Commercial Event Duty Manager

UK Theatre Association; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent theatre organization is seeking a Commercial Event Duty Manager to oversee private hires and commercial events. Responsibilities include client management, event logistics, and team leadership. Ideal candidates will have previous event duty management experience and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The role offers a pay rate of £18.47 per hour, with shifts scheduled evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• 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 time‑keeping.
• A proven ability to work as both part of a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for the client, actioning requests and responding to concerns.
• Liaise with internal and external senior stakeholders to facilitate speeches.
• Full management of the event logistics and setup.
• Oversee setup, operation, and maintenance of event spaces.
• Deliver health and safety briefings to all relevant staff and contractors.

Skills

Event duty management experience

Team leadership

Customer service

Adaptability

Time management

Job description

The role of the Commercial Event 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.

Responsibilities

• Act 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.
• Respond quickly and calmly to ad‑hoc requests, including for additional setup, off‑menu drinks, etc.
• Seek 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).
• Liaise with internal and external senior stakeholders to facilitate speeches confidently and politely.

Supplier Management

• Act as the primary point of contact between the client and all suppliers (e.g., caterer, band, etc.).
• Supervise 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.
• Deliver health and safety briefings to all relevant staff and contractors.
• Represent The Old Vic to suppliers and ensure 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.
• Prepare each event space (including any bar provision) in accordance with the specifics of the Events Booking Form, in good time.
• Oversee the get‑in of each space, and ensure pack‑down is efficient and well‑managed, leaving the event spaces tidily and as found.
• Liaise with other members of The Old Vic team (e.g., Sound, Lighting, Stage) to confidently ensure all aspects of set‑up are carried out.
• Maintain regular communication with the client and suppliers to ensure their satisfaction throughout the event.
• At the end of each event, complete a comprehensive Events Duty Manager Report and circulate 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.
• Direct 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

• Promote and comply 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.
• Undertake 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.

Qualifications

• 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 time‑keeping.
• 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.

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