2nd Assistant- Tailoring

February - August 2026

We currently have a vacancy for a 2nd Assistant to produce modern and period tailored garments and costumes for the 2026 Festival.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Constructing, altering and finishing modern and period costumes to a high  standard under direction and supervision of senior staff,  using accurate machine and hand sewing skills.

• Attending fittings with senior staff and taking notes as required by the Cutter.

• Working to deadlines for scheduled fittings and rehearsals.

• To develop tailoring skills and techniques to produce accurate costumes, under supervision, whilst adhering to Glyndebourne workroom procedures.

• To undertake designated tasks in consultation with senior staff.

• Maintaining safe workroom practices and reporting issues to the Cutters as soon as they arise. 

• Keeping notes and samples for your reference, throughout the season.

• Maintaining tidiness of the workroom and equipment regularly. Demonstrate good housekeeping skills.

• Other duties as directed by the Head of Costume.

• Maintain positive relations with all Company members.

• To comply with all company, departmental and Health and Safety procedures.

• To work with diplomacy and discretion with emphasis on safeguarding confidential information (GDPR). 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education and Training

• Degree or equivalent study  in Costume / Tailoring / Fashion.

Minimum Criteria

• Practical experience in costume/tailoring / fashion construction
• Skills in costume construction using machine and hand sewing techniques to a high standard
• Knowledge of costume terminology and methods of construction with a desire to progress
• Practical knowledge of period/ historical tailored costume and basic terminology
• Understanding of a wide range of fabrics and haberdashery
• Knowledge of basic sewing machine maintenance (domestic and industrial)
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Have an understanding of time restraints, and working within the guidelines provided.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of workroom procedures, within a large team
• Able to use the Google package to record weekly timesheets
• An understanding of fitting room etiquette and its application

This list of requirements is not exhaustive and other duties outside of this Job Description may be requested by the Head Of Costume to meet operational needs. Whilst this Job Description reflects our current situation it can be amended in the future.

Rate of Pay, Hours and Benefits

This is an hourly paid position and the current rates are £12.74 per hour/ £496.86 per week  (Grade 5)

The contractual hours of work are 39 hours per week, however this may increase during the Festival period. This will be discussed in further detail at the interview. 

6.8 weeks holiday pay pro rata inclusive of bank holidays.

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera.  For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station. 

We also offer : 

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week

• Corporate Gym memberships

• An onsite Physiotherapist 

• Cost price electric car charging

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants

• Free tea and coffee

• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop

• Free on-site parking 

• Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer

• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help us monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and our supporting policies and procedures, we ask all job applicants to complete our anonymized and confidential Equal Opportunities monitoring form .

Please apply by clicking Apply Now to complete our application form.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 26 October 2025 with interviews to take place at Glyndebourne 12 - 14 November 2025.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

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