Wardrobe Supervisors

We are currently recruiting for 3 Wardrobe Supervisors to join us on a full time, seasonal contract. 

Reporting to the Head of Costume, you will be responsible for the efficient, effective delivery of wardrobe requirements for rehearsals and performances. 

You will recruit, schedule and supervise the Wardrobe team, overseeing the day to day operations and workloads at Glyndebourne, on tour and at other venues.

You will contribute to, participate in and support activities relating to costume hires, co-productions, costume sales and costume storages.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Supported by the Head of Costume, you will assess and implement pre season, season and show preparation including the contribution to and frequent review of the team schedule ensuring the efficient use of wardrobe resources.

• Shortlist, interview and recruit seasonal staff, prepare and deliver inductions, provide relevant training and conduct end of contract appraisals.

• Lead on allocated operas, liaising directly with and providing support to the Costume supervisors including buying, sourcing, altering and fitting.

• Attend relevant production and post production meetings.

• Use departmental templates to prepare, update and distribute performance related documentation, ensuring information is current and accurate, enabling the smooth transition of all costume and related information between production and running teams.

• Actively participate in the alteration and refurbishment of performance and stock costumes and accessories using excellent industrial machine and hand sewing skills and costume construction techniques.

• Oversee and perform duties relating to routine show maintenance, repairs, cleaning and laundry of costumes and accessories to a consistently high standard.

• Maintain departmental equipment, review and update COSHH documents and contribute to risk assessments.

• Source,purchase and organise Wardrobe specific equipment and stock as  agreed with Hoc, to include updating COSHH requirements and operating within agreed financial parameters. 

• Oversee and participate in daily changeover of costumes for respective operas, delegating appropriate tasks to the Running Wardrobe team.

• Prepare, set and clear dressing rooms and backstage areas, dress artistes,and  perform quick changes.

• Plan and participate in get ins and get out’s to include movement of costume rails across the site, carrying and lifting garments and equipment., including activities in  different venues and in different locations

• Contribute to the organisation and storage of costumes, accessories and materials.

• Work alongside the Production Costume workroom team as the schedule allows. 

• Respect the need for diplomacy and discretion at all times with emphasis on safeguarding confidential information. 

• Undertake training and personal development as required/agreed.

• Willingness to participate in other duties as required by the Head of Costume.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

 Essential

• Degree or recognised industry equivalent qualification in Costume / Tailoring / Fashion , and / or extensive recognised industry experience in a similar role 

• Strong supervisory and team leadership skills including but not limited to staff recruitment and appraisals.

• Proven experience in costume construction, accurate machine and hand sewing skills to maintain, refurbish, alter and repair costumes and accessories to a high standard.

• Knowledge of fabrics and their uses in both construction and maintenance 

• Experience, ability and willingness to develop staff of varying skill levels 

• A pro active, positive and collaborative attitude with a willingness and desire for professional development 

• Excellent time management and organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload whilst actively supporting other members of the team.

• Experience of instructing and training staff in wardrobe processes in the use of industrial and domestic machinery and  alteration techniques 

• Ability to work positively under pressure and adapt to changing deadlines and priorities in a fast paced environment 

• Ability and willingness to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends. 

• Live theatre performance and touring experience 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills , IT literacy and ability to work within established departmental systems in Google suites.

Desirable

• Full  UK Driving licence

• Experience of organising and/or managing a storage facility to include preparing items for costume sales.

• Knowledge of / proficiency in sewing machine maintenance, and workroom specific industrial machinery

• Knowledge of related skills e.g textile dyeing, millinery

Hours of Work

Your normal working hours are variable, on average a minimum of 39 hours per week over 7 days. However, employees at this level are expected to work the hours required to meet the demands of the role.

This is a fixed term contract from March - November.

Salary and Benefits

We can offer a salary of £819.39 per week. 

We offer 33 days (6.6 weeks) holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum pro rata. 

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 : 

• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants

• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop

• Staff events

• Corporate Gym memberships

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes

• Free tea and coffee

• Free on-site parking 

• An onsite Physiotherapist 

• Cost price electric car charging

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Long service awards

• 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.

Please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now;’ to submit your application. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 7 December with interviews to be held at Glyndebourne on Wednesday 10 December.

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.