Wardrobe Manager

MSC Cruises; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Cruises is seeking an experienced Wardrobe Manager to lead the costume and wardrobe department across productions on board ships and in MSC Creative Studios. You will manage inventory, fittings, maintenance, and team supervision to ensure exceptional costume presentation and performer readiness.

The role demands strong leadership, budgeting, and collaboration with Costume Designers and Producers, with travel to vessels and live productions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in theatrical production and cruise ship entertainment operations.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills with proven budget oversight.
• Expertise in wardrobe construction, maintenance, inventory control, and fittings.
• Experience managing multiple projects, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage the MSC Creative Studios costume department, including policies, procedures, workflows, and best practices.
• Develop wardrobe infrastructure to support multiple concurrent productions and performers.
• Lead and supervise wardrobe staff, stitchers, costume technicians, and Costume Department Leadership.
• Design and implement costume storage systems and maintain inventory records for costumes, footwear, wigs, hosiery, and accessories.
• Coordinate fittings, alterations, and costume construction projects; manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Wardrobe Operations Management

Team Leadership

Budget Management

Inventory & Asset Management

Production Planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

We have a very exciting opportunity to join MSC Creative Studios as our Wardrobe Manager. The Wardrobe Manager is responsible for establishing, managing, and continuously developing the costume and wardrobe department for MSC Creative Studios. This role oversees all costume operations across productions, including costume storage and inventory systems, footwear management, hosiery and fishnet inventory, costume maintenance, performer changeovers, and support for new costume builds.

Working closely with Creative Producers, Costume Designers, Production Managers, and Technical teams, the Wardrobe Manager serves as the primary costume expert, ensuring all productions are delivered to the highest artistic, operational, and safety standards.

We are looking for experienced Wardrobe Manager with expertise in costume maintenance, fittings, inventory control, and team supervision. Skilled in garment construction, alterations, wardrobe logistics, and supporting live theatrical and production environments while maintaining high standards of costume presentation and performer readiness.

Your Impact

• Establish and manage the MSC Creative Studios costume department, including policies, procedures, workflows, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain an organized wardrobe infrastructure that supports multiple concurrent productions and performers.
• Lead and supervise wardrobe staff, stitchers, costume technicians, and Costume Department Leadership

Costume Inventory & Storage Management

• Design and implement comprehensive costume storage systems for all productions.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for costumes, accessories, footwear, wigs, hosiery, fishnets, and specialty garments.
• Oversee costume tracking, labeling, archiving, and retrieval processes.
• Ensure all costumes are properly stored, maintained, cleaned, repaired, and prepared for future use.
• Manage stock levels of consumables and wardrobe supplies.
• Establish and maintain inventory systems for performer footwear, dance shoes, boots, specialty shoes, tights, fishnets, and hosiery.
• Ensure sizing records are maintained and updated for performers and cast members.
• Monitor replacement schedules and budget requirements for worn or damaged items.
• Maintain hygiene, laundering, and maintenance standards for all footwear and hosiery items.
• Support the development of new productions by contributing wardrobe expertise during the design and production process.
• Collaborate with Costume Designers and Creative Producers on costume feasibility, functionality, durability, and maintenance requirements.
• Coordinate costume fittings and alterations.
• Oversee stitchers and costume makers during costume construction projects.
• Assist in sourcing fabrics, trims, specialty materials, and costume-related vendors.

Show Operations & Cast Changeovers

• Develop and implement efficient backstage wardrobe procedures.
• Supervise wardrobe teams during rehearsals, technical runs, photo shoots, and performances.
• Coordinate and oversee quick changes and cast changeovers to ensure seamless show execution.
• Ensure costumes are performance-ready and available according to production schedules.
• Troubleshoot wardrobe issues during rehearsals and performances.
• Serve as the primary wardrobe advisor to Creative Producers and production leadership.
• Provide recommendations regarding costume budgets, staffing requirements, timelines, maintenance implications, and operational feasibility.
• Participate in creative development meetings to ensure wardrobe requirements are considered throughout the production process.
• Identify opportunities to enhance performer experience and production quality through effective costume solutions.
• Assist with the development and management of costume department budgets.
• Monitor expenditures and identify cost-effective sourcing opportunities.
• Manage vendor relationships and costume-related purchasing activities.
• Ensure effective allocation of wardrobe resources across multiple projects.
• Maintain safe working practices within wardrobe workshops, fitting areas, storage facilities, and backstage environments.
• Ensure costumes, footwear, and accessories meet performer safety requirements.
• Support compliance with company policies and applicable industry standards.

Your Journey so far

• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in theatrical production and cruise ship entertainment operations.
• Prior cruise, theme park, resort, touring production, or live entertainment experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, contracts, and cross-functional projects.
• Familiarity with maritime operations and safety requirements preferred.
• Strong understanding of:
• Wardrobe Operations Management
• Costume Construction & Maintenance
• Inventory & Asset Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Production Planning
• Creative Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Budget Management
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Health & Safety Awareness

Your Essentials

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and visit vessels regularly.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office and related tools).
• Proficiency in Business English, Italian is advantageous.
• Existing right to live and work in the UK.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.