Senior Event Planner | National Theatre

Compass Group UK & Ireland; City Of London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company in the UK is seeking a Senior Event Planner to ensure exceptional event delivery and client satisfaction. You will oversee planning and coordination of events, manage client relationships, and lead a team within an iconic venue. The successful candidate will have a background in event management with strong organizational skills and a passion for high-quality service. This role offers a competitive salary and various perks including healthcare and discounts.

Benefits

Healthcare & Wellbeing benefits

Exclusive perks & discounts

Meals on duty

Career & financial support

VIP last-minute show tickets

Qualifications

• Proven experience in events planning and management, ideally in F&B.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all event planning activities, ensuring seamless delivery.
• Manage client relationships and event finances successfully.
• Lead and support the internal events team.

Skills

Event planning

Client relationship management

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Financial management

Creative problem-solving

Tools

CRM systems (Delphi)

Event planning software

Job description

Overview

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Job Introduction

Senior Event Planner- 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.

Senior Events Planner Purpose

The Senior Events Planner will oversee the end-to-end planning, coordination, and delivery of all events, ensuring an exceptional client experience and seamless execution. This role involves managing client relationships, producing detailed function documentation, and liaising with internal teams to deliver high-quality food, beverage, and entertainment experiences. The postholder will take ownership of event finances, from quotations and invoicing to supplier management and reporting. Working collaboratively with senior leaders, they will develop creative seasonal menus and event packages, nurture supplier partnerships, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including the National Theatre, KERB Food, and Levy. As a leader within the department, the Senior Events Planner will guide and support their team while driving commercial growth, sustainability, and excellence in service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all event planning activities, managing client communication, function sheet production, and coordination with internal departments to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Manage event finances, including accurate invoicing, revenue tracking, supplier payments, and maintaining up-to-date records on Delphi, GoodTill, and internal finance systems.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to design and update seasonal menus, event packages, and creative ticketed experiences that enhance revenue and brand reputation.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, overseeing tenders, negotiating commission agreements, and developing value-added entertainment and décor packages.
• Nurture client relationships, acting as account manager for key and high-net-worth clients, driving repeat business and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Foster effective stakeholder collaboration across internal teams and external partners, including KERB Food, National Theatre, and Compass/Levy.
• Provide leadership and support to the internal events team, ensuring effective coordination between sales and operations while promoting sustainability in event practices.
• Monitor and evaluate event performance, attending key events, capturing client feedback, and identifying opportunities to improve delivery and grow commercial revenue.

About You

• Proven experience in events planning and management, ideally in F&B within cultural or heritage settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team of events or hospitality professionals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong client relationship management.
• Highly organised, able to multitask, and detail-oriented.
• Experience with budgets, financial management, and contract negotiation.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (preferably Delphi) and event planning software.
• Collaborative team player with creativity and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Professional, flexible, and up-to-date with hospitality industry trends.

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.