Job Details
* Department/Team: Food & Beverage
* Contract: Permanent (commit to a minimum number of shifts per month 3-4; additional shifts may be available depending on event calendar)
* Working hours: Shifts scheduled rota basis Mon‑Sun, approx 4pm‑11pm. Shift length may vary with event.
* Location: The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB
* Hourly rate: £18.47 per hour
* Responsible to: Head of Food & Beverage Operations
* Direct reports: Operational management of the event staff during event/shift
Benefits
* 28 days holiday including bank holidays
* Access to interest‑free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after probation
* Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace
* Mental health support via our in‑house Mental Health Champions
* Two complimentary tickets to a preview performance per production
* Pension scheme with The People’s Pension
* Enhanced sick pay
* All staff social events
* Staff discount in Penny and The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants
* Opportunities to get involved with staff clubs and working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group
* Commitment to learning, education and development
Role Summary
The role of the Events Duty Manager is to support the smooth running of private hires and commercial events within the theatre and backstage. Depending on the requirements of the event, the level of support will vary – up to and including full duty management from start to finish.
Responsibilities
Client Management
* Act as the primary point of contact for the client (e.g. corporate sponsors), actioning any requests and responding to any questions or concerns as necessary.
* Respond quickly and calmly to ad‑hoc requests, including for additional setup, off‑menu drinks, etc.
* Seek approval from the Head of Commercial Event Sales, Head of F&B Operations or the client’s main point of contact for ad‑hoc requests that would incur costs (such as off‑menu drinks).
* Liaise with internal and external senior stakeholders to facilitate speeches confidently and politely.
Supplier Management
* Act as the primary point of contact between the client and all suppliers (e.g. caterer, band, etc.).
* Supervise the setup and operation of the field kitchen, including coordination of power connections and the isolation/reactivation of smoke heads, while liaising closely with the in‑house facilities team to ensure safe and compliant operations.
* Deliver health and safety briefings to all relevant staff and contractors.
* Represent The Old Vic to suppliers and ensure the building and show takes precedence, in terms of limiting noise, etc.
Event Set‑up & Logistics
* Full management of the event from an event logistics and set‑up perspective.
* Prepare each event space (including any bar provision) in accordance with the specifics of the Events Booking Form, in good time.
* Oversee the get‑in of each space, and ensure pack‑down is efficient and well‑managed, leaving the event spaces tidily and as found.
* Liaise with other members of The Old Vic team (e.g. Sound, Lighting, Stage) to confidently ensure all aspects of set‑up are carried out.
* Maintain regular communication with the client and suppliers to ensure their satisfaction throughout the event.
* At the end of each event, complete a comprehensive Events Duty Manager Report and circulate to the correct recipient list.
Team Management
* Full management of the supporting Event Team – ensuring that the team is smartly presented, that they are all carrying out their role efficiently and to a high standard, and troubleshooting any queries.
* Direct each team member with specific tasks so that responsibilities and deliverables are clear.
* Send members of the Event Team home early where possible to save costs and maximise efficiency.
General
* Promote and comply with current legislation and The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, and Health & Safety – both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.
* Undertake any other reasonable duties, commensurate with the level of the post, to ensure the smooth running of The Old Vic.
*This is not an exhaustive list of duties and The Old Vic’s management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are similar in nature or level.*
Qualifications
Essential
* Previous event duty management experience in a similar environment.
* Proven experience of leading a team in an on‑ground capacity.
* High‑level customer service in an often highly pressurised environment.
* Highly motivated with a positive and flexible approach to work and ability to adapt quickly to new information and procedures.
* Good timekeeping.
* Ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check as the role may interact with vulnerable adults and/or children.
How To Apply
1. Send a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you (refer to the person specification).
2. Send a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.
3. Complete our application form.
4. Upload your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.
Equal Opportunities
We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.
We may take positive action, where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under‑represented groups at The Old Vic.
In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.
We partner with a range of inclusive organisations. To find out more please read our FAQs.
The Process
1. 1st stage: virtual or in‑person conversation.
2. 2nd stage: in‑person conversation.
3. You may be asked to complete a work‑based skills assessment or challenge.
Closing date for this role is 23 November 2025. First conversations are likely to take place w/c 24 November 2025.
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