Industry Engagement Manager

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, you'll strengthen NCASS influence, profile and partnerships across the industry. You'll be out in the sector, building relationships, shaping narratives, representing members, and ensuring NCASS is recognised as a trusted, authoritative voice for independent hospitality.

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

You'll love this if you

• Thrive on connection, influence and momentum
• Enjoy being "in the room" at events, panels, forums
• Can turn sector insight into action internally
• Write clearly and represent brands professionally
• 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
• 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 professionalism and maturity
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving environment
• 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

Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure. Energy, curiosity and integrity. Confident without ego, hands on when needed, motivated by impact.

• Work at the heart of independent hospitality and events - influence the sector, not just observe it
• High visibility role: represent NCASS at panels, forums and media opportunities
• Collaborate directly with the CEO and cross functional teams on strategic projects
• Mission driven organisation making a real difference for members
• Flexible, supportive environment where your ideas and initiative matter
• Holiday: 28 days (incl. Bank Holidays)
• Extra holiday: +1 day each year after first 3 years (up to 5)
• Sick pay: Full pay for 10 days in any rolling 12 month period (after probation)
• Life insurance: 4 salary (subject to scheme acceptance)
• EAP: 24/7 advice line + 6 counselling sessions + discounts platform
• Perks: Free parking, free hot & cold drinks, free fruit

Apply for this position

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.

Send your CV and a short cover note to with the subject line Industry Engagement Manager Application.

We're the only specialist organisation for independent food & drink businesses in the UK and have been supporting our members to be safe, legal and profitable for over 30 years.

What we do

We provide ongoing support, professional services, training courses, work opportunities and exclusive discounts - saving our members time and money as they build successful businesses.