Atelier Managerhaute Couture

We are seeking an experienced Atelier Manager to oversee and lead a couture atelier operations, ensuring every garment is executed to the highest standard, on time and within cost efficiency and budget. This is a senior-level role requiring deep industry experience, exceptional organisational skills, and a strong understanding of couture production. Our client is a prestigious Haute Couture fashion house known for their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance. Their collections and bespoke creations are the result of meticulous attention to detail, artisanal techniques, and close collaboration between design and atelier teams.

The Atelier Manager plays a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of the couture atelier. Responsible for managing the critical path of both seasonal couture collections and bespoke client commissions, the Atelier Manager ensures timely delivery, efficient, and clear communication across departments.

The Role

• Reports To: Founder & CEO & Creative Director and managing and leading an atelier team of Senior / Pattern Cutters, Senior / Seamstresses, Assistant & Embroidery Designers, Assistants, Interns, an increasing team of 15+
• Oversee the entire critical path of atelier operations for all collection pieces and client bespoke projects, ensuring timelines, quality, and budgets are strictly adhered to.
• Serve as the key point of coordination between the Collections Director, Lead Pattern Cutter, Client Relations Manager, and atelier team to ensure alignment across all stages of production.
• Allocate work to the appropriate tailors, seamstresses, and finishers based on skill set, workload, and garment requirements.
• Hold weekly workflow meetings with the atelier team to review project status, resolve bottlenecks, and plan upcoming work.
• Conduct monthly meetings with the Founder to present: Budget updates and cost tracking per project, Time management and team efficiency, Operational challenges and proposed solutions.
• Oversee atelier organisation, including tidiness, equipment maintenance, and stock levels for trims, fabrics, and supplies.
• Track attendance and time allocation for each project to monitor productivity and control.
• Maintain production logs and ensure meticulous records for all couture and client projects.
• Manage, mentor, and oversee atelier interns, ensuring meaningful contribution and learning.
• Monitor workflow and production challenges; reassign or elevate when needed to maintain delivery timelines.
• Ensure the atelier operates with the highest standards of efficiency, discretion, and craftsmanship.

Ideal Candidate

• 15+ years of experience in haute couture, luxury evening-wear, or similar high-end fashion atelier.
• Extensive understanding of couture garment construction, fittings, hand-finishing techniques, and production.
• Proven experience in atelier or production management, with strong leadership and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills; able to liaise confidently with creative leadership, pattern cutters, and clients.
• Strong budget management, cost tracking, and time management abilities.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, production tracking systems, and workflow management tools.
• Discreet, professional, and capable of operating in a confidential and high-pressure couture environment.

Key Traits

• A natural leader with a calm, authoritative presence in the workplace.
• Passionate about precision, heritage craftsmanship, and design.
• Resilient and proactive, with a solution-oriented mindset and commitment to excellence.
• Highly adaptable and able to work across creative and operational priorities.

To Apply

Please submit your CV to cv@otbrecruitment.com. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please only apply if you have 'The Right to Work' in the UK (there is no sponsorship).