multi‑site leader
- Strong operational command and people leadership
- Commercially sharp with proven P&L ownership
- Deep understanding of compliance and standards
- Resilient, decisive and solutions‑focused
SSP are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that seek to recruit and retain the most talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.
Start the best part of your journey with us!
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Area Manager South employer: Ssp Uk
As a leading player in the food travel industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and employee well-being. Our Area Managers enjoy competitive salaries, extensive benefits including discounts, wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth through apprenticeships and a clear progression path to Operations Manager roles. Join us in a dynamic environment where your leadership can make a tangible impact across multiple sites, all while being part of a supportive community that celebrates success and encourages innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager South
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ssp Uk. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ssp Uk
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ssp Uk directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager South
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ssp Uk and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ssp Uk
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
