Team Leader - Bars and Cafes | National Theatre

Chartwells Independent; City Of London; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality service provider is seeking a Team Leader for their Bars and Cafes at the National Theatre. In this role, you will supervise staff, maintain high operational standards, and ensure excellent customer service. Applicants should have supervisory experience in high-volume venues, strong communication skills, and a flexible schedule. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Healthcare & Wellbeing benefits

Exclusive entertainment and shopping discounts

Office meals and pension scheme

Generous leave including birthday and maternity support

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working in a similar role in a high volume venue.
• Previous experience supervising frontline teams within a similar environment.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of operations in Theatre Bars or Cafe department.
• Lead, supervise, motivate, and support Customer Service Advisors.
• Ensure compliance with Food Handling & Hygiene standards.

Skills

Good communication skills with a focus on great Customer Service

Team player and can-do attitude

Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude

Job description

Team Leader - Bars and Cafes | National Theatre London

£30,882 per annum

NT Food & Drink is a unique partnership between the NT, Levy UK&I and KERB Events. Together we are creating a world class hospitality destination embedded within the heart of the National Theatre’s (NT) operations, ensuring all public facing venues, as well as internal hospitality and commercial events, support the NT’s overall vision, values, and culture. The venue is made-up of three iconic theatres, housed in a brutalist architectural masterpiece, prominently poised on the banks of the River Thames, on the South Bank. The Theatre Bars and Cafes department consists of the Atrium Café – the main café located on the ground floor by the Bookshop, the Grind coffee and cocktail bar, six theatre bars and the members Bar called the Foyle Room.

Purpose

As a Team Leader, you will use your skills to maintain a high standard of quality work. This role is a floor-based role and you’ll be responsible for overseeing the delivery of operations in our Theatre Bars or Café department, and the first point of contact for Customer Service Advisors (CSA) if they need assistance. You will provide highly visible leadership front of house, greeting and engaging with customers. As Team Leader you will lead, supervise, motivate and support to coordinate CSA’s, ensuring delivery of a world class hospitality experience to all patrons of the NT. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Responsibilities

• Drive World Class Hospitality at the National Theatre in an operations-based role
• Drive coffee and cocktail standards in our Theatre Bars & Cafes department ensuring teams are trained, informed and maintain high standards
• Place orders for stock to maintain the correct stock levels and performing end of period stock counts
• Ensure all deliveries are checked and stored promptly and correctly
• Perform engaging and informative briefings
• Supervise a team, creating a positive environment where the team feel welcomed and supported
• Act as a responsible key holder
• Report any maintenance issues to senior managers
• Deal with customer feedback and queries
• Delegate where necessary and ensure the team are proactive at all times
• Comply with Food Handling & Hygiene standards

Team Leader Requirements

• Experience working in a similar role in a high volume venue
• Previous experience supervising frontline teams within a similar environment
• Good communication skills with a focus on great Customer Service
• Team player and can-do attitude
• Flexible – you will be required to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a positive attitude

What you’ll get in return

• £30,882 per annum
• 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.

Venue Specific Benefits

• 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 as Team Leader?

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.