Department/Team Food & Beverage

Contract Permanent. We would like you to commit to a minimum number of shifts per month (3-4) and can discuss this at interview (additional shifts may be available depending on the event calendar)

Working hours Shifts are scheduled on a rota basis, Mon-Sun, between the approximate hours of 4pm-11pm. Shift length may vary depending on the length of the event.

Location The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Hourly rate £18.47 per hour

Responsible to Head of Food & Beverage Operations

Direct reports Operational management of the event staff for the duration of the event/shift

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace
• Mental health support via our in house Mental Health Champions
• Two complimentary tickets to a preview performance per production
• Pension scheme with The People’s Pension
• Enhanced sick pay
• All staff social events
• Staff discount in Penny and The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants
• Opportunities to get involved with staff clubs and working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group
• Commitment to learning, education and development

Role summary

The role of the Events Duty Manager is to support the smooth running of private hires and commercial events within the theatre and Backstage. Depending on the requirements of the event, the level of support will vary – up to and including full duty management from start to finish.

Areas of responsibility

Client Management

• Where required, acting as the primary point of contact for the client (e.g. corporate sponsors), actioning any requests and responding to any questions or concerns as necessary.
• Responding quickly and calmly to ad-hoc requests, including for additional setup, off-menu drinks, etc.
• Where necessary, seeking approval from the Head of Commercial Event Sales, Head of F&B Operations or the client’s main point of contact for ad-hoc requests that would incur costs (such as off-menu drinks).
• Liaising with internal and external senior stakeholders to facilitate speeches confidently and politely.

Supplier Management

• Acting as the primary point of contact between the client and all suppliers (e.g. caterer, band, etc.)
• Supervising the setup and operation of the field kitchen, including coordination of power connections and the isolation/reactivation of smoke heads, while liaising closely with the in-house facilities team to ensure safe and compliant operations.
• Delivering health and safety briefings to all relevant staff and contractors
• Representing The Old Vic to suppliers and ensuring the building and show takes precedence, in terms of limiting noise, etc.

Event Set-up & Logistics

• Full management of the event from an event logistics and set-up perspective.
• Preparing each event space (including any bar provision) in accordance with the specifics of the Events Booking Form, in good time.
• Overseeing the get-in of each space, and ensuring pack-down is efficient and well-managed, leaving the event spaces tidily and as found.
• Liaising with other members of The Old Vic team, (e.g. Sound, Lighting, Stage) to confidently ensure all aspects of set-up are carried out.
• Maintaining regular communication with the client and suppliers to ensure their satisfaction throughout the event.
• At the end of each event, completing a comprehensive Events Duty Manager Report and circulating to the correct recipient list.

Team Management

• Full management of the supporting Event Team – including ensuring that the team is smartly presented, that they are all carrying out their role efficiently and to a high standard, and troubleshooting any queries.
• Directing each team member with specific tasks so that responsibilities and deliverables are clear.
• Where possible, cost-saving and maximising efficiency by sending members of the Event Team home early.

General

• Promoting and complying with current legislation and The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, and Health & Safety - both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties, commensurate with the level of the post to ensure the smooth running of The Old Vic.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Previous event duty management experience in a similar environment
• Proven experience of leading a team in an on-the-ground capacity.
• A proven ability to provide a high level of customer service in an often highly pressurised environment.
• Highly motivated with a positive and flexible approach to work and ability to adapt quickly to new information and procedures.
• Good timekeeping.
• A proven ability to work as both part of a team and independently.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check as the role may interact with vulnerable adults and/or children.

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
• 2. Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.
• 3. Completing our application form.
• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. 

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be two stages:

• 1st stage virtual or in person conversation
• 2nd stage in person conversation
• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 23 November 2025. First Conversations are likely to take place w/c 24 November 2025.

Equal Opportunities

We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.

We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.

In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.

We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs. 

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.