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- Tasks: Lead the Wigs and Make-Up team to deliver high-quality productions in a vibrant arts environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading UK arts organisation with a rich cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that inspires imagination and ignites emotion through performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in wigs and make-up for theatre, strong leadership, and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55672 - 55672 £ per year.
Fixed term contract for 6 months, starting ASAP. Full-time; 42.5 hours per week. £55,672.90 per annum. Based in: Covent Garden, London.
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
Our Technical, Production and Costume Department plays a leading part in ensuring our performances are of the highest quality by delivering technical excellence for every performance, rehearsal, and event.
This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to join our costume department in a key leadership role as part of the Wigs and Make-Up management team. In this role you will work collaboratively with your fellow managers to ensure the team deliver both new and revival productions to the highest possible standard of safety, efficiency, and quality, whilst upholding the highest principles of presentation and courtesy. The Wigs and Make-Up department is currently made up of c. 20 permanent technicians and senior technicians, alongside an excellent pool of casual and freelance staff.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced candidate who can bring a strong team leadership ethic to the role. You will be confident leading by example, with a passion for building a diverse and inclusive workplace. You will have strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset and an eye for high quality output. You will also be able to demonstrate:
- HND or degree in Wigs and Make-up for the Performing Arts preferred, City and Guilds Hairdressing Diploma and Make-up course or equivalent.
- Excellent professional experience in hair and make-up techniques for the theatre.
- Extensive knowledge of the latest techniques, materials and products used for wig making, make-up looks, prosthetics and effects as well as historical period wig making and setting, hair qualities and suppliers.
- A good track record in demonstrating quality and flair in interpreting the designer’s brief.
- Proven experience of managing teams and projects with consistent high production standards, including effective resource and budget management.
We value the diversity new hires can bring to our workforce. A working knowledge of our repertoire is not essential, but the ability to learn quickly is.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Monday 6th April 2026. To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Wigs and Make-up Manager - WC2E 9DD in Hemel Hempstead employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wigs and Make-up Manager - WC2E 9DD in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent productions and how your skills can contribute to their vision. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Wigs and Make-up Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and passion for creating an inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Wigs and Make-up Manager - WC2E 9DD in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Wigs and Make-up Manager. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match our needs.
Show Off Your Experience: When writing your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience. We want to see your passion for wigs and make-up in the performing arts, so include specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and creativity.
Be Yourself: We value authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We’re excited to learn about what makes you, you!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on the latest techniques and materials used in wigs and make-up for the performing arts. Be ready to discuss your professional experience and how it aligns with the role, showcasing your flair for interpreting a designer's brief.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Wigs and Make-up Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong team leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past, focusing on how you foster collaboration and inclusivity within your team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your vision for the department and how you plan to uphold high production standards.
✨Embrace Diversity
The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment and how your unique background or experiences can enhance the team's creativity and innovation.