First Hand- Ladies Costume

February - October 2026

We are currently recruiting for a First Hand to produce modern and period costumes in our Ladies workroom for the 2026 Festival.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Constructing, altering and finishing modern and period costumes to a very high standard, applying Glyndebourne techniques using excellent industrial machine and hand sewing skills.

• Cutting fabrics and components covering all areas when required by the Cutters.

• Under the Cutters’ direction, administering workload, information, training and guidance for the team, with the ability to work independently when necessary.

• Working to strict deadlines for scheduled fittings and rehearsals.

• Ensuring deadlines are met and staff are well informed of day-to-day commitments in the Cutters’ absence.

• Assisting and taking notes with the senior staff during fittings and standing in for the Cutter when available Taking charge of allocated fittings for revivals with the Cutters’ approval and assistance.

• Taking measurements when required.

• Co-ordinating and checking costumes for scheduled fittings and exit to the running wardrobe.

• Learning and developing new skills whilst adhering to Glyndebourne workroom procedures.

• Preparing samples, training and assisting workroom staff using Glyndebourne procedures and techniques.

• Introducing, instructing and monitoring staff in methods and techniques.  

• Overseeing  the maintenance and tidiness of workroom equipment and stock.

• Using a combination of IT systems and note taking to maintain clear, concise and accurate records 

• Generating stock orders and researching new suppliers as required.

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

• Other duties as required by the Head of Costume.

• Maintain positive relations with all Company members.

• Comply with Company, departmental and Health and Safety procedures.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education and Training

• Degree or recognised industry equivalent qualification in Costume / Tailoring / Fashion.

Minimum Criteria

• Significant professional workroom experience in costume/fashion construction at a senior level.

• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Ability to supervise, motivate, train and assist other members of staff.

• An understanding of workroom procedures involving a large team

• Basic cutting experience

• Experience in monitoring and instructing staff

• Excellent skills in costume construction using machine and hand sewing techniques with ability to work on your own initiative to a very high standard.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• An excellent knowledge of period costume

• Sound knowledge of fabrics and haberdashery

• Advanced knowledge of sewing machine maintenance.

• Flexible and adaptable approach to work

Desirable Criteria

• Qualification or experience in soft tailoring 

• Good level of computer literacy with the ability to produce and record  required documents  

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 £15.02 per hour/ £585.78 per week  (Grade 2)

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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