Assistant Manager | The Understudy | National Theatre

Compass Group UK; London Borough of Lambeth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Wellbeing support

23 days annual leave + BH

Life assurance

Meals on duty

Birthday day off

Job summary

Levy UK at the National Theatre is seeking an Assistant Manager to support the General Manager in daily operations, driving world-class hospitality and leading Duty Managers and teams. You will partner with leaders to meet KPIs, manage labour and stock, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

You will coach, train, and develop staff, ensuring compliance with safety, licensing and company standards while fostering a positive, engaging workplace.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-volume hospitality environments.
• Focus on delivering world-class hospitality and guest experiences.
• Ability to coach and develop teams across shifts.
• Strong communication and analytical skills for operations.
• Wlexible to evenings and weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Understudy operations in partnership with the General Manager.
• Direct Duty Managers, Team Leaders and Customer Service Advisors on floor.
• Help meet KPIs: labour, stock, sales, guest satisfaction.
• Support financial reporting, forecasting and P&L management.

Skills

Leadership

Hospitality

Team development

Guest experience

Communication

Flexible shifts

Tools

COSHH knowledge

Food Safety Level 2

EPOS

Job description

Assistant Manager - The Understudy | National Theatre | Full-Time / Permanent

£42,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We're looking for...

This is more than an operational Assistant Manager role. We are looking for an ambitious hospitality leader who wants to develop, challenge themselves and build towards their next career step. You will be given the opportunity to work alongside the General Manager, take ownership of key areas of the business and build the commercial, people and leadership skills needed to progress into a more senior position.

The Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the General Manager in the day-to-day operation of The Understudy and its associated areas. Acting as the second point of contact after the General Manager, you will provide leadership and support to Duty Managers, Team Leaders, and Customer Service Advisors, while working collaboratively with the wider building operations team.

You will maintain a visible presence on the floor, leading by example to deliver World Class Hospitality. You will support, motivate, and coach the team to achieve high operational standards and create a positive and engaging working environment.

As a member of the management team, you will be accountable for ensuring all operational procedures, company policies, and compliance standards are consistently met. You will also take responsibility for the training, development, and performance of your teams, helping to build capability and drive continuous improvement.

We are Levy

We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events from Wimbledon and Twickenham to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.

Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.

We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Assistant Restaurant General Manager - The Role

• Drive the delivery of world-class hospitality across The Understudy and the wider National Theatre Food & Drink operation.
• Act as a Duty Manager for the National Theatre Food & Drink team, supporting the day-to-day operation and assisting other departments as required.
• Work in partnership with the General Manager to meet and exceed key business KPIs, including labour control, stock management, sales performance, and guest satisfaction.
• Support the General Manager in financial reporting, including forecasting, labour cost analysis, profit and loss management, and stock control.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of Customer Service Assistants, Team Leaders and Duty Managers in partnership with the People team, including Personal Development Reviews and reward and recognition initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all National Theatre Food & Drink policies and procedures, including Food Safety, Health & Safety, licensing, and company standards. Ensure all accidents, incidents, and near misses are accurately reported using Air 3.
• Carry out administrative and operational tasks required to support the efficient and commercial running of the business.
• Conduct regular health and safety walks, ensuring actions are completed and continuous improvements are implemented.
• Review stock take results, investigate variances, and implement actions to improve stock accuracy and control.
• Take a proactive, solution-focused approach to operational challenges, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our guests and team.

What we're looking for

• The ideal candidate would be expected to lead from the front and present on the floor supporting their teams, always delivering excellent guest experience.
• Available to work a flexible shift pattern, which will include evenings and regular weekend shifts.
• Demonstrated success of leading and developing a diverse team
• Demonstrated success of working in a high volume single or multi-venue hospitality or leisure venue
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Provide world class hospitality, whilst maintaining a professional demeanour at all times
• An enthusiastic and motivated team player, demonstrating a genuine passion for providing first class customer service.
• A love of food and cuisine and being confident to try and share new experiences.
• Knowledge of COSHH, Food Safety Level 2, EPOS (desirable)
• A Personal Licence is (desirable)

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive salary and full company benefits
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
• Meals on duty included

Why Join Us?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.

We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.

Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.

• Medicash - Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
• Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
• Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
• Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
• Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
• Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
• Meals on duty
• Vodaphone discounts
• Pension scheme and Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 23 days + BH's and additional day off for your birthday
• 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during first year back
• Competitive and supportive family benefits
• Day off for baby's first birthday
• Holiday purchase scheme
• On-going training & development and career pathways
• Professional subscriptions paid
• Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2107/44045001/52821820/SU #Levy UK

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!