Head of Atelier

Create Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Create Recruitment Specialists Ltd partners with a premier haute couture house to appoint an experienced Head of Atelier. You will lead the atelier through development and realisation of annual couture collections and bespoke commissions, ensuring precision, craftsmanship and on-time delivery.

You will supervise patternmaking, adapting made-to-measure patterns, and coordinating with the Creative Director and artisans to push boundaries in couture technique and fit.

Qualifications

• Extensive Haute Couture experience and leadership required.
• Proven ability to lead an atelier and manage complex garment development.
• Experience with bespoke client commissions and fittings.
• Strong patternmaking expertise and technical precision.
• Ability to integrate laser-cut files into patterns and collaborate with design.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire atelier process from concept to final garment.
• Lead collection development, sample creation and made-to-measure orders.
• Manage budgeting and costing of commissions and timelines.
• Collaborate with Creative Director, artisans and petites mains.
• Guide clients through design customisation and fittings with excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Patternmaking

Couture construction

Adobe Illustrator

Project management

Client relationship management

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Laser-cut files integration

Job description

Create Recruitment Specialists is delighted to have partnered with an internationally acclaimed avant-garde fashion house, renowned for redefining the boundaries of Haute Couture through extraordinary craftsmanship, innovative techniques and sculptural, visionary design. Celebrated for its experimental approach to materials, technology and garment construction, the brand brings together artistry, precision and technical excellence to create truly exceptional couture pieces.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Atelier to lead the development and realisation of the brand’s annual Haute Couture collection and bespoke client commissions. This is a pivotal leadership position for an individual who combines creative vision with exceptional technical expertise, ensuring the seamless execution of groundbreaking designs from initial concept through to final garment.

You will oversee the entire atelier process, managing collection development, sample creation and made-to-measure client orders, while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, fit and finish. Working closely with the Creative Director, artisans and petites mains, you will lead the planning, organisation and construction of complex couture garments, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standard and within agreed timelines.

The role will also involve managing bespoke client relationships, guiding clients through design customisation and fittings, and overseeing the budgeting and costing of individual commissions. Strong patternmaking expertise is essential, alongside the ability to create and adapt made-to-measure patterns and integrate laser-cut files into garment patterns using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring technical precision and alignment with the creative vision.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience within Haute Couture and/or luxury bridal, with a proven track record of leading an atelier and managing complex, highly detailed garment development. You will possess an in-depth understanding of couture construction, advanced patternmaking and innovative garment techniques, alongside excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills.

This opportunity will suit a passionate and forward-thinking professional who thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment, approaches challenges with composure and embraces experimentation, innovation and the continual evolution of couture craftsmanship. Flexibility, energy and an unwavering attention to detail are essential.

If you are an exceptional atelier leader with the technical mastery and creative ambition to bring extraordinary couture visions to life, we would love to hear from you.