We’re hiring a Wardrobe Show Manager to join our Costume Department at English National Opera.

Reporting to the Running Wardrobe Manager, the Wardrobe Show Manager will supervise the running of shows so that a consistently high standard of costume presentation is achieved throughout the run of productions, working closely with other backstage departments.

If you are looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in a Running Wardrobe or similar theatrical costume role, supporting productions through rehearsals and performance runs
  • Practical skills in costume maintenance, including hand and machine sewing, alterations, repairs, cleaning, laundry and pressing to a professional standard
  • Ability to organise, manage and support costume get-ins and get-outs, ensuring all work is carried out safely
  • Demonstrable experience managing dressers, including organising covers, overseeing performance standards, and supporting attendance management
  • Excellent organisational skills with experience maintaining detailed costume documentation, including costume descriptions, running notes, washing instructions and image records
  • Experience coordinating and working collaboratively with Costume Supervisors, Stage Management, Production Teams, Props and Stage Crew
  • Ability to identify potential issues in advance and contribute constructively to production meetings and problem-solving discussions
  • Experience with costume stock control, including monitoring haberdashery and laundry supplies and undertaking purchasing as required
  • Practical experience of packing, labelling, documenting and storing costumes, including preparation for hires, co-productions and long-term storage
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with the confidence to give clear direction, support artists sensitively, and work effectively as part of a wider production team
  • Good working knowledge of Health & Safety procedures
  • Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and intensive production periods

Benefits:

  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
  • Free/discounted ENO tickets
  • Eyecare vouchers
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Please see our recruitment pack for more details.

To apply, please send along a CV and Cover Letter or short video detailing your interest and suitability for the role to [email protected] by 10am on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Interviews: w/c 9 March and w/c 23 March 2026

Please also submit our anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.

 

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, English National Opera particularly encourages potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.