Men's Workroom Assistant Manager/Assistant Cutter (Fixed-Term)

Royal Academy Of Dance; London; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organisation in Covent Garden, London is seeking a Men’s Workroom Assistant Manager/Cutter to join their team on a fixed-term basis. The role requires managing the workroom staff, ensuring high-quality costume provision for productions, and leading with effective customer care. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in Costume and Design, alongside substantial cutting and making experience, and knowledge of costume fitting techniques. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class performances and arts.

Qualifications

• A degree level qualification in a relevant craft skills area is required.
• Proven track record in craft skills workrooms in a major production theatre.
• Extensive experience in cutting and making for costumes.

Responsibilities

• Manage activities and staff of the Men’s Workroom to ensure high standards.
• Provide leadership and management of staff effectively.
• Ensure excellent customer care for designers and production teams.

Skills

Theatrical Costume Design qualification

Cutting and making experience

Knowledge of modern and traditional construction methods

Costume fitting and alteration techniques

Education

Degree in Costume and Design

Job description

Overview

Fixed-Term Contract: 42.5 hours per week (End date October 2026)

Salary: £48,738.07 per annum

Based in: Covent Garden, London

Who we are:

The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is a world-leading arts organisation, based largely in the Royal Opera House - one of the world`s most celebrated theatres. The RBO is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

As an organisation we are well known for the world-class ballets and operas that we stage in our theatres and in cinemas and streaming platforms across the world. Our mission is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone.

The role

The RBO Men`s Costume Workroom team produces costumes to the highest standards for the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. Working to the priorities set by the Men`s Workroom Manager and the Head of Costume Production, the team are looking for a Men`s Workroom Assistant Manager/Cutter to join the team on a fixed-term basis until October 2026.

Under the line management of the Men`s Workroom Manager, the Workroom Assistant Manager/Cutter will be responsible for the activities and staff of the Men`s Workroom, ensuring that all activities are carried out to the highest possible standard of safety, efficiency, and quality. To provide effective leadership anf management of staff.

Ensure the provision of excellent customer care for Royal Ballet and Royal Opera artists, visiting Designers, Directors and Production teams, pursuing the highest standards in the execution of designs for all Royal Ballet productions.

What you\'ll bring

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A Theatrical Costume and Design course qualification to degree level, or comparable qualification/degree in a relevant craft skills area.
• A proven track record in craft skills workrooms with a major production theatre or venue, or comparable film/TV experience.
• Extensive practical cutting and making experience and a sympathetic approach to creative concepts, able to interpret and realise them in practical terms.
• Excellent knowledge of modern and traditional methods of construction, periods styles, and history of costumes.
• An excellent knowledge of costume fitting and alteration techniques.
• Able to accurately interpret design concepts from scale drawings and sketches and to assist in passing work onto the team.

Click here for more information and to apply

The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who arefrom a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Closing date for applications: 8am, Friday 19th September 2025.

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.