Donmar Warehouse

Arts Council England; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Arts Council England's theatre in London is seeking a Deputy Head of Front of House to lead customer service and hospitality across performances and events. You will collaborate with Front of House, events and producing teams to deliver high-quality guest experiences and drive revenue through effective service and selling opportunities.

In this hands-on role you will oversee Duty Manager responsibilities, manage stock, liaise with suppliers, and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment from

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, bars, catering events or venue operations.
• Supervisory or duty management experience.
• Knowledge of health and safety and licensing requirements.
• Strong communication, organisation and training skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire colleagues across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Front of House and Food & Beverage operations to deliver excellent service.
• Act as Duty Manager during performances and events.
• Manage catering and hospitality provision, stock control and procurement.
• Support financial reporting, budgeting and supplier relationships.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives and departmental planning.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory

Hospitality ops

Food & Beverage

Stock control

Health & safety

Licensing requirements

Training skills

Leadership

Job description

Job Summary

The Deputy Head of Front of House plays a key role in delivering exceptional customer experiences across the theatre. Working closely with Front of House teams, events and producing staff, they help ensure outstanding service and high-quality food and beverage provision for all guests.

Job Description

At the heart of the theatre's visitor experience, the Deputy Head of Front of House supports the smooth day-to-day operation of audience services and hospitality provision. Working alongside managers, supervisors and front-line colleagues, the post helps create an inclusive, professional and welcoming environment where every visitor receives excellent service from arrival to departure.

The role combines operational leadership with a strong focus on customer engagement, ensuring that standards remain consistently high across performances, events and hospitality activities. A key aspect of the position is building effective relationships across different departments, collaborating with event organisers, production teams and external partners to ensure services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

The Deputy Head of Front of House also undertakes Duty Manager responsibilities during designated performances and events, helping to oversee venue operations, support colleagues and respond effectively to any issues that arise. In addition, the role contributes to the planning and delivery of catering and hospitality arrangements, working closely with suppliers to develop and maintain an attractive food and beverage offer that enhances the visitor experience.

Alongside operational responsibilities, the position supports the theatre's commercial objectives by helping to drive revenue, maximise sales opportunities and ensure resources are managed effectively. Through strong customer service, effective stock control and proactive sales techniques, the role contributes to achieving business targets while maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere for audiences, visiting companies and guests.

This is a varied and hands-on position requiring excellent organisational skills, collaborative working, commercial awareness and a commitment to delivering outstanding service. The successful postholder will play an important part in maintaining the theatre's reputatio

Job Requirements

A customer-focused individual with experience in hospitality, bars, catering events or venue operations, and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding service. The successful candidate will have supervisory or duty management experience, a sound understanding of food and beverage operations, stock control and commercial performance, alongside knowledge of health and safety and licensing requirements. They will possess strong communication, organisation and training skills, demonstrate excellent attention to detail, and be able to work flexibly across shifts and performances. Equally important are resilience, adaptability, teamwork, inclusive working practices and the ability to lead and inspire colleagues by example.

Experience working within a theatre or other entertainment venue, including managing teams and supporting audience-facing operations. A track record of growing revenue through food and beverage sales, a genuine interest in theatre and the arts, a

Job Responsibilities

The Deputy Head of Front of House plays a key role in the management of the theatre's Front of House and Food & Beverage operations, helping to deliver excellent customer service, maximise commercial performance and maintain safe, efficient venue operations. Responsibilities include overseeing stock control and purchasing, managing catering and hospitality provision, acting as Duty Manager during performances, supporting financial reporting and budgeting, developing supplier relationships, maintaining operational procedures, and ensuring compliance with food hygiene, health and safety and licensing requirements. The role also contributes to marketing initiatives, system improvements, event delivery and departmental planning, while deputising for the Head of Front of House when required. The postholder may also undertake other reasonable duties to support the needs of the organisation. Full details of the role, responsibilities and requirements are set out in the accompanying Job Pack.

• Job Title: Deputy Head of Front of House (F&B)
• Hours: Full time
• Artform: Theatre
• Role: Catering & Hospitality
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: London