Head of Event Planning

Head of Event Planning- National Theatre

£45,000 per annum plus benefits

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 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

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Events Planning to lead the delivery of world-class events at the National Theatre. Reporting to the Sales & Events Director, you will oversee a diverse portfolio ranging from high-profile commercial events to creative, theatre-inspired experiences and prestigious internal functions.

You’ll manage and inspire a dedicated planning team, ensuring seamless coordination of all event activity — from client liaison and function planning to financial management and supplier partnerships. With strong stakeholder management skills, you will foster relationships across the National Theatre, our hospitality partners, and high-value clients, ensuring every event reflects the creativity and excellence of our iconic venue.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced events professional with outstanding organisational, commercial, and client relationship skills, who thrives in a fast-paced and creative environment.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Coordination: Lead all aspects of event planning, from client requirements to detailed function sheets, interdepartmental communication, and onsite support.
• Finance & Administration: Manage accurate quotes, invoicing, finance trackers, supplier invoices, and payment reconciliation across systems.
• Menu & Package Development: Collaborate with senior teams to create seasonal menus, event packages, and ticketed events that drive revenue.
• Supplier Management: Negotiate tenders, commission agreements, and design add-on packages for entertainment, theming, and décor.
• Client Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with HNW clients, maintain repeat business, oversee CRM accuracy, and represent the venue at client events.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration with key partners (e.g., KERB Food, Compass, NT departments) to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Team & Cross-Department Support: Assist sales and operations teams as needed, ensuring seamless event execution and high service standards.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Champion sustainable event practices and convert internal event opportunities into commercial growth.

Requirements

• Proven experience in event planning/management, ideally in food & beverage or a cultural/heritage setting
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing teams in events or hospitality
• Excellent communication and client relationship-building skills
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and able to manage multiple projects
• Confident with budgets, financials, contracts, and invoicing
• Proficient in CRM systems (Delphi preferred)
• Collaborative approach with internal teams and external partners
• Flexible and adaptable to business needs and schedules
• In-depth knowledge of hospitality industry trends
• Professional, creative, and able to represent the business with credibility

Benefits

• 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.
• Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)
• Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 50% off drinks, 20% off food at Seven Dials Market)
• VIP last-minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)
• Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)

Who are Levy?

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.

Why Join Us?

At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual’s unique strengths. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and success. We promote fairness, ensure all voices are heard, and provide equal opportunities for all.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. Together, we achieve greatness.