Event Sales Manager- National Theatre

Events Sales Manager
- National Theatre- £43k World Class Hospitality

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.

Reporting to the Head of Events, you will drive event sales across the National Theatre’s commercial spaces, maximising revenue across all business streams including corporate, private and wedding events. You will be responsible for managing reactive and proactive sales activity, building strong client relationships, and ensuring seamless handover to planning and operations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to deliver commercial growth while upholding the NT’s values of accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability.

• Reactive Sales
• Convert incoming enquiries into profitable event bookings, aligned with sales strategy and revenue targets
• Respond to all enquiries within agreed time frames
• Create tailored proposals that reflect client requirements and budgets
• Meet and exceed budget targets set by management
• Follow up proposals promptly to ensure efficient conversion
• Lead site visits, contract negotiations and invoicing, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth handover to planning
• Cross‑sell into all NT outlets to maximise revenue opportunities across the estate
• Proactive Sales
• Work with the Head of Events to develop and deliver a proactive sales strategy
• Create and implement targeted sales plans to grow the NT’s client base
• Generate new business leads through relationship building, networking and market engagement
• Attend trade shows, exhibitions and industry events
• Conduct competitor analysis to ensure prices and packages remain competitive
• Research event trends and new venue innovations to ensure NT’s proposition remains fresh and appealing
• Maintain and develop engaging, relevant sales collateral
• Internal
• Client & Customer Relationship Management
• Build and nurture strong relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Attend networking events, familiarisation trips and client entertaining
• Meet and greet conference organisers or delegates to ensure satisfaction on event days
• Produce and support seasonal showcases; represent NT at external exhibitions
• Ensure accurate maintenance of the CRM system (preferably Delphi)
• Conduct post‑event follow‑up to secure repeat business and future opportunities
• Stakeholder Management
• Develop collaborative relationships with key partners including KERB Events, National Theatre and Compass Group/Levy
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams including Food & Drink, planning, AV & lighting, development and visitor experience teams
• Build strong relationships with third‑party event bookers and agencies to keep NT front‑of‑mind for enquiries
• Work closely with Lime Venue Portfolio to monitor conversion, enquiry trends and lost business reasons to support targeted sales activity
• Champion sustainability within event sales and support NT Food & Drink’s sustainability commitments
• Understand internal event needs, particularly for high‑level clients, and identify commercial opportunities

• Sales Leadership:
  Proven experience in event sales, preferably in hospitality or food & beverage, with a track record of hitting targets and driving revenue growth
• Relationship Builder:
  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to foster long‑lasting client and stakeholder relationships
• Organised & Detail‑Focused:
  Strong multitasking abilities with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across proposals, contracts and CRM systems
• Commercial Acumen:
  Confident working with budgets, contract negotiation,…