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- Tasks: Drive event sales and build strong client relationships at the iconic National Theatre.
- Company: Join a world-class hospitality team at the National Theatre, focused on sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowance, discounts, healthcare, and complimentary theatre tickets.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your creativity and leadership can shine.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in event sales and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to grow your career.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
- 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups to connect with potential clients and partners. Building relationships is key in event sales, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and make those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Follow up like a pro! After meeting someone or sending a proposal, make sure to check in. A quick email or call can keep you top of mind and show that you’re genuinely interested in working together.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! When pitching ideas, think outside the box. Tailor your proposals to reflect the unique needs of each client, and don’t hesitate to suggest innovative solutions that align with their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive. By applying directly, you’ll not only streamline your application process but also demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining our team at the National Theatre.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Sales Manager - National Theatre in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in event sales and hospitality. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the National Theatre!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about building relationships, let your personality shine through in your application. Use clear and engaging language to demonstrate your exceptional communication skills.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: We love a creative thinker! Share examples of how you've developed proactive sales strategies or innovative proposals in your previous roles. This will show us you're ready to drive commercial growth.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 partnerships, 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. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to meet the National Theatre's revenue targets.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share stories about how you've nurtured client relationships and collaborated with internal teams. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrate your ability to foster long-lasting connections that align with the theatre's values.
✨Be Creative and Strategic
Think outside the box when discussing your approach to event sales. Prepare ideas on how you would develop proactive sales strategies and create engaging proposals. Show that you can think creatively while also being strategic in driving commercial growth for the National Theatre.
