At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and alter stunning costumes for world-class opera productions.
- Company: Join the renowned Glyndebourne Festival's creative Costume department.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, free transport, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an artistic journey and develop your costume-making skills.
- Qualifications: BA in Costume Construction or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 14.02 - 14.02 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting for an
Assistant to join our Ladieswear Workroom in our Costume department for our 2027 Festival and Autumn Season,
February - October 2027 .
You will construct and alter costumes for all Glyndebourne Festival and Autumn productions.
You will work to consistently high standards and within the agreed deadlines expected by Glyndebourne Costume Department.
You will also guide new and less experienced team members in working processes as deemed appropriate by the Senior Cutters.
- Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- To construct, alter and finish modern and period costumes to a high standard under direction of senior staff, using advanced machine and hand sewing skills.
- To participate in fittings alongside senior team members, taking notes and assisting as required.
- To work to deadlines for scheduled fittings and rehearsals.
- To continue to learn and develop new skills whilst adhering to Glyndebourne workroom procedures.
- To undertake your designated tasks following consultation with senior staff.
- To cut garment components and fabrics using Glyndebourne procedures as directed by senior staff.
- To guide less experienced and new staff in Glyndebourne working procedures as deemed appropriate by senior staff.
- To assist with maintaining tidiness of stock, workroom and equipment
- To maintain safe workroom practices and report issues to the Cutters and Seniors as soon as they arise.
- To adhere to Glyndebourne GDPR policies at all times.
- To keep notes and samples of work for reference as requested by the senior team members.
- To maintain positive relations with all
Glyndebourne Company members.
- To work with diplomacy and discretion at all times.
- To adhere to all Glyndebourne Health and Safety policies.
- To record all departmental paperwork and timesheets with accuracy
- To perform other reasonable job-related or ad-hoc duties as assigned by your line manager
- Knowledge, Skills and Experience
ESSENTIAL
- BA degree or equivalent in Costume Construction, Tailoring or Fashion
- Workroom experience in costume/fashion construction where you have worked as part of a team of 3 or more, minimum of 2 years experience
- Proven skills and experience in costume construction using machine and hand sewing techniques to a very high standard
- Good knowledge, proven skills and practical experience of making historical period garments to a good standard
- Experience of workroom procedures involving a large team
- Openness to learning new skills and processes
- A good understanding of a wide range of fabrics and haberdashery and their practical uses
- A strong knowledge of basic sewing machine maintenance (domestic and industrial)
- Sound knowledge of costume terminology and methods of construction that you have used in a workroom environment
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Proven capability to undertake and complete work in line with guidelines provided / standard professional construction time frames
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
DESIRABLE
- An interest to develop skills and responsibilities within the costume workroom
- Good level of computer literacy with the ability to produce and update documents if needed
- An understanding of fitting room etiquette which you have previously demonstrated in a supportive role
- A good understanding and knowledge of Historical Costume
- An understanding of Health and Safety at work
- Salary, Hours & Benefits
This is a Grade 4 position, paid at a rate of £14.02 per hour.
The contractual hours of work are 39 per week. You may be required to work additional hours to meet the demands of the role.
We offer 6.6 weeks / 33 days holiday per year 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 22nd November with interviews expected to take place the week commencing Monday 30th November.
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 .
The Company
The Glyndebourne Festival (running from May to August), features a programme of six operas in its 1,200-seat opera house, attracting audiences from around the world.
The Autumn Season (October to December) extends Glyndebourne’s reach, offering audiences the opportunity to experience fresh perspectives and new works in a dynamic and exploratory setting.
Together, the Festival and Autumn Season welcome over 125,000 attendees annually, with many more engaging through online streaming and other digital platforms.
Remaining financially independent since its inception, Glyndebourne is a registered charity that relies on box office income, memberships, and donations to fund its operations.
Committed to artistic excellence, audience development, and accessibility, Glyndebourne continues to expand the reach and appreciation of opera for all.
- The Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free Tea & Coffee
- Employee Discounts
Assistant - Ladieswear Workroom in Lewes employer: Glyndebourne Productions
Glyndebourne is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning environment while gaining invaluable experience in production management. With a strong commitment to employee development through a higher level apprenticeship and a supportive work culture that promotes collaboration and creativity, employees enjoy numerous benefits including free fitness classes, subsidised dining, and a free minibus service. Join us to be part of a world-class opera experience and contribute to our mission of making opera accessible to all.
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