Team Leader - The Understudy Bar | National Theatre

Compass Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality company is hiring a Team Leader for The Understudy Bar at the National Theatre in London. This role involves leading a team to deliver outstanding customer service, managing stock, and ensuring high operational standards. Candidates should have previous supervisory experience and the ability to work under pressure. The position offers a salary of £30,882 per annum along with various benefits including healthcare, discounts, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive discounts

Meals on duty

23 days leave plus bank holidays

Ongoing training and development

Site-specific discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working in a similar role in a high-volume venue.
• Previous experience supervising frontline teams.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire teams to deliver outstanding service.
• Manage stock and ensure smooth operation.
• Champion exceptional guest service and handle feedback.

Skills

Good communication skills

Team player

Ability to work under pressure

Flexibility

Job description

Team Leader - The Understudy Bar | National Theatre

Team Leader - The Understudy Bar | National Theatre London£30,882 per annum The partnership between Levy and KERB brings an exciting new dynamic to the food & drink offering at the National Theatre. Levy, being a market-leader in premium hospitality operations and KERB being independent street-food pioneers have joined forces to create a fresh, vibrant hospitality proposition that blends top-tier service, independent food culture and sustainability in one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues.

The role will be based at The Understudy, a riverside bar and street-food hub within National Theatre. The Understudy is a go-to spot for locals, theatre-goers and visitors alike, celebrated for its independent food traders, craft drinks selection, laid-back yet lively riverside terrace and commitment to sustainability. This Team Leader role is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about delivering high-quality hospitality, thrives in a creative environment, and wants to be part of a team providing a distinctive food & drink destination within the heart of a major London cultural institution.

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 and act as 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 Understudy. 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

• Bring world-class hospitality to life across the vibrant Understudy bar.
• Inspire and lead teams to deliver outstanding coffee, cocktails, and customer experiences.
• Take ownership of stock management — from ordering to deliveries and end-of-period counts.
• Run engaging team briefings that set the tone for smooth, successful service.
• Motivate and support your team, creating a fun, positive, and proactive workplace culture.
• Champion exceptional guest service, handling feedback with confidence and care.
• Act as a trusted key holder, keeping operations running safely and efficiently.
• Uphold the highest standards of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety at all times.

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.
• Site 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)

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.