Job Introduction
Team Leader - Event Operations | National Theatre London
£30,882 per annum
NT Food & Drink is a unique partnership between the NT, Levy UK&I and KERB Events. Together we are creating a world class hospitality destination embedded within the heart of the National Theatre’s (NT) operations, ensuring all public facing venues, as well as internal hospitality and commercial events, support the NT’s overall vision, values, and culture. The venue is made-up of three iconic theatres, housed in a brutalist architectural masterpiece, prominently poised on the banks of the River Thames, on the South Bank. The Theatre Bars and Cafes department consists of the Atrium Café – the main café located on the ground floor by the Bookshop, the Grind coffee and cocktail bar, six theatre bars and the members Bar called the Foyle Room.
Purpose
As a Team Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering unforgettable experiences across our iconic events spaces. You’ll be the go-to support for our Customer Service Advisors (CSAs), providing visible, hands-on leadership on the floor and ensuring every guest enjoys a world-class welcome. From managing smooth front-of-house operations to inspiring your team, you’ll set the standard for excellence in service and hospitality.
This is a role where no two days are the same — you’ll oversee the buzz of our events spaces while also supporting other areas of the Theatre, from The Understudy bar to our restaurants, summer activations, and beyond.
In return, you’ll join a workplace that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and recognises those who go above and beyond. If you’re ready to lead from the front and help us deliver exceptional experiences for every guest, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Oversee event setup, delivery, and pack-down on-site and at occasional offsite venues, ensuring function sheets are followed.
- Lead, brief, and supervise CSA teams across roles such as bartending, waiting, meet & greet, and cloakroom.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
- Act as first point of contact for clients and guests, providing professional service and handling feedback or queries.
- Maintain equipment, stock, and till operations while ensuring CSA checklists and standards are met.
- Support training and development of CSA staff, keeping teams updated on menus, products, and event specifications.
- Collaborate with management and contribute to wider NT goals, including sustainability and organizational values.
- Deliver a high standard of professionalism with all guests, including VIPs, while promoting a positive, supportive team culture.
Requirements
- Experience working in a similar role in a high volume venue
- Previous experience supervising frontline teams within a similar environment
- Good communication skills with a focus on great Customer Service
- Team player and can-do attitude
- Flexible – you will be required to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
- Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a positive attitude
What you’ll get in return:
- £30,882 per annum
- Healthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exclusive Perks & Discounts – Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
- Workplace Benefits – Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
- Leave & Family Support – 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby’s 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Career & Financial Support – Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.
Site Specific Benefits
- Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)
- Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 20% off drinks, 50% off food at Seven Dials Market)
- VIP last-minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)
- Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)
Levy, part of Compass Group, known for delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-renowned venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy prides itself on using sustainably sourced ingredients and providing outstanding service. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2027, partnering with the British Paralympic Association, and ensuring all team members earn at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.
