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- Tasks: Drive event sales and build strong client relationships at the iconic National Theatre.
- Company: Join a dynamic partnership focused on world-class hospitality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, discounts, healthcare, and complimentary theatre tickets.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making an impact in the vibrant events industry.
- Qualifications: Proven event sales experience and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with ongoing training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
World Class Hospitality NT 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 leaders 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 Head of Events, you will drive event sales across the National Theatre’s commercial spaces, maximising revenue across all business streams including corporate, private and wedding events. You will be responsible for managing reactive and proactive sales activity, building strong client relationships, and ensuring seamless handover to planning and operations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to deliver commercial growth while upholding the NT’s values of accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability.
Core Function & Responsibilities
- Reactive Sales
- Convert incoming enquiries into profitable event bookings, aligned with sales strategy and revenue targets
- Respond to all enquiries within agreed timeframes
- Create tailored proposals that reflect client requirements and budgets
- Meet and exceed budget targets set by management
- Follow up proposals promptly to ensure efficient conversion
- Lead site visits, contract negotiations and invoicing, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth handover to planning
- Cross‑sell into all NT outlets to maximise revenue opportunities across the estate
- Proactive Sales
- Work with the Head of Events to develop and deliver a proactive sales strategy
- Create and implement targeted sales plans to grow the NT’s client base
- Generate new business leads through relationship building, networking and market engagement
- Attend tradeshows, exhibitions and industry events
- Conduct competitor analysis to ensure prices and packages remain competitive
- Research event trends and new venue innovations to ensure NT’s proposition remains fresh and appealing
- Maintain and develop engaging, relevant sales collateral
- Internal Client & Customer Relationship Management
- Build and nurture strong relationships with existing and prospective clients
- Attend networking events, familiarisation trips and client entertaining
- Meet and greet conference organisers or delegates to ensure satisfaction on event days
- Produce and support seasonal showcases; represent NT at external exhibitions
- Ensure accurate maintenance of the CRM system (preferably Delphi)
- Conduct post‑event follow‑up to secure repeat business and future opportunities
- Stakeholder Management
- Develop collaborative relationships with key partners including KERB Events, National Theatre and Compass Group/Levy
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams including Food & Drink, planning, AV & lighting, development and visitor experience teams
- Build strong relationships with third‑party event bookers and agencies to keep NT front‑of‑mind for enquiries
- Work closely with Lime Venue Portfolio to monitor conversion, enquiry trends and lost business reasons to support targeted sales activity
- Champion sustainability within event sales and support NT Food & Drink’s sustainability commitments
- Understand internal event needs, particularly for high‑level clients, and identify commercial opportunities
Personality & Competencies
- Sales Leadership: Proven experience in event sales, preferably in hospitality or food & beverage, with a track record of hitting targets and driving revenue growth
- Relationship Builder: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to foster long‑lasting client and stakeholder relationships
- Organised & Detail‑Focused: Strong multitasking abilities with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across proposals, contracts and CRM systems
- Commercial Acumen: Confident working with budgets, contract negotiation, financial tracking and invoicing
- Tech‑Savvy: Familiarity with CRM systems (Delphi preferred)
- Collaborative: Works effectively with cross‑functional teams, partners and suppliers
- Flexible: Adapts working patterns when necessary to meet business needs
- Industry‑Aware: Strong knowledge of the events and hospitality landscape and current trends
- Professional & Engaging: Represents the organisation with confidence and professionalism
- Creative Thinker: Able to think outside the box to create engaging proposals and fresh commercial opportunities
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 match 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
We strive to be a company that is inclusive in terms of age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation and ethnicity. We aim to create a working environment where everyone can be happy at work.
Event Sales Manager - National Theatre employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Sales Manager - National Theatre
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Attend industry events, tradeshows, and exhibitions to meet potential clients and partners. Building relationships is key in event sales, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and make connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Follow up like a pro! After sending proposals or meeting potential clients, make sure to check in with them. A quick email or call can keep you top of mind and show that you’re genuinely interested in their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! When creating proposals, think outside the box to make them stand out. Tailor your ideas to reflect the client’s needs and the unique offerings of the National Theatre – this will help you win those bookings!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for hospitality and event sales shine through. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you align with our values of inclusivity and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Sales Manager - National Theatre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable events and how you align with our values of inclusivity and sustainability.
Tailor Your Proposal: Just like we create tailored proposals for our clients, make sure your application is customised for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially in event sales and relationship building.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the National Theatre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, make sure you research the National Theatre and its unique offerings. Familiarise yourself with their events, food and drink options, and sustainability initiatives. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully driven event sales in the past. Highlight your ability to convert enquiries into bookings and your experience with contract negotiations. Use metrics to demonstrate your success, like revenue growth or client retention rates.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your relationship-building skills during the interview. Discuss how you've nurtured client relationships and collaborated with internal teams in previous roles. This is crucial for the Event Sales Manager position, so be ready to share stories that illustrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Creative and Strategic
Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the role. Prepare to discuss how you would develop proactive sales strategies and create engaging proposals. Show that you can think outside the box while aligning with the National Theatre's values of inclusivity and sustainability.
