The Role

The Running Wardrobe Department forms part of the Technical and Production Department and provides wardrobe services to the ENO and visiting Companies. The Wardrobe show manager works within the Running Wardrobe team to ensure that full costume support is given to all ENO productions and a high standard of maintenance and dressing is achieved.

Key Accountabilities

General

1.Supervise running of shows so that a consistently high standard of costume presentation is achieved  throughout the run of  productions.

2.Supervise the maintenance of all costumes and accessories for a production:

a)Oversee cleaning, laundry and pressing before each performance.

b)Carry out running repairs and costume alterations to a very high standard in preparation for and during rehearsals and performances (including replacing worn or faulty areas and replacing fastenings).

c)Organise dry cleaning and check costumes back in.

3.Work closely with Costume Supervisors and provide assistance during the pre-production & production period:

a)In conjunction with the Costume Supervisor, ensure all cover costumes have been fitted and alteration requirements noted and are available for First Night.

b)Assist with fittings and organise transport bookings as required.

c)Attend production meetings and pre-stage rehearsals as required, organising running/dressing notes.

d)Assist with Buying and Alterations as required.

4.Supervise storage of costumes so that shows can be hired out or revived efficiently, including packing of shows.

a)Insuring all costumes are correctly documented for co-productions, hire  and storage.

b)In consultation with Production wardrobe ensuring all show logistic deadlines are met.

5.Monitor and manage progress of all documentation relating to the costumes for a production and maintain Running Wardrobe Bible:

a)Ensure that all costume descriptions, running notes etc are up-to-date and stored correctly on the computer database.

b)Prepare and maintain accurate records, including up to date costume descriptions, washing and prepping instructions & running notes.

c)In conjunction with the costume supervisor document costume descriptions.

6.Work to a busy schedule of deadlines and be able to change projects at short notice, prioritising and delegating where necessary.

7.Monitor and maintain stock levels of haberdashery and laundry materials and undertake buying as required.

Staffing

8.Contract and schedule dressers and casual maintenance staff to meet operational requirements.

a)Organize and schedule duties of casual wardrobe crew; assign dressers to artists & quick change duties; assign cleaning and maintenance duties, prepping and sewing duties.

b)Organise the dressing rooms and the checking and setting of costumes.

c)Supervise all dressers on the production.

d)Organize and supervise costume changes during each performance and assist the artists as necessary; swing in as a dresser when required.

9.To set, and show by example, standards of professional conduct, diplomacy and behaviour for all members of staff and ensure that these are maintained.

10.Monitor, sickness, absence and performance of casuals to ensure that Company standards are met.

11.Support the Running Wardrobe Manager as required by taking a lead in the initiation, distribution and undertaking of work within small groups of staff which may include less skilled temporary staff.

12.Be a point of contact for casual staff, Costume Makers, Stage Management, technical staff, Chaperones, Directors, Designers and Costume Supervisors.

Financial

13) Control designated budgets so that Company optimises resources e.g. stock budget.

Employee/Industrial Relations 

14) To establish, facilitate and maintain a good employee relations climate. To adhere to the English National Operas core values of independence, collaboration, relevance, excellent and entrepreneurialism.

Health and Safety/Legal & Regulatory Compliance

16) Organize and supervise costume “get ins” and “get outs”, ensuring compliance with the department’s safe systems of work at all times.

17)In close collaboration with the Head of Costume and the Running  Wardrobe Manager take responsibility for all practicable steps to create a safe and healthy work environment as listed in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999), including:

a)Implementing hazard management procedures in every work area under post holder’s control.

b)Informing staff, (and contractors in appropriate circumstances) of any hazards to health and safety which are known to be associated with the work they perform and the steps to be taken to control any such hazard;

c)Ensuring that unsafe acts and unsafe conditions are appropriately addressed;

d)Participating in health and safety audits and taking steps to remedy deficiencies as recommended;

e)Ensuring all accidents and incidents are recorded accurately, investigated and reported to the Health and Safety Manager / Co-coordinator, and for taking steps to prevent any recurrence of a similar event; and

f)The postholder has personal responsibility for safety as outlined in the safety policy and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Please see the attached recruitment pack for more information on how to apply.

If you wish to apply, please complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the application form and the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form and return as separate attachments to [email protected]

Closing Date: 6th June 2022 at 10am