At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft bespoke shoes and provide exceptional customer service in a luxury environment.
- Company: Renowned shoemaker with a rich heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20 days holiday, bonus scheme, and potential pension.
- Other info: Full-time role in central London with opportunities for travel and growth.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious brand and hone your craft while making customers feel special.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English grade B; hands-on experience in bespoke footwear.
We are looking for a highly skilled craftsperson, preferably a master craftsperson – a fitter and last maker with deep knowledge and understanding of the craft of hand‑made to‑measure shoe and boot making, who can appreciate the John Lobb aesthetic, communicate this effectively and become an integral part of our team. This role is the first point of contact for customers entering 9 St James’s Street and traveling abroad. The successful candidate must provide a flawless customer journey, make lasts to achieve the perfect fit, and help evolve our aesthetic to remain relevant across generations.
Key Responsibilities
- Last Making and Fitting – proper use and care of tools and materials, making lasts for all styles of shoes and boots, taking measurements, carrying out fittings, organising the last store, and polishing and final finishing.
- Customer Service – providing the very best service to customers and potential customers, taking clear instructions, liaising with Accounts, Customer Service, Logistics, Administration, and Operations, communicating in person, over the phone and by email, and taking payments.
- Ancillary Workshop Duties – cutting and preparing leather and grindery, preparing shoes for fittings, pulling lasts from completed shoes, socking shoes and boots, preparing shoes for tree making, packing, leading workshop tours, and liaising with other craftsmen and women.
- Travel – participating in fitting and sales/marketing trips abroad to take orders and build lasting customer relationships.
Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum Maths and English GCSE grade B.
- Hands‑on experience in last making and fitting for bespoke footwear.
Personal Skills and Attributes
- Highly skilled craftsperson.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Welcoming, friendly and helpful.
- Able to take and carry out instructions.
- Enjoys working as part of a team.
- Committed and self‑motivated.
- Common sense and initiative.
- Smart and well presented.
Hours and Location
Full‑time: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday, with availability on Saturdays as required (with a Monday off in lieu). 9 St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1EF.
Salary and Benefits
Salary depends on experience. 20 days paid holiday per year for full‑time (excluding bank holidays). Participation in a discretionary bonus scheme, subject to eligibility. Potential entitlements to the company pension scheme, subject to eligibility and scheme rules.
Lastmaker and Fitter employer: JOHN LOBB LIMITED
At John Lobb, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for skilled craftsmen to thrive in the heart of London. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will continually develop your craft in bespoke footwear. With competitive benefits, including a discretionary bonus scheme and a supportive team environment, joining us means becoming part of a legacy that values artistry and customer excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lastmaker and Fitter
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like JOHN LOBB LIMITED!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including JOHN LOBB LIMITED.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for JOHN LOBB LIMITED.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at JOHN LOBB LIMITED!
We think you need these skills to ace Lastmaker and Fitter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at JOHN LOBB LIMITED.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to JOHN LOBB LIMITED!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at JOHN LOBB LIMITED. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at JOHN LOBB LIMITED
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
