Senior Creative Pattern Cutter in Olney

James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the Designer's ideas and drawings into real costumes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head of Pattern Cutting. They will be required to work closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting, team of machinists and pattern cutters or independently on specific projects assigned to them. The role will be based at the creative studio in Milton Keynes and be responsible to the Head of Pattern Cutting.

The candidate we are looking for will have a deep understanding of garment construction, fit and fabric behaviour, with the ability to follow illustrations together with technical design sheet and client’s measurements to create practical and easy to alter patterns that most of the time need to fit multiple people. They will have the ability to create patterns for a variety of garment types, including structured garments, stretch wear and armour-based costumes. Some examples are tailored jackets, waistcoats, trousers, skirts, petticoats, crinolines, bodices, dresses, catsuits, leotards, knickers, and bra cup shaped leotards.

We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience of working in a similar studio/home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required. The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of standing and some sitting at machinery and manoeuvring boxes/rolls of fabric.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Be able to make costumes using foam, stiff materials, leather, plastic fabrics, wires, ridgeline for support.
• Ability to adapt patterns for specialised costume needs, including movement, durability, and quick change.
• Ensure that patterns are clearly marked with the required information needed.
• Ensure that the patterns are made in a practical way for the team of Creative Costume Makers/Machinists to follow and understand how the costume should be put together.
• Take into account fabric limitations and costume longevity when designing patterns.
• Maintain and organise costume patterns archives for future use and reference.
• Follow working notes and drawings/instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns.
• Have excellent interpretation skills from design to pattern, including scale and proportions.
• Create patterns from clients’ measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
• Create a working toile/sample prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor.
• Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns.
• Work closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting to manage projects and deadlines.
• Use own initiative, manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales.
• Be highly organised with excellent communication skills.
• Regularly meet and update the Head of Pattern Cutting regarding the daily/weekly workload.
• Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the office manager.
• Document all working notes/photographs on the design sheet.
• During project handover, raise any questions/concerns to the Head of Pattern Cutting ensuring maximum productivity.
• Create makeup samples and toiles to a high standard.
• Protect the company’s intellectual property.

Essential skills and qualifications:

• Be able to work on menswear, womenswear and childrenswear with a variety of fabrics (stretch and non-stretch).
• Be creative and adapt patterns and make new patterns to the designers’ illustrations.
• Advanced knowledge in construction methods.
• Be passionate, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience of manual pattern drafting.
• Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
• A good eye for detail, shape and proportion.
• Highly experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon.
• Advanced knowledge of working with varied fabrics and understanding of construction techniques whilst drafting patterns.
• Experienced in drafting patterns for corsetry/stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
• Have a strong understanding for pattern development for theatrical, film, television, or bespoke costumes, suited for performance and movement on stage.
• Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven experience of making patterns, garments and costumes in a professional workroom environment.
• Flexible, hardworking and organised with a positive and constructive attitude.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.

Desirable skills and qualifications:

• Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety.
• College degree in pattern making (this is not a requirement for the role).

We are an ever-expanding team and encourage all our staff to progress, work on new projects and build on their skills.

About James Maciver Costumes:

We are a fast-paced dynamic and creative expanding team of 27 employees based in Milton Keynes, working with clients around the UK and Internationally. Our clients range from independent artists to large-scale companies within the entertainment and hospitality industry with various requirements and needs. We work on various seasonal calendar events throughout the whole year including but not limited to Christmas, Gay pride, New Year, and Easter.

Values:

Our values are to provide a professional, dependable and bespoke service. We pride ourselves on designing and producing high quality products for our clients however large or small.

Hours and environment:

Your normal working week will be 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday with a 30-minute lunch break. You will be asked to work additional hours paid at the agreed rate of contract. You will be working in a shared studio space with access to free parking dependent on availability.

Holiday entitlement:

You will receive 20 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata). We operate an employee loyalty scheme and an additional 5 days’ holiday is given with service.

James Maciver Costumes takes the health and safety of all its employees, workers, contractors or customers very seriously. Within this role you will be expected to ensure that you work safely and take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing as well as others around you. Further information regarding the health and safety standards can be found in the health and safety policy.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries: Entertainment