Atelier Fellowship Programme Lead in Cumnock

This intensive programme is designed to develop the next generation of fashion makers, as they create a capsule collection, combining world-class artisanal expertise, sustainable design, and a commitment to craftsmanship. Open to graduates in Fashion Design and Fashion Technology, the eight-month residential fellowship will be based at the studio environment at Dumfries House. Fellows will be immersed in the complete creative journey—designing, handcrafting, and presenting their work—culminating in the creation of a capsule collection. On completion of the collections, students will then work on a final portfolio look showcasing the skills developed in the programme.

At the heart of this new programme lies a dedication to the sustainable evolution of luxury. Students will explore the creative interface between skills, materials, making, and design, developing expertise in areas including handcrafting, sewing, pattern drafting, and quality control. The fellowship will be delivered by expert artisans and tutors at The King’s Foundation, with mentorship and guidance from CHANEL and le19M, the Paris-based hub dedicated to the preservation and transmission of the Métiers d’art.

The Role: The Lead Tutor will lead the day-to-day delivery and coordination of the Atelier Fellowship Programme, ensuring that training replicates professional production standards. This role requires an experienced technical educator or production specialist with proven expertise in luxury garment making, quality control processes, and production management. The successful candidate will create a positive, structured learning environment, mentoring participants in the skills, discipline, and quality expectations required within the luxury fashion industry.

Key Tasks

• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment that allows students to build skills and confidence to reach their potential.
• Manage day-to-day pastoral care support for the students as their main point of contact.
• Lead the delivery of practical and theoretical sessions in garment production for a small collection.
• Train and supervise students in all aspects of production workflow - including cutting, machining, pressing, hand-finishing, and quality control.
• Implement and oversee a production line training environment, allocating tasks and monitoring accuracy and efficiency.
• Promote professional workroom standards, time management, and teamwork reflective of an industry setting.
• Integrate CHANEL and Le 19M Métiers d’Art expertise and The King’s Foundation’s Harmony Principles throughout the teaching.
• Develop weekly production targets and ensure they are achieved to time and quality standards.
• Maintain a safe, organised, and efficient workshop environment.
• Record learner progress and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with curriculum manager, programme partners, visiting tutors and artisans to ensure programme alignment.
• Contribute to evaluation, reporting, and documentation of outcomes.

Person Specification

• Significant experience working within a garment production setting or producing garments in small production runs to a luxury standard.
• Proven ability to manage or train others in a production line or team-based setting.
• Strong technical knowledge of industrial machinery, sewing techniques, and quality control processes.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills.
• A passion for nurturing emerging talent and upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship.
• Alignment with the values of The King’s Foundation, CHANEL and Le19M commitment to craft excellence and sustainability.
• Degree level qualification of a related discipline.
• Previous experience delivering or coordinating accredited training or skills-based programmes.
• Familiarity with luxury brand production standards, couture, bespoke tailoring.
• Understanding of sustainability and ethical practices within fashion manufacturing.

Other

The post will be based at Dumfries House, Cumnock, KA18 2NJ with the requirement to travel on occasion within the UK and France. Your working hours will be 37.5 hours per week. This is a 12-month fixed term contract with the possibility to extend. You must have the legal right to work in the UK. This post is considered to be a regulated activity therefore any offer will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure check with the Disclosure Scotland.

Applications: Please submit a Digital folio or examples of workmanship, cover letter and CV (please note one A4 page maximum each for CV and letter) to Gordon Watson, email address: hr.recruitment@kings-foundation.org and request an application form.