James Maciver Costumes is looking for a Deputy Head of Pattern Cutting who can work closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting to create patterns / designs and deputise when required to oversee the production of the pattern making department. This role will require creativity and expertise in pattern making and construction design techniques. The Deputy Head of Pattern Cutting will also work closely with the Workroom Supervisor / Deputy, Operations and Making team.
This role will also be responsible for the line management of the team when the Head of Pattern Cutting is on holiday or absent from work.
We are looking for someone with previous work experience working within the pattern-making industry. They will have an understanding of costume construction or can apply their knowledge from working in other industries to making costume patterns and the workflow of the process.
The role is based at our studios in Olney.
The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of sitting and standing at, you may also be asked to maneuver boxes / rolls of fabric.
Duties and responsibilities
* Work closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting organising and preparing projects.
* Responsible for managing the pattern making team and allocation of work when the Head of Pattern Cutting is away on annual leave or absent from work.
* Will support the Head of Pattern Cutting in the recruitment process of staff. Responsible for working with the Head of Pattern Cutting, Workroom Supervisor / Deputy and Operations team on deadlines and following a production schedule to ensure that all patterns are completed in line with this.
* Responsible for delivering training and support to the team on pattern making and techniques.
* To support the Head of Pattern Cutting in reviewing the processes that are in place for the management of an effective pipeline of pattern making and to support with introducing new methods of process as necessary to improve production, finish and quality.
* In the absence of the Head of Pattern Cutting attend management meetings taking all relevant notes for the upcoming projects and delivery deadlines and share with the Head of Pattern Cutting upon their return to the business.
* Ensure that when patterns are being made that information / instructions on how garments will need to be constructed by the making team is clear and laid out within the pattern / documentation provided.
* Be expected to advise the making team on any questions / concerns in relation to the pattern and construction of the garments.
* Create technical drawings/ design sheets for the pattern making team.
* Create technical project sheets for the Workroom Supervisor.
* Attend and undertake fittings at the studio or at client’s premises.
* Responsible for updating and inputting the information in relation to garment breakdown on the project management app (Monday.com).
* Day-to-day duties will involve manually creating patterns from clients’ measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
* Creating a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor where necessary.
* Ensure all company intellectual property is organised and stored safely. Including patterns, design notes, photographs and samples. Physically or digitally using the company cloud storage system.
* Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns.
* To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.
* To be able to use their own initiative in managing and organising their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales. In the absence of the Head of Pattern Cutting manage the pattern making team to ensure that the workload is managed and completed within the agreed timescales.
* To be highly organised with excellent communication skills.
* Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the Office Manager.
* Reporting all low running stock items to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor.
* Ensuring that all sewing machine repairs are reported promptly to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor.
* To communicate any questions / concerns to the Head of Pattern Cutting, upon project handover ensuring maximum productivity.
Essential skills and qualifications
* Advanced knowledge and understanding of drafting patterns manually including grading.
* Advanced knowledge of drafting for fabrics not limited to Lycra, Woven, Knit, Chiffon, Lace and Knit.
* Advanced knowledge in creating bespoke patterns to the designers’ specifications with a professional eye for shape, size, proportion and detail.
* Ability to work well within a team.
* Ability to support more junior colleagues when required with techniques and processes of pattern making.
* Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
* Experience of managing deadlines and workloads.
* Advanced knowledge in construction methods.
* Minimum of 2 years’ experience of manual pattern drafting with a minimum of 1 year in industry.
* Highly organised, good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Highly comprehensive sewing skills when using industrial machinery.
* Proven track record of making garments and costumes in a professional workroom.
* Flexible, hardworking and organised.
* Positive and constructive attitude.
* The ability to remain calm under pressure.
* Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
Desirable skills and qualifications
* Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety.
* College degree in pattern making (this is not a requirement for the role).
We are an ever-expanding team and encourage all our staff to progress, work on new projects and build on their skills.
Hours and environment
Your normal working week will be 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday with a 30-minute lunch break. You will be asked to work additional hours paid at the agreed rate of contract. You will be working in a shared studio space with access to free parking dependent on availability.
Holiday entitlement
You will receive 20 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata). We operate an employee loyalty scheme and an additional 5 day’s holiday is given with service.
Other information
James Maciver Costumes takes the health and safety of all its employees, workers, contractors or customers very seriously. Within this role you will be expected to ensure that you work safely and take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing as well as others around you.
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