At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Costume Craft Programme, teaching technical skills and fostering creativity in students.
- Company: The King’s Foundation, partnered with Amazon MGM Studios, based in East London.
- Benefits: Fully funded postgraduate opportunity with hands-on experience in the costume industry.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of costume design while promoting sustainability and craftsmanship.
- Qualifications: Degree in Costume, Textiles, Theatre Design, or equivalent industry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The King’s Foundation is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Costume Craft Programme Lead to support the delivery of the Costume Craft Programme — a fully funded, postgraduate-level opportunity developed in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios. Based at Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London, this immersive programme equips students with technical and creative skills, alongside sustainability-led approaches, for careers in the screen and stage costume industry.
The post holder will take a strategic and operational role in the delivery of an industry-led, studio-based curriculum. They will lead teaching costume construction techniques in response to professional briefs, including work on both individual costumes and crowd scenes. Working alongside a small team of staff and visiting tutors, the Costume Craft Programme Lead will ensure that the programme delivers exceptional technical training, fosters creativity, and embeds sustainability throughout.
They will support a small group of learners from diverse backgrounds to develop professional-level technical ability, creative confidence, and industry awareness, ensuring the programme reflects best practice in the screen and stage costume sector. They will also contribute to strategic planning, curriculum development, and industry engagement to ensure the programme remains relevant, innovative, and impactful.
- Deliver high-quality technical tuition in specialist costume disciplines, including period and contemporary pattern cutting, tailored garment construction, professional sewing techniques, costume fitting and alterations, and finishing methods for screen, stage, and live performance.
- Support students in developing confidence with industrial equipment and small-batch production methods, ensuring precision and professional standards across all work.
- Embed broader learning themes such as sustainable costume practices, working with natural fibres, and preserving craft heritage through traditional construction and embellishment techniques, delivered through tutorials, critiques, and peer-led reviews that promote collaborative and reflective learning.
- Guide and mentor students during self-directed sessions, helping them develop time management, self-evaluation, and the ability to meet programme expectations, while assisting in preparations for guest tutor visits, film/TV project briefs, and final project outcomes.
- Contribute to the planning, delivery, and coordination of timetabled workshops and studio activities.
- Ensure all workshop activity aligns with the ethos of The King’s Foundation and the programme’s values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and excellence.
- Collaborate with the project manager and curriculum team to support the development of new content and delivery strategies.
Degree-level qualification in Costume, Textiles, Theatre Design, or a related subject, or equivalent, up-to-date industry experience in film, TV, theatre, or live events.
Strong knowledge of the education and training landscape, including further/higher education, and alternative pathways into costume careers.
Proven project management skills, with experience overseeing multiple creative projects, delivering educational or apprenticeship programmes, and managing staff or freelance teams.
In-depth understanding of sustainability principles and their application within the costume sector.
Established professional network within the costume, film/TV, and theatre industries.
Understanding and support for the ethos and principles underlying The King’s Foundation and Harmony Education.
Ability to perform under pressure, adapt to shifting priorities, and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
Willingness to travel frequently within the UK, if required. The post will be based at Foundation House, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, E14 0FG with the requirement to travel on occasion. Your working hours will be 37.5 hours per week (will include evening and weekend working as required to meet the needs of the centre). You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Industrial Project Lead / Project Manager in London employer: The King's Foundation
The King’s Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Costume Craft Programme at Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London. With a strong commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and professional growth, while engaging with industry leaders and diverse learners. This role not only allows for impactful teaching but also contributes to shaping the future of the costume industry, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about education and the arts.
