Health and Safety Advisor

Department/Team: Theatre Operations

Responsible to: Head of Estates & Services

Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months

Location: Flexible mix of home working and from The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Hours: Full-Time

The Old Vic offers the ability to work these flexibly under the guidelines in our Ways of Working policy. Additional hours may be necessary in order to fulfil the requirements of the post

Salary: £38,000-£40,000 dependent on experience

Benefits

• Hybrid working for eligible teams and a company culture that promotes good work/life balance
• Enhanced annual leave, starting at 25 days per year, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days (plus bank holidays). Opportunity to switch statutory bank holidays to mark a religious event or festival
• Complimentary tickets for you and a guest to Old Vic preview productions
• Discretionary invite to Press Night performances and parties
• Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace
• Mental health support via our in-house Mental Health Champions
• Salary sacrifice scheme with The People’s Pension and enhanced employer pension contributions
• Festive day – one discretionary additional paid day off around the festive period for a collective pause
• Time to volunteer – one day per year to support a charity or project of your choosing
• Commitment to learning, education and development
• Enhanced sick pay
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• Family friendly policies and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental 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
• Buddy schemes including New Starter and Parental buddies to support your induction and return to work after parental leave
• Death in Service Benefit

Role Summary

The Health & Safety Advisor sits within the Theatre Operations Team. In their role they will provide guidance and advice, conduct inspections, identify hazards and document management improvements, as well as ensure that we have good contractor management processes and good record keeping in place. They will help to ensure there is a holistic approach to Health & Safety across the Old Vic.

Areas of responsibility

The Health & Safety Advisor is responsible for:

Health & Safety

• Providing support to the Head of Estates & Services in the management of health, safety, and compliance across The Old Vic.
• Ensuring that H&S policies, practices, and procedures are adhered to (and documented) across all areas.
• Ensuring thorough and appropriate safety records are maintained and anything of concern is promptly reported to the Head of Estates & Services.
• Developing strong relationships and influencing behaviours across all areas of the Old Vic to facilitate the promotion of health and safety awareness and drive best practice.
• Leading on management of Blue Lemon [the Old Vic’s H&S management system], including ensuring accuracy of data and facilitating training across the organisation.
• Maintaining an overview of the training regime and record keeping for essential life, safety and security critical systems, from a H&S & Compliance perspective.
• Working with The Old Vic’s external advisors to arrange and facilitate regular Health and Safety Audits and Fire Risk Assessments of all sites, ensuring that any key changes are reviewed and re-assessed between audits.
• Carrying out health and safety workplace inspections and audits within all areas of the organisation and prioritising action to be taken to resolve any outstanding issues.
• Support managers in implementing action plans in response to external audits.
• Undertaking Old Vic wide projects as appropriate to enhance our systems and procedures e.g. accident report systems, risk assessment software etc.
• Challenging accepted views of health and safety within the business in regards to working practice, processes and methodologies.
• Seeking to apply a consistent approach to health, safety, and fire across all areas of the business whilst still remaining mindful of the creative process - a flexible approach is important.
• Carrying out training as required, including new starter H&S inductions.
• Supporting teams in writing up and reviewing risk assessments, prioritising remedial actions and monitoring their implementation to minimise risk to employees, visitors and assets.
• Investigating and documenting accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences and providing meaningful statistics and advice to management.
• Providing advice, guidance, and assistance to all managers in the implementation of policies and systems in order to ensure the achievement of required standards and working practices. Where possible introduce initiatives that will enhance health and safety standards and awareness.
• Attending the Health & Safety Committee meetings.
• Coordinating & minuting the Health & Safety Steering Group meetings.
• Ensuring that minutes and actions arising from Health & Safety Steering Group meetings are circulated to members and risks escalated to the Head of Estates & Services1 or Operations Director as required.
• Attend Technical H&S Meetings.
• Developing and promoting a positive culture across the organisation in relation to Health and Safety.

Compliance

• Working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that all life safety systems are maintained and inspected regularly in line with relevant guidance to minimise the risk of any business interruption, and ensuring any changes in legislation are met.
• Having ownership of the onboarding and record-keeping process for contractors, ensuring that these are kept up to date and that all staff are aware of their responsibilities when engaging contractors to work on site.
• Alongside colleagues in the Technical department, managing the Theatre’s permit to work procedures.

Building Security

• Working with the Operations Administration Team to ensure that there are good records for all keys, alarm fobs and security passes issued to staff – and overseeing the upkeep of the Key Safe Log.
• Prioritising the safety and security everyone in the building.

Capital Building Projects

• Support the Head of Estates & Services and the Operations Director, overseeing the planning, development and implementation of all fire, safety, security and compliance elements of capital building projects, ensuring that changes made during works do not compromise the plans and interfaces with the current building and strategies.
• Inputting on the site-wide strategies for fire, safety, security, and compliance, liaising with relevant contractors and consultants to review cause and effect and establish a hierarchy of control between the relevant strategies.
• Assisting the Head of Estates & Services with operational planning in relation to health, safety & compliance, in preparation for completion of capital building projects.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Hold an IOSH (or Tech IOSH) qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in a similar role with strong awareness of health and safety procedures and practices and a strong understanding of compliance.
• Experience of dealing with a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, colleagues, and contractors.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of people in a confident and professional manner.
• A flexible attitude with the ability to adapt accordingly to the role.
• Demonstratable ability to use initiative to provide options and solutions for a fast-paced, changing, often reactive, service.
• Action oriented, with the ability to take the initiative and deliver results.
• Sensitivity in dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent IT skills.

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending 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 (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
• 2. Sending 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. Completing our application form.
• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be two  stages:

• 1st stage virtual conversation
• 2nd stage in person conversation
• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 7 December 2025. First Conversations are likely to take place 11 December 2025.

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, in cases 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.

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here. 

• Our teams
• Theatre Operations
• Locations
• The Old Vic
• Remote status
• Hybrid

The Old Vic

About The Old Vic

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB. oldvictheatre.com

Already working at The Old Vic?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.

Associate General Manager

Department/Team Production

Hours 40 hours per week from 10am to 6pm, inclusive of breaks, Monday to Friday although additional hours will be necessary in order to fulfil the requirements of the post

Location The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Salary £37,300 to £39,300 per annum

Duration Full time, permanent contract

Responsible to General Manager

Benefits

• Hybrid working for eligible teams and a company culture that promotes good work/life balance
• Enhanced annual leave, starting at 25 days per year, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days (plus bank holidays). Opportunity to switch statutory bank holidays to mark a religious event or festival
• Complimentary tickets for you and a guest to Old Vic preview productions
• Discretionary invite to Press Night performances and parties
• Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace
• Mental health support via our in-house Mental Health Champions
• Salary sacrifice scheme with The People’s Pension and enhanced employer pension contributions
• Festive day – one discretionary additional paid day off around the festive period for a collective pause
• Time to volunteer – one day per year to support a charity or project of your choosing
• Commitment to learning, education and development
• Enhanced sick pay
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• Family friendly policies and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental pay
• All staff social events
• Staff discount in Backstage 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
• Buddy schemes including New Starter and Parental buddies to support your induction and return to work after parental leave
• Death in Service Benefit

The team

The Production team includes the Producer, General Manager, Associate Producer, Associate General Managers, Production Assistants, Casting Assistant, Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director as well as our Technical team, including the Production Director, Technical Services Director, Deputy Production Manager, Head of Stage, Head of Lighting, Head of Wardrobe, Deputy Heads of Stage, Deputy Head of Lighting, Head of Sound, Deputy Head of Wardrobe, Lighting Technician and Stage Chargehand.

The role

To work closely with and provide support to the Producer and General Manager on all Old Vic productions, project managing assigned shows on a day-to-day basis for The Old Vic Theatre Company.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to be a part of a dedicated and hard-working team, delivering a range of productions in one of the world’s most vibrant and illustrious theatres. We are looking for someone who couples brilliant organisational skills with a love of theatre and will be an adaptable and personable team player.

Areas of responsibility

Production & Personnel

• Act as the Project Manager for each assigned production. Including, but not limited to responsibilities of being the lead contact for all internal departments and external contacts, co-producers and contractors; managing relationships and being the point of contact for cast, creatives, stage management and technical teams.
• Working closely with the Production Assistant(s) assigned to the production; whilst keeping the Producer and General Manager fully abreast of the production process, highlighting any potential issues.
• Keep schedules for each show up to date and accurate, liaising with Marketing and Box Office as necessary.
• Ensure clear and regular communication with the Technical team for each production’s requirements as necessary.
• As part of being the lead contact with the show Company Stage Manager, assist with the pastoral care of actors, and creative and production teams.
• Under the supervision of the General Manager manage negotiations, make offers and draft agreements for creative team members, associates, cast, stage management and technical crew as relevant.
• Along with the Production Assistant(s) book audition and rehearsal spaces (internal or external) as needed.
• Working with external Casting Directors and the Casting Assistant, make offers and negotiate actor contracts within budget and in line with respective union collective agreements.
• Manage the contracting of children, including being responsible for any licenses required. Including appointing and supervise any chaperones, arranging payment and petty cash if necessary.
• Keep cast and crew deal summaries up to date at all times.
• Coordinate relevant personnel for all auditions, rehearsals and technical period.
• In collaboration with the General Manager and Theatre Management team ensure all The Old Vic Theatre Company policies are adhered to and communicated to production teams and cast.
• Oversee access requirements for each production including, captioned, BSL, audio described and relaxed performances in collaboration with the FOH manager, Senior Marketing Manager and Education Manager.
• As required, submitting PRS applications and facilitating music clearance for Productions.
• Lead Production team catch ups in the absence of the General Manager and Producer.
• Assist the General Manager with managing and liaising with our insurance broker for all The Old Vic Theatre Company productions and claims.
• Alongside the finance team, assess and help manage the tax status for any freelance The Old Vic Theatre Company staff and oversee all cast, crew and creative team VAT payments.
• Manage the processing of any visa applications and withholding tax with support from the HR team as required.
• Ensure all productions are proposed for Olivier Awards and oversee panellist house seat bookings.
• Be familiar with and keep abreast of changes to relevant union agreements including, British and American Equity, BECTU and MU and the Society of London Theatres (SOLT), making sure that the Production team and the HR team are kept up to date with all and any changes and new rates, policies and regulations
• Be familiar with and keep abreast of pensions policy and changes.

Budgets and accounts

• Assist the General Manager with the preparation of budgets, and then manage their application on productions, operating within them at all times.
• Along with the General Manager and Finance team, ensure the production budget is updated and kept accurate throughout he run of the production and managing its reconciliation at the end of the run, including; preparing final production accounts and royalty statements.
• Oversee purchase orders raised by the Production Assistant(s), ensuring this is done efficiently, that costs are always within budget and that the General Manager is kept informed of spend at all times.
• Oversee the Production Assistant(s) in ensuring freelance staff invoices are processed smoothly, monitor and arrange sign-off of weekly petty cash returns from the Company Stage Manager, keeping the General Manager and agents regularly informed of any delays or issues.
• Work with the Finance team on prompt payment of royalties and generating statements.

Press and Marketing

• Support and oversee the press night process (lead by the Production Assistant(s)), planning and delivery on guests lists, invitations, seating plan and delivery of the evening – in conjunction with the box office, events, marketing and press team.
• Work closely with the Marketing Managers to ensure that all contractual billing and approvals are adhered to. Ensuring that the marketing team provide with adequate time to sign offs.
• Be responsible for proofing show billing, programmes, print and website copy.
• Provide information to Marketing and Box Office for show setups and proof all documents and plans.
• Coordinate press & marketing requests for content and access to the cast and creative team to help facilitate the marketing and press companies on productions.
• Attend weekly Marketing meetings.

General

• Attend all team and production meetings as required.
• Attend rehearsals, technical period, previews and performances as required – including evening and weekend work as required by production schedules.
• Keep track of and update templates for budgets and contracts.
• Represent the Production department at events and performances as required.
• Undertake special projects and assignments as required, for example play readings and workshops.
• Comply with The Old Vic’s Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Sustainability and all other Staff Handbook policies at all times.
• Arrange logistics and manage and monitor budgets for workshops as required.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Person specification

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in a similar role, with at least 2 years' work experience in professional theatre producing and/or general management.

• Experience of working in theatre, coupled with a strong interest and understanding of the wider theatre industry.
• Confident, positive and approachable when dealing with a wide range of staff and artists at all levels, including a knowledge of etiquette and protocol in dealing with high-profile individuals.
• A proven ability to deal diplomatically, sensitively and discretely with information, which may often be confidential.
• A keen eye for detail, able to work with accuracy and speed in an environment with competing demands, with good prioritisation and organisational skills
• Experience editing and negotiating a variety of staff and artist contracts and other documents.
• Practical working knowledge and experience of SOLT union agreements, including British (and American) Equity, BECTU and the Musicians Union.
• Experience of working with production budgets and payroll.

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

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending 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 (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
• 2. Sending 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. Completing our application form.
• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be two  stages:

• 1st stage virtual or in person conversation
• 2nd stage in person conversation
• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 8 December 2025. First Conversations are likely to take place w/c 15 December 2025.

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, in cases 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.

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here. 

• Our teams
• Production
• Locations
• The Old Vic
• Remote status
• Hybrid

The Old Vic

About The Old Vic

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB. oldvictheatre.com

Already working at The Old Vic?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.

Backstage Front of House Crew – Wait Staff

Department/Team Backstage F&B

Contract Permanent

Hours Full Time or Part time contracts available, with a minimum of 4 days per week (although a job share may be considered)

Hours scheduled on a shift basis across Monday-Sunday (Monday to Saturday initially, but we may open on Sundays as the operation develops), between the hours of 7.30am and 3am.

Shift lengths will be between 5-8 hours.

Location Backstage, The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Salary £14.00 per hour, plus Tronc

Responsible to Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations

Benefits

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• 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 Backstage 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

The Team

The Backstage F&B team is responsible for all Food & Beverage related activity within Backstage and The Old Vic theatre itself. The team includes the Operations Director, Head of Food & Beverage Operations, Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations, Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Parties, KPs, F&B Duty Managers, Front of House Crew (Bartenders, Baristas and Waiting staff).

Role summary

The Waiting team will be responsible for ensuring exceptional dining experience by providing friendly and tailored service, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere as well as taking orders and delivering food and drinks.

Areas of responsibility

Waiting

• Welcoming customers to Backstage and seat them at tables
• Having an advanced knowledge of the menu, explaining specials, and answering questions, paying special attention to customer allergies, and being able to offer solutions and alternatives. Upselling to customers when appropriate, including suggesting wine and food parings and matching drinks to customer tastes
• Maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm at all times
• Taking accurate food and beverage orders and relaying them to the kitchen and bar, ensuring good communication and smooth service between the kitchen bar and tables.
• Serving food and drinks in a timely and courteous manner
• Monitoring tables and anticipating customers’ needs throughout their meal
• Maintaining cleanliness and organisation of the café, including workstations, seating areas, and loos
• Handling cash and card transactions accurately using Point One
• Restocking supplies and ingredients as needed throughout the shift

Customer Service

• Acting as an ambassador for the Backstage
• Actively engaging our customers, and building rapport, to deliver quality experiences
• Always delivering the highest possible level of customer service, ensuring a friendly, safe and secure environment in which the public can enjoy their visit to Backstage
• Receiving all comments, raised by the public and following them with by immediate action or passing on to the Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations to investigate

Teamwork

• Collaborating with team members to ensure smooth daily operations
• Acting as a welcoming and approachable point of contact for staff and customers
• Representing Backstage/The Old Vic values and mission to customers
• Liaising with Backstage and building management in the event of emergency and evacuation.
• Ensuring all Health and Safety procedures are adhered to
• Ensuring the highest quality and consistency with all Food and Beverage processes, reporting any issues with delivering this immediately to senior management
• Assisting with bartending whenever required, and during busy periods in particular

General

• Promoting and complying with current legislation and Backstage/The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, Culture and Health & Safety - both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others
• Assisting the Backstage F&B team in relation to continuous improvement within the venue
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties, commensurate with the level of the post to ensure the smooth running of Backstage

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and Backstage management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Previous experience as chosen role
• A proven ability to provide a high level of customer service in an often fast-paced environment

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to multitask effectively
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to perform manual handling tasks (e.g. lifting trays, dishes, stock and other items as required)
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (e.g. allergen awareness and Food Safety Level 2)
• Highly motivated with a positive and flexible approach to work and ability to adapt quickly to new information and procedures
• A proven ability to work as both part of a team and independently
• Well organised

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending 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 (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
• 2. Sending 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. Completing our application form.
• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be one  stage:

• 1st stage in person conversation
• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 9 December 2025. 

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, in cases 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.

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here. 

• Our teams
• Backstage
• Locations
• The Old Vic
• Remote status
• Hybrid

The Old Vic

About The Old Vic

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB. oldvictheatre.com

Already working at The Old Vic?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.

Backstage Front of House Crew – Bar Staff

Department/Team Backstage F&B

Contract Permanent

Hours Full Time or Part time contracts available, with a minimum of 4 days per week (although a job share may be considered)

Hours scheduled on a shift basis across Monday-Sunday (Monday to Saturday initially, but we may open on Sundays as the operation develops), between the hours of 7.30am and 3am.

Shift lengths will be between 5-8 hours.

Location Backstage, The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Salary £14.00 per hour, plus Tronc

Responsible to Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations

Benefits

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• 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 Backstage 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

The Team

The Backstage F&B team is responsible for all Food & Beverage related activity within Backstage and The Old Vic theatre itself. The team includes the Operations Director, Head of Food & Beverage Operations, Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations, Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Parties, KPs, F&B Duty Managers, Front of House Crew (Bartenders, Baristas and Waiting staff).

Role summary

The Cocktail Bartender will provide exceptional bar service to customers of Backstage, including advance cocktail mixology as required.

Areas of responsibility

Bartending

• Crafting memorable drinks with precision and creativity
• Upselling to customers when appropriate, including giving recommendation of wine and food parings, and matching drinks to customer tastes
• Maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm at all times
• Supporting management in developing and creating our cocktail menu
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including tools, glassware, and stock
• Handling cash and card transactions accurately using Point One
• Monitoring inventory levels and assist with restocking and ordering supplies.
• Maintaining a high quality of beer service, including knowledge of cellar maintenance and keg changing, and quality control to reduce wastage

Customer Service

• Acting as an ambassador for the Backstage
• Actively engaging our customers, and building rapport, to deliver quality experiences
• Always delivering the highest possible level of customer service, ensuring a friendly, safe and secure environment in which the public can enjoy their visit to Backstage
• Receiving all comments, raised by the public and following them with by immediate action or passing on to the Deputy Head of Food and Beverage Operations to investigate

Teamwork

• Collaborating with team members to ensure smooth daily operations
• Acting as a welcoming and approachable point of contact for staff and customers
• Representing Backstage/The Old Vic values and mission to customers
• Liaising with Backstage and building management in the event of emergency and evacuation.
• Ensuring all Health and Safety procedures are adhered to
• Ensuring the highest quality and consistency with all Food and Beverage processes, reporting any issues with delivering this immediately to senior management
• Assisting with bartending whenever required, and during busy periods in particular

General

• Promoting and complying with current legislation and Backstage/The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, Culture and Health & Safety - both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others
• Assisting the Backstage F&B team in relation to continuous improvement within the venue
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties, commensurate with the level of the post to ensure the smooth running of Backstage

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and Backstage management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Previous experience as chosen role
• A proven ability to provide a high level of customer service in an often fast-paced environment

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to multitask effectively
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to perform manual handling tasks (e.g. lifting trays, dishes, stock and other items as required)
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (e.g. allergen awareness and Food Safety Level 2)
• Highly motivated with a positive and flexible approach to work and ability to adapt quickly to new information and procedures
• A proven ability to work as both part of a team and independently
• Well organised

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending 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 (have a look at the person specification in the job description).
• 2. Sending 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. Completing our application form.
• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be one  stage:

• 1st stage in person conversation
• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 9 December 2025. 

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, in cases 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.

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here. 

• Our teams
• Backstage
• Locations
• The Old Vic
• Remote status
• Hybrid

The Old Vic

About The Old Vic

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB. oldvictheatre.com

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