Head Of Events - National Theatre, South Bank Full-Time / Permanent

£70000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

World Class Hospitality

National Theatre Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world's most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leader's centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT's overall values, vision, and culture.

Purpose

Reporting to the F&D Director, you will be responsible for the overarching commercial and internal events department and development strategy, in both planning and execution. The main purpose of the role is to drive the financial growth of the business primarily through commercial events, and additionally by optimising existing spaces currently within the wider F&D portfolio. As a department head, you have a responsibility to lead, inspire, nurture and develop your team to deliver exceptional experiences, as well as to succeed financially. The Head of Events oversees both planning and proactive sales, working directly with the operations teams in running the department. You will hold overall responsibility for account management and business development as well as selling, planning, and delivering some of the larger and more complex events. This role is responsible for managing the key stakeholder relationship with the National Theatre, overseeing the delivery of major events throughout the year to support their fundraising goals. Maintaining and developing this partnership is essential, working collaboratively to provide world-class hospitality experiences.

Core Function & Remit

Overall accountability for the sustained growth and perceived success of F&D Events
Deliver financial targets as defined by the F&D Budget in areas of sales & profitability
Direct line team management of Head of Event Planning and Event Sales Manager roles
Consistently maintain exceptional Client relationships with National Theatre key stakeholders
Oversee sales and event booking communications and strategy for all NT F&D managed spaces

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Event Planning & Delivery

Ensure events meet exceptional standards from enquiry through to eventual event experience
Deliver internal event program requirements for the NT, across broad spectrum of event needs
Maintain clear, accurate documentation including function sheets, contracts, and event briefs
Work closely with Culinary and Operations teams to deliver bespoke menus and seamless logistics
Acquiring, retaining and developing key booker relationships, driving repeat business consistently
Sustainability integrated robustly from initial menu engineering right through to event management
Ensure cost considerations and budget factors are held in firm focus whilst exceeding expectations

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Manage and develop the Events team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and support
Utilise stakeholder relationships across F&D HODs to drive performance and efficiency forwards
Support with ER issues in a compliant and timely way, supported by the People team as needed
Conduct regular meetings, mentoring and training to ensure staff are equipped to deliver confidently
Collaborate with Exec Chef, Operations, and Logistics teams to ensure effective, efficient comms
Drive F&D cultural agenda and values-focused behaviours throughout the Events dept. and beyond

Operational Excellence

Produce an accomplished P&L performance event-by-event which meets Budget requirements
Monitor event performance, client feedback, and financial outcomes to drive daily improvements
Ensure IPOE compliance with health & safety, allergen & food safety, and licensing regulations
Effectively manage the Levy debt ledger to ensure that all owed monies are collected promptly
Work with internal staffing agency to ensure that staff supplied meet expectations and standards

Business Development

Develop and implement sales strategies to grow event revenue across all NT F&D spaces
Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, tour operators, and hospitality partners Collaborate with NT marketing and partnerships teams to promote event offerings externally
Create compelling packages for weddings, private hire, corporates, and seasonal activations
Converting incoming enquires into bookings to maximise pipeline position for the year ahead

Competency & Experience

Previous leadership role, preferably within a cultural/heritage venue, high end hotel or similar
Developing and implementing sales strategies to drive business growth and achieve objectives
Creating and managing budgets for sales and marketing activities and a grasp of financial reporting
Extensive knowledge and demonstrated assurance in food, wine, spirits, and product trends
Articulating expectations, proposals, and feedback effectively to clients, team, and Directors
Skilled negotiator in terms and prices with clients and vendors while maintaining quality and profit
Quickly assessing and resolving issues and making well-considered decisions under pressure
Experience with all aspects of event specific and general health & safety requirements
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and retain your team
Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with a persistent, finessed attention to detail
Proven track record of delivering a P&L, including effective labour budgeting and stock control

Personality

Drive: Goal-oriented and laser focused on the task-at hand, with a natural hunger to achieve exceptional results, taking joy in celebrating team successes and championing F&D Events

Leadership: Displays maturity, presence, and excellent stakeholder management with aligned interpersonal skills to interact effectively at all levels whether internally or externally

Approach: Embraces the agility required to manage multiple events simultaneously, prioritise effectively, and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic environment with guest numbers of 200+

People: Engages their team with the vision, values, and strategic direction of the business, coaching, mentoring, and developing individuals to grow and develop

Change:Innovates and leads the change discussion, focusing on improvements with key stakeholders, before enabling and empowering their teams always with a can-do approach Internal

Detail: Follows process and procedures to ensure smooth delivery of daily operations, including planning, to ensure all team members have the skills and desire to deliver seamlessly

Creative: a passion for innovation, drawing inspiration from the theatre's artistic vision to deliver bespoke, themed events that are truly unique among our competitors

Diligence: Leads by example on all HSE practices across the department and implements best practice, valuing the responsibility that comes with the position within the business

Benefits

Access to ongoing training and development opportunities through GROW program
Perks at Work - savings and discounts for everyday shopping and experiences
Generous holiday allowance with the option of to purchase additional leave
Private Pension scheme with a company matches up to 6%
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Medicash Healthcare and Life Assurance
Long Service Rewards and recognition
15% off all outlets with the National Theatre, with a 25% discount in the Bookshop.
Kerb Card - 50% discount on drinks and 20% discount on food at Seven Dials Market.
Complimentary tickets to shows at the National Theatre (subject to availability)
O2 - last minute ticket offers for O2s show in our VIP box (subject to availability.)
Onsite parking - parking is available at a discounted rate of £4 per day

Chartwells Independent

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Head Of Events - National Theatre