Job Description

NCASS

(The Nationwide Caterers Association) is a membership organisation that supports small independent hospitality businesses across the UK.

Working at NCASS (You must have the right to work in the UK)

For the

right candidate

, we may consider

remote working

, however, we typically work on a hybrid model, spending around 60% of our time in the office and 40% working from home. Our Kings Norton (Birmingham) office is a bit of a hidden gem - surrounded by greenery with canal walks nearby, a small lake and plenty of parking. Inside, we've got a bright, spacious workspace plus a communal area for lunches, complete with a pool table and PlayStation for a bit of friendly competition.

Our culture is built around our values

: We are passionate. We are a community. We are supportive. We have integrity. We are continuously improving. They're not just words on a wall (although, we do have them on the wall) -- they shape how we work together and how we support our members every day.

About Our Business

For over 30 years, NCASS has been the UK's only specialist organisation dedicated to supporting independent food and drink businesses. From street food traders and event caterers to cafes, pubs and restaurants, we help our members run safe, legal and profitable businesses.

We're a small business doing big things, with a passionate team that's making a real difference in independent hospitality.

About the Role

Be the face. Build the influence. Shape the future of independent hospitality.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible, high-impact role at the heart of the hospitality and events sector.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the

Industry Engagement Manager

will play a pivotal role in strengthening NCASS influence, profile and partnerships across the industry. You'll be out in the sector, in the room where it happens building relationships, shaping narratives, representing members and ensuring NCASS is recognised as a trusted, authoritative voice for independent hospitality.

This is a role for someone who thrives on connection, influence and momentum. One day you might be representing NCASS on a panel or at a sector roundtable; the net, briefing the CEO for a media opportunity, managing PR activity, or spotting a funding opportunity that could unlock real value for members.

If you're commercially minded, confident externally, and passionate about supporting independent businesses, this role offers both visibility and purpose in equal measure.

What you'll do

Industry & Stakeholder Engagement

Build, manage and grow relationships with sector bodies, partners and networks Represent NCASS at meetings, forums, panels, expos and events across the UK Spot opportunities for collaboration, influence and visibility and act on them Bring back sector intelligence to inform strategy and decision-making Coordinate and support NCASS Ambassadors representing the sector nationwide

Public Relations & Eternal Communications

Lead NCASS PR activity, from proactive media engagement to reactive responses Build strong relationships with trade and mainstream press Draft press releases, statements, briefings and media commentary Secure thought leadership opportunities and commentary for NCASS Support and enhance the CEO's external profile Work closely with Public Affairs to align policy and public narrative

Public Affairs & Policy Support

Support lobbying and campaigning through clear, coordinated messaging Assist with consultation responses and sector-facing policy commentary Track emerging policy developments and translate them into clear insights

Strategic Projects & Events

Lead or support NCASS presence at exhibitions, events and panels Coordinate preparation, logistics and representation at key sector moments Work across teams to deliver campaigns and strategic initiatives with clarity and momentum

Funding & Opportunity Development

Identify relevant funding, grants and schemes across hospitality, events, skills and training Work with internal teams and partners to assess and shape funded initiatives Support proposal development, partnerships and delivery models Stay ahead of emerging opportunities in the funding landscape

CEO & Organisational Support

Provide briefings, insight and preparation for CEO external engagements Anticipate needs, manage follow-ups and maintain smooth communication flows Monitor sector trends, risks and opportunities

Member & Commercial Engagement

Engage directly with members and operators at events and forums Share intelligence and opportunities with internal teams Support commercial conversations where sector insight adds value Help position NCASS as a leading supporter of independent hospitality

Who we're looking for

You're a confident relationship-builder with strong judgement and presence. You're comfortable representing an organisation externally, juggling multiple priorities, and working closely with senior leadership.

Essential

Experience in hospitality, events, communications, associations or related sectors Proven stakeholder and relationship management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple workstreams Experience drafting press releases or public-facing communications Commercially minded and insights-driven Confident public speaker with strong professionalism and maturity Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving environment

Desirable

PR, communications or policy-adjacent experience Experience supporting or organising events and sector forums Understanding of the hospitality regulatory or political landscape An existing network within relevant sectors

The mindset that matters

You're resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure. You bring energy, curiosity and integrity to everything you do. You're confident without ego, hands-on when needed, and genuinely motivated by supporting independent hospitality businesses.

Most of all, you care about impact and you want your work to make a difference.

If you're excited by the idea of shaping conversations, building influence and representing a sector you believe in, we'd love to hear from you.

Please us your

CV.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Experience:

Marketing (in house or agency): 4 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham B30 3NU