Theatre Event Sales Specialist

Location: National Theatre (NT), South Bank

Reports to: Head of Events

Working closely with: Events Team, Culinary Team, FOH Operations, Commercial Partners

Contract: Permanent – 40 hours per week

Overview: NT Food & Drink, a partnership between Levy and KERB, operates within the National Theatre. Our aim is to create a world‑class hospitality destination at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic theatres, combining a people‑first approach with environmental and social sustainability. We value inclusivity, leadership development and the alignment of all food and drink spaces with the NT’s values, vision and culture.

Purpose: The Event Sales Coordinator sits at the heart of the commercial events journey, supporting the delivery of exceptional events and contributing to both proactive and reactive sales pipelines. The role manages event details from initial enquiry to post‑event follow‑up, ensuring seamless communication, accurate documentation and strong client relationships. Light sales responsibilities include converting enquiries, preparing proposals and supporting NT Food & Drink’s commercial ambitions.

Responsibilities

• Event Coordination: Liaise with clients to understand event requirements, including food & drink, AV, décor and entertainment. Produce detailed event function sheets and secure client sign‑off ahead of deadlines. Coordinate event details across internal teams to ensure smooth delivery. Attend planning meetings, sharing updates with all relevant departments. Ensure timely invoicing, process payments and update event quotes as required. Manage allergens and dietary requirements in accordance with policy. Oversee event handovers to operations teams, providing support on event days when needed. Collect and share post‑event feedback with stakeholders.
• Sales Responsibilities: Support the conversion of incoming event enquiries by preparing proposals aligned with client needs and budgets. Respond to enquiries within agreed timeframes, escalating to senior team members when necessary. Assist with follow‑up of proposals via phone or email to encourage conversion. Conduct site visits with prospective clients, supporting the senior sales team in showcasing NT spaces. Cross‑sell NT Food & Drink outlets and services to maximise commercial opportunities. Maintain accurate CRM records, ensuring all client interactions, proposals and updates are properly logged.
• Finance Management: Ensure accurate, on‑time invoicing for all events. Track event finances, including charges, costs and payments within the CRM. Record all commercial event charges using Good Till.
• Client & Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients. Attend networking events, familiarisation trips and client entertaining as required. Conduct post‑event follow‑up to encourage repeat bookings and grow client loyalty.
• Stakeholder Management: Build collaborative relationships with key partners: KERB Food, National Theatre, Levy UK&I. Maintain positive working relationships across internal departments including Food & Drink, AV, planning, operations, finance and visitor experience.
• Additional Responsibilities: Support event sales, operations and planning teams where needed. Champion NT Food & Drink sustainability initiatives in event planning and client conversations. Identify opportunities to convert high‑level internal or corporate enquiries into commercial business.

Requirements:

• Confident & capable – experience in event coordination and/or planning, ideally in food and beverage or cultural sector.
• Dynamic & driven – collaborative, proactive and able to work with cross‑functional teams and external partners, balancing guest experience with commercial goals.
• Detail‑focused – impeccable eye for detail ensuring flawless execution of décor, supplier management and function sheets.
• Flexible & agile – comfortable managing several events at once and adjusting working patterns when needed.
• Financially savvy – confidently manage budgets, track event finances and deliver value without compromising quality.
• Curious & creative – seek ways to innovate, enhance client experience and stay ahead of industry trends.

Benefits:

• Access to ongoing training and development opportunities through the GROW programme.
• Perks at Work – savings and discounts for everyday shopping and experiences.
• Generous holiday allowance with the option 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 the VIP box (subject to availability).
• On‑site parking – discounted rate of £4 per day.