Senior Wardrobe Assistant - Manchester

Location: Lapland UK Live Site, Manchester: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK119JY

Start Date: 1st November 2026

Preview Day: 4th November 2026

Opening Day: 7th November 2026

End Date: 24th December 2026 with the potential to extend the contract into January to aid with De‑rig where necessary.

Role Overview

The Senior Wardrobe Assistant is an exciting new position within our Wardrobe team. Each sub‑department will have two Senior Wardrobe Assistants. This role is designed for experienced Wardrobe Assistants who are ready to take the next step in their development. Senior Wardrobe Assistants will play a key part in maintaining high standards across the department by sharing their knowledge, guiding less‑experienced colleagues and helping to uphold efficient, consistent working practices. They will act as role models within their teams, supporting daily operations while contributing to a positive, collaborative and professional working environment.

There are three sub‑departments within Wardrobe, with a dedicated team assigned to each for the duration of the run: Groups, Principals and the Father Christmas team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example and support the Wardrobe Assistants in day‑to‑day tasks by sharing knowledge and advice.
• Set the tone and maintain an efficient working environment by taking leadership on time management and key tasks.
• Develop a good understanding of existing systems put in place by Wardrobe Deputies and Wardrobe Manager, and support the wardrobe assistants in actioning the systems.
• Dress performers precisely and compassionately.
• Identify and conduct necessary maintenance in a timely manner to keep all costumes in good condition during the show dates, keeping a detailed log of repairs and notifying Deputies or Manager of any concerns.
• Follow systems to ensure costumes are laundered, cleaned and refreshed between shows.
• Develop exceptional knowledge of the costumes and costume standards, supporting the Wardrobe Manager and Deputies in delivering high standards across the show.
• Complete all set‑up and closing duties necessary for the department to run seamlessly.
• Follow cast lists to set the costumes for each day of shows.
• Maintain and develop existing systems used for the smooth running of every shift or show.
• Effectively communicate and participate in handover notes to Wardrobe Deputies and Wardrobe Assistants.
• Respond quickly and efficiently to any on‑set Wardrobe calls.
• Attend training days specified by the Wardrobe Manager.
• Maintain a supportive and positive Wardrobe environment with the cast and team.
• Represent the company and comply with company policies.

Role Requirements

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Passion for the role and the company.
• Proven experience in hand sewing and machine sewing.
• Excellent knowledge base of different materials.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Proven experience in live theatre.
• Knowledge of costume maintenance techniques.
• Experience laundering costumes.
• Good knowledge of Excel and Google Drive.
• Passion for sharing knowledge.
• 2‑3 years’ experience in the industry.

Pay & Benefits

• £16.85 per hour, plus £50 per working day subsidy.
• One on‑site meal per working shift.
• Lapland Shuttle bus from local train station to get to site.
• On‑site parking for staff (Manchester only).
• 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.

Additional Information

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 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.