Set Decorator in London

Company Overview

Founded in 2007 by Mike and Alison Battle, Lapland began with a simple but powerful purpose: to honour the wonder of childhood at Christmas. Frustrated by the poor quality of festive experiences available for their own four boys, the Battles set out to elevate this moment of childhood and reimagine the Father Christmas myth through original storytelling, meticulous set design, and emotionally resonant live theatre.

Their ground-breaking immersive show opened in 2007 and immediately captured the attention and hearts of parents nationwide. Powered by their purpose, the couple partnered with Hollywood set designers and West End performance professionals to produce an experience of unprecedented quality and detail. With an NPS of 72 (outperforming industry icons in the entertainment space), Lapland's customer loyalty is second to none and has now welcomed nearly 2 million 'believers,' with tickets selling out on release for what the press now terms 'the Glastonbury of Christmas'.

Today, the Lapland Group is a fast-growing purpose driven entertainment business spanning the three pillars of Live, Product and Studios. In 2024, Lapland's eCommerce revenues grew tenfold, driven by the launch of magical at-home products like personalised Letters from Lapland. These products extend the Lapland world into the home, deepening belief and connection beyond the physical experience. At the same time, our original story universe continues to scale through media. In 2023, Lapland launched its first podcast, Elfcast, which achieved No. 1 in the UK Family Charts and ranked in the global top 10 over Christmas. With plans to expand into audio and content year-round, our IP and characters are reaching audiences in new and emotionally resonant ways.

With immersive Live experiences, high-growth eCommerce, and a rapidly expanding original content, Lapland is on a mission to become the definitive global Christmas brand anchored in belief, storytelling, and the enduring magic of childhood.

Location: The Woodyard Workshop, Ascot & Covent Garden Head Office

Reports to: Production Manager

Role Overview:

The Set Decorator will be responsible for the dressing, styling, maintenance and continuity of all sets and environments across Lapland's large-scale immersive experience in Ascot & Manchester. This role is essential to ensuring each space feels rich, believable and story-led, supporting the narrative authenticity, visual richness and operational practicality.

Working closely with the Production and performance departments, the Set Decorator will ensure that all scenic environments are dressed accurately to brief and maintained to the highest standard throughout the build, live and de-rig phases. This is a full-time, fixed term role, based year-round between our Ascot workshop, Central London Head Office and on-site in Ascot & Manchester during peak delivery periods, reporting into the Production Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Dress and style all sets and environments to creative briefs, drawings and reference imagery, ensuring cohesive story-led spaces.
• Maintain visual continuity and high dressing standards throughout build, live and de-rig phases, including regular checks, resets and refreshes.
• Create and manage schedules for set dressing, greens and floristry teams, and oversee their delivery on-site.
• Collaborate with Props, Carpentry and Scenic teams to integrate dressing seamlessly and support installation, snagging and final detailing.
• Carry out quality control checks and ensure all dressing elements meet creative, technical, safety and H&S standards.
• Support asset tracking, labelling, storage, de-rig, packing and safe handling of dressing items.
• Respond calmly and efficiently to any on-site issues affecting visual standards during live operation.
• Uphold Lapland's values and contribute to a truly believable, immersive experience for every family.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required to support successful delivery of the event.

Role Requirements:

• Naturally aligned to Lapland values.
• Proven experience as a Set Decorator or similar role within theatre, film, TV, events or immersive environments.
• Strong visual eye with excellent attention to detail and storytelling awareness.
• Good understanding of scenic dressing, textures, materials and spatial composition.
• Ability to follow creative direction accurately while also using initiative to solve on-site challenges.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage and maintain multiple environments simultaneously.
• Good working knowledge of health & safety practices within live event and public-facing environments.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and to tight deadlines, particularly during build and live periods.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and extended hours during peak delivery phases.
• Calm, proactive and solution-focused attitude.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider production team.
• Comfortable working outdoors in woodland environments and variable weather conditions.
• Full UK driving licence desirable.

Life at Lapland Group:

At Lapland Group, we believe in the magic of collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a team that's always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Working with us means being part of a dynamic environment where collaboration brings out the best in everyone, diverse talents converge, and innovation thrives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every team member is dedicated to achieving the highest standards, contributing to a workplace culture that values continuous improvement and outstanding results.

We're not just looking for employees; we want people who are excited to get involved, embrace challenges, and bring a hands-on approach to their work, creating a workplace full of positivity and collective success. Overall, working at Lapland Group offers a chance to be part of something truly special, where the wonder of childhood is celebrated by a team dedicated to making memories for over 40,000 families each year.

Passion for the Mission.

We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy.

One Company.

We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves.

Driven to Deliver Excellence.

Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do.

Salary – £40,000

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working (3 days in London, 2 days at home).
• Dog friendly office.
• 22 days annual leave, with one additional day added per year until it reaches 30.
• Contribution towards further development and training.
• Vitality private healthcare scheme (after qualifying period).
• Monthly team social events.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship.

Lapland reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant.

Lapland is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.