Job Title: Senior Costume Maker
Employment Type: Fixed Term appointment 12 months
Reporting to: Head of Costume
The Role Purpose
To construct and alter costumes with advice from the Cutter for all productions produced by Welsh National Opera from main house through to and including the Youth Opera and other projects such as Play Opera.
Key Accountabilities
Role Specifics
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Constructing complete costumes on own initiative, with advice from a Cutter and Head of Costume.
- Alterations to costumes for revivals, etc.
- Attending fittings to assist the Cutter and Head of Costume by taking notes on technical terms to pass on to the Costume Makers.
- Helping with pins, scissors, etc. Occasionally conducting fittings in the absence of a cutter or Head of Costume.
- Attending stage rehearsals if required by the Head of Costume.
- Occasionally attending fittings away from home base.
- Ensuring general tidiness of own sewing machine and workspace.
- Overseeing the work of the costume makers and assisting the Cutters in ensuring work is carried out in an efficient and economic manner.
- Giving advice and instruction on construction techniques to the Costume Makers as required.
General
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To cooperate with us in complying with relevant health and safety legislation, policies and procedures in the performance of the post.
- To behave in accordance with our values.
- To maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate.
- Always comply with our policies and procedures.
The duties in this job description are not exhaustive and may be altered at any time to reflect the changing needs of the organisation.
Person Specification: Senior Costume Maker
Essential Criteria:
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Highly experienced in working with both period and modern costumes.
- Significant experience of making costumes in a professional workroom.
- The ability to demonstrate Key Skills such as communication, application of numbers and IT skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines, to a high standard and ensuring attention to detail.
- Flexible, hardworking and organised.
- Positive and constructive attitude.
- Knowledge of dressing performers.
- Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
Desirable Criteria:
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Welsh language speaker/writer
- Understanding of GDPR legislation
Points marked with an asterisk (*) are desirable rather than essential.
Terms & Conditions
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Salary Package: £26,387.00 plus a monthly skills allowance of £284.31 agreed until end of April 2027 (then reviewable).
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 07st September 2026 to 06th September 2027.
- Hours of work: 37.5 per week
- Notice Period: 1 week in probation rising to 1month post probation
- Probationary Period: 6 month
Base Location: Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL (Touring Required) i.e. based in Cardiff plus UK Touring
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Benefits
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33 days annual leave days per annum (inclusive of 8 Welsh bank holidays), rising to 36 days after 5 years’ service
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Staff are provided with group life insurance cover equal to 3x their annual salary.
- Discounted parking at Q Park carpark in Cardiff Bay.
- Discounts in selected outlets in Cardiff Bay.
- We support colleagues who wish to learn or develop their Welsh language skills and offer optional Welsh lessons at both basic and improver levels.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Free, confidential counselling and advice for staff, freelancers, contractors, and their families.
- Pension scheme available after three months of employment (4% employer contribution / 4% employee contribution).
Reasonable Adjustments
WNO is committed to running an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments at any stage of your application or interview, we encourage you to let us know.
We consider all reasonable adjustment requests individually and will work with you to provide appropriate support wherever practicable. To discuss adjustments, please contact
[email protected].
