WHAM Manager (Manchester) in Macclesfield

About Lapland

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: Lapland UK Live Site, Manchester: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK11 7

Key Dates:

• Start Date: 14th September 2026
• Preview Day: 5th / 6th November 2026 (TBC)
• Opening Day: 7th November 2026
• End Date: 24th December 2026
• De‑Rig: 27th December – 30th December

Role Overview

The WHAM Manager plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of leadership, maintaining department standards, and supporting the smooth daily operational flow within the principles and FC departments, whilst offering support in groups. In this position, the WHAM Manager oversees the daily WHAM operation, including daily staffing, and the consistent delivery of department‑wide quality. They are expected to make confident, well‑informed decisions, provide strong support to Deputies and the wider team, and escalate issues appropriately when required. The WHAM Manager is responsible for setting and upholding best practice across the department, ensuring that all health and safety procedures, WHAM protocols, and performance‑ready standards are consistently met. Strong communication skills, proactive problem‑solving, and a calm, professional presence during high‑pressure and busy periods are essential.

WHAM & Wardrobe Structure

The WHAM room sits within the wardrobe structure closest to our principal department. The department is made up of three sub‑departments, each with a dedicated team assigned for the duration of the run. The principals department supports 50 performers daily, the WHAM team are responsible for ensuring all actors apply their make up correctly in accordance with the design and facechart they are given for that character, offer support with hair prep, apply all wigs and facial hair to the highest standard, apply hats and ensure these are pinned in correctly and will withstand 12 hours on set. This area demands meticulous continuity management, strong attention to detail, and an exceptionally organised workflow to meet the pace and precision of the performance schedule.

Father Christmas

Dedicated exclusively to our most iconic role, this department supports 50 Father Christmas performers throughout the day. Responsibilities include maintaining setting and dressing facial hair, providing support to Father Christmas during application, and ensuring immaculate presentation before and during his time with guests. WHAM also provides support to the FC wardrobe assistants including training in care of facial hair.

Groups

Working most closely with ensemble and crowd performers, Groups is a high‑energy, fast‑paced environment. Each day, over 200 elves are dressed across 15 different costume designs, requiring excellent organisation, consistency, quality control, and rapid turnaround. Although WHAM are not directly linked to the groups, we offer support to the Wardrobe team in ensuring the hair is done to a good standard and make up applied correctly.

Show & Shift Information

The show runs daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a new audience beginning their journey every 30 minutes. Each audience experiences approximately 1.5 hours of scripted performance, followed by 1.5 hours of immersive free time in the Elven Village, before meeting Father Christmas. WHAM shifts are split as follows:

• AM Shift: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
• PM Shift: 2:45 pm – 11:45 pm

The show operates 7 days a week. Wardrobe schedules follow a 5 days on / 2 days off rota, with no guaranteed weekend days off.

The Team & Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a large, passionate team within a fun, fast‑paced environment. Per site, we are recruiting: 1 Deputy, 10 WHAM Assistants. We are deeply committed to developing and nurturing our teams. Our goal is to build a department that encourages growth, progression, and return year after year — creating a strong, experienced WHAM team that continues to deliver exceptional standards and unforgettable shows.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct fittings with your deputy.
• Answering to the Costume Manager and WHAM Supervisor.
• Manage the team of WHAM Assistants in either London or Manchester.
• Learn detailed knowledge of all Lapland Characters, Make‑up looks and Wigs as well as the department strategy.
• Attend and complete relevant company training and deliver extensive training to the WHAM Team.
• Managing get‑in to ensure that the WHAM Room is well organised.
• Continuously monitor WHAM Standards throughout the season, ensuring the high standards are consistently met.
• To oversee the application of Wigs and Make‑up precisely and compassionately.
• Work with the Costume Manager and WHAM Supervisor to solve any issues that have occurred.
• Precisely document the season using documentation provided.
• To maintain and develop existing systems used for the smooth running of every shift/show.
• Including implementing systems to ensure Wigs are dressed to a high standard, and Make‑up is kept clean and hygienic between shows.
• To update and communicate online cast lists to deputy and assistants to set up the Wigs and Make‑up for each day of shows.
• To oversee the handovers of WHAM Assistants between shifts to ensure online logbooks and communication are effective.
• Build strong Collaborative relationships with Management from other departments and work together to achieve shared goals.
• Be responsible for the team's Rota and Payroll.
• Complete End of Day reports to send through to Event Management alongside the Wardrobe Department.
• Champion a Safe and approachable WHAM department.
• Develop a seamless team between Wardrobe and WHAM on‑site.
• To manage the De‑Rig efficiently, ensuring an accurate Inventory is provided to the Costume Team.
• Ensure all Wigs are washed and set to the WHAM Supervisors standards before packing away for the year.
• Collate a detailed de‑brief by talking through feedback with the entire department to submit on completion of the season.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, ownership and excellence throughout all staff members within your area.
• Sewing tasks will be expected e.g. stitching weft and crin into hats.
• Manage the Stock of Consumables on Site.
• Maintain the Infrastructure On‑Site.
• To create a supportive and positive WHAM environment with the cast and team.
• To represent the company and comply with company policies.

Role Requirements

• Leadership Skills
• Excellent Problem Solving
• Excellent Teamwork and Communication
• Passion for the role and the company
• Proven experience in Wig setting and maintenance
• Excellent Knowledge of Wig styling techniques and makeup application.
• An ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proven experience in live theatre
• Proven experience of managing a team of at least 2‑3 Assistants
• Managing rotas
• Good Knowledge of Excel and Google Drive

Life at LaplandUK

At LaplandUK, 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 LaplandUK 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.

OneCompany. 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 & Benefits

Salary – £21.87 per hour; Plus £50 per working day subsidy or accommodation provided. Your choice of contract basis – we can contract as PAYE or Self‑Employed. One on‑site meal per working shift. Lapland Shuttle bus from local train station to get to site. On‑site parking for staff (Manchester). Holiday paid in full at end of the contract calculated at 12.07% of total hours worked. £50 Subsidy per working day to help with travel costs or Accommodation.

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.