As Head of Costume, you will have experience of costume supervision and costume provision. The Head of Costume is responsible for the preparation, sourcing and making of costumes for all Lyric productions, projects and events whilst ensuring the highest standards in fit and finish of the costumes. As Head of Costume, you will be responsible for all departmental administration and will be required to possess skills in budget management. You will be responsible for allocated budgets as well as maintaining the Lyrics costume store and equipment.

Principal Duties:
Staff Management
• To lead the costume department in the most efficient way carrying out agreed projects to the highest standards.
• To manage both permanent, casual and freelance staff and, in consultation with the Head of Production, discuss and agree calls for work, holiday arrangements and sickness cover.
• To attend production and department meetings, keep costume staff fully informed on planned work schedules and deadlines, and contribute to the development of Lyric policy in all areas.
Productions
• To take part in and organise the smooth running of the costume departments during rehearsal periods, production periods, performances and get-outs for all Lyric productions, and be present for dress rehearsals, previews and press nights as necessary for the Main House.
• To provide costume support in a helpful and efficient manner and to liaise with other technical departments and visiting companies.
• Work with the Comms and Marketing team on photo shoots for Lyric Productions.
• To assist the Head of Production in planning and preparation for all Lyric productions.
• To take an active role in contributing to the Lyric's Green Book commitments.
• To attend production meetings and prepare fully for production periods, including purchasing/hiring special equipment and materials.
• To keep the Head of Production fully informed on the work of the department, and set and agree schedules and deadlines for this work.
• To act as Costume Supervisor for all new Lyric Productions, in consultation with directors and designers, from initial designs to first night. To ensure that all costumes are bought, made or fitted within budget and time restraints.
• To employ and manage dressers and WHAM staff when required.

Maintenance
• To ensure proper maintenance of all relevant equipment in the wardrobe. To plan, cost and implement any agreed improvements to stock items of equipment. To keep the wardrobe and associated areas clean and tidy at all times. To organiseand keep clean and tidy wardrobe storage areas in the Lyric and in outside stores.
• To be responsible for maintaining stocks of haberdashery etc. in a secure and tidy manner.
Health and Safety
• To be responsible for Health and Safety in wardrobe and dressing rooms, and ensure that all staff comply with Health and Safety requirements and carry out their work in a responsible manner employing good working practice at all times.
• To ensure that any requirements of the local authority or fire department in those areas are fully complied with.

General
• To liaise with and assist Lyric stage management during rehearsal periods and performances.
• When appropriate and as agreed with the Head of Production, to work in other venues and on tour, and to liaise with resident staff in these venues. Subsistence payments at prevailing TMA rates will be paid as appropriate for work on tour.
• To undertake any other work as agreed with the Head of Productions as appropriate for the production.

General duties:
Regularly attend Lyric Hammersmith Theatre shows and projects including press nights, Young Lyric and development events.
• Attending internal and external meetings as required.
• To adhere to the Lyric's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Anti-Racism Strategy, Health & Safety Policy and any other policies or plans the Lyric may introduce in the future.
• Work at all times in accordance with the Lyric's Environmental Sustainability and Action Plan and proactively develop and encourage environmentally sustainable practice.
• To take an active role in your continuing professional development, identifying relevant training and professional development opportunities
• To act always in the best interests of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
• To undertake any other duties as agreed with the Head of Production as is appropriate to the post

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of this role. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria
• Substantial experience in a busy making Costume Department including supervision.
• Excellent sewing, pattern drafting and cutting skills.
• Thorough knowledge of both domestic and industrial machines.
• Thorough knowledge of dyeing and breaking down techniques.
• Excellent fabric knowledge alongside through knowledge of various costume periods.
• Meticulous and attentive to detail, even when under pressure and working atcspeed.
• Experience of managing a team
• Excellent budget management.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant suppliers as well as a varied network of freelance makers.
• Working knowledge of wigs, hair and make-up.
Desirable Criteria
• An interest in design as there maybe opportunities to costume design and style events on some projects /shows particularly Young Lyric shows.
• First Aid training