You should have significant experience at a senior level in a work room, cutting both period and modern garments and constructing and altering costumes. In addition, you will have strong leadership and organisational skills together with a commitment to high production standards.
Pauline Lecrass, Head of Costume is happy to have an informal discussion with any one considering applying. She can be contacted on 01273 812321 or by email – .
Job Description
Reporting to: Head of Costume
Direct Reports: 2 permanent and up to 8 seasonal staff
Job Purpose; To plan the workload, cut tailored costumes and supervise their production for new Festival and Tour productions. To remake or alter as required tailored costumes for revivals.
Main Duties
- To discuss with designers the cutting requirements for productions.
- To research the style and cut of any period as required.
- To contribute constructive advice to the designer or costume supervisor with regard to the choice and quantities of materials for costume production.
- To plan workload in relation to new costumes, remakes and alterations.
- To allocate work for both new productions and revivals using out workers as required. To review regularly and report progress to the Head of Costume.
- To make patterns, gradings and toiles as required.
- To measure and fit cast and update records.
- To be responsible for staff supervision in the work room. To assist the Head of Costume with recruitment, appraisals and new contracts. To deal with any grievances and first level disciplinary issues referring to the Head of Costume as required.
- To communicate regularly with staff to ensure they are working to schedule for fittings, dress rehearsals and planned completion dates, alerting the Head of Costume of any labour or material over runs.
- To train and instruct staff in workroom procedures and production methods.
- To attend all piano dress rehearsals to note and action any costume alterations. To attend stage and orchestra rehearsals as required.
- To instruct staff in safe working practices, ensure that they are followed and regularly inspect workroom to maintain a safe working environment.
- To carry out any other duties as required by the Head of Costume or Senior Cutter.
Skills and Experience
Education and Training
A degree or equivalent qualification in costume preferably specialising in bespoke tailoring.
Experience
- Significant experience at a senior level in a production workroom.
- Experience of staff supervision
- Experience of complete garment construction.
- Experience of accurate costume alterations.
- Experience of training and instructing workroom staff.
Knowledge & Special Skills
- A sound knowledge and skill in cutting period and modern tailored garments.
- Ability to produce authentic cut in the interpretation of any design.
- Excellent hand and machine sewing skills.
- Knowledge of basic sewing machine maintenance.
Essential Qualities
- Strong leadership skills
- Good interpersonal and communications skills to be able to work with designers, other departments and to instruct new and less experienced staff in work room procedures.
- Able to organise and plan workload effectively.
- Able to work under pressure and over extended hours if required to meet deadlines and last minute changes.
- Committed to working to the highest standard and maintaining Glyndebourne's reputation for costume excellence.
Salary and Benefits
We offer an attractive salary dependant on experience. Salaries are reviewed annually on 1st January. The contractual hours of work are 39 per week 09.00 – 18.00 Monday – Thursday and 09.00 – 17.00 on Friday with an hour for lunch.
33 days / 6.6 weeks holiday per year including bank holidays.
A defined contribution pension scheme after 3 months (on successful completion of probation), employee contribution 5 % employer contribution 5%.
We have excellent on site catering facilities, can offer a beautiful working environment and for those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station.
How to Apply
Please apply by emailing your CV with covering letter and the equal opportunities form (available below) to or send it to Julia Murray Logue, HR Manager, Glyndebourne Productions Ltd., Glyndebourne. Lewes. E. Sussex. BN8 5UU.
Please complete the equal opportunities monitoring form, save as a word document and attach to your application.