AREA MANAGER
WHY WORK AT THE AFTER SCHOOL COOKIE CLUB?
The After School Cookie Club isn't just a bakery business.
We're on a mission to create the world's most sustainable sweet treat brand, proving that incredible food can be indulgent, inclusive and better for the planet.
Every cookie we bake is plant-based, baked without gluten, and made using simple ingredients you'd recognise from your own kitchen cupboard. We don't believe customers should have to compromise between taste, quality and sustainability.
Today we operate six bakeries across London. By the end of this year we'll be operating eight, with ambitious plans to continue growing.
We're looking for an exceptional Area Manager to help lead that growth.
This isn't a role for someone who wants to maintain the status quo.
It's for someone who wants ownership. Someone who wants to build. Someone who wants to help shape the future of a fast-growing hospitality brand.
At The After School Cookie Club, everything we do is guided by our four core values:
Indulgent
Our cookies are never compromised. We strive to create the most delicious products possible.
Inclusive
Our plant-based and gluten-free approach means more people can enjoy what we create, regardless of dietary requirements, lifestyle choices or religious needs.
Sustainable
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint and building a business that has a positive impact on the planet.
Simplicity
We use natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.
If these values resonate with you, we'd love to talk.
JOB SUMMARY
Position Title: Area Manager
Reports To: CEO
As Area Manager, you will be responsible for the operational performance, people development and commercial success of our bakery estate across London.
You'll lead our Bakery Managers and teams, ensuring every location delivers exceptional customer experiences, outstanding product quality and strong financial performance.
You'll take ownership of sales, labour, stock, waste, guest experience, compliance and team development across the business, whilst helping us scale from six bakeries to eight and beyond.
This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced multi-site operator who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Lead Great Teams
- Recruit, train and develop Bakery Managers, Team Leaders and Team Members
- Build a strong pipeline of future leaders
- Drive engagement, accountability and high performance across the business
- Lead first-line HR conversations and people development initiatives
Drive Commercial Performance
- Own sales performance across the estate
- Improve labour efficiency, productivity and profitability
- Drive Like-for-Like sales growth and Average Transaction Value
- Use data and EPOS reporting to identify opportunities and improve performance
Deliver Exceptional Customer Experiences
- Ensure every bakery consistently delivers outstanding hospitality
- Build strong relationships with local communities and regular customers
- Create environments where customers genuinely enjoy spending time
Own Operational Excellence
- Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance
- Ensure all bakeries achieve and maintain the highest operational standards
- Monitor stock, ordering and waste management processes
- Protect and enhance our reputation across all locations
Grow the Business
- Lead the opening of new bakery locations
- Recruit and train opening teams
- Support the successful launch and growth of new sites
- Help build the systems and processes required to scale the business
Own Online Performance
- Manage delivery platform performance across Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat
- Drive online sales growth and profitability
- Improve ratings, customer feedback and operational execution
WHO YOU ARE
You are probably already an Area Manager within a QSR, speciality coffee, bakery or hospitality business.
You're ambitious, commercially minded and ready for a role where your decisions genuinely matter.
Essential
- 2–5 years' experience as an Area Manager within UK QSR, bakery, coffee or fast-casual hospitality
- Previous experience as a Store Manager or Assistant Area Manager
- Proven track record of driving sales growth and improving team performance
- Strong financial and commercial understanding
- Experience recruiting, training and developing high-performing teams
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Full UK right to work and ability to travel across London
Desirable
- Bakery, dessert or speciality coffee experience
- Experience managing delivery platforms
- New store opening experience
- Centegra experience
- Level 3 Food Safety or HACCP qualification
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Sales growth across all bakeries
- Strong labour and profitability performance
- Reduced waste and improved operational efficiency
- Excellent customer reviews and guest experiences
- High team engagement and retention
- Successful opening of new bakery locations
- Consistent food safety and compliance standards across the estate
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Package
- £40,000–£45,000 salary
- Annual bonus of up to 20%
- New bakery opening bonuses
- Mobile phone and laptop
- Paid Level 3 Food Safety training
- Free products
Real Career Progression
As the business grows, so will this role. This is an opportunity to join at a pivotal stage and become a key part of the leadership team.
Direct Access to Leadership
You'll work directly with the CEO and have a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of the company.
Build Something Meaningful
If you'd rather create the playbook than simply follow one, you'll fit right in.
ABOUT THE AFTER SCHOOL COOKIE CLUB
The After School Cookie Club is a fast-growing London bakery brand serving freshly baked cookies that are entirely plant-based and gluten-free.
We're building a business that combines incredible products, exceptional hospitality and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
With six bakeries operating today and more opening this year, we're looking for exceptional people who want to help shape the next chapter of our story.
Apply Now
Please send your CV along with a short note telling us why you'd like to join The After School Cookie Club.
Three sentences is enough.
We'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
