Job Description

Hours per week

37.5hrs

Salary

45,000 to 50,000 (dependent on experience)

Location

Milton Keynes, MK46 5ED (in studio)

Job Summary

James Maciver Costumes is looking for an experienced and passionate candidate who can coordinate, manage and control the overall production process of our theatrical costumes within the manufacturing studio. The candidate will ensure that goods and services are produced efficiently, within budget and meet the required standards of quality. The candidate we are looking for will be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously whilst leading and influencing the production team.

This is a senior leadership role with a genuine influence. Within this role the candidate will be responsible for driving team performance, overseeing cross-functional workflows, and upholding high standards of service delivery--while serving as the crucial link between the production and operations team and Creative Director.

This role does not require costume making experience. This role is supported by senior staff members who are responsible for leading and training garment /costume construction techniques.

The production team has 26 members of staff, 5 of these staff will be directly line managed by this role.

Duties and responsibilities

Responsible for overseeing the manufacturing production process of theatrical costumes across the James Maciver Costumes Ltd production team. Responsible for engaging with clients and consultants to ensure smooth project progression and strong working relationship. Responsible for identifying and resolving any inefficiencies in real time, ensuring that projects of work stay on track and to required quality standards. Responsible for managing the production team to ensure projects are completed safely, on time and to specification. Responsible for troubleshooting and ensuring that project momentum is maintained or adjusting schedules of work as needed. Responsible for being the first point of contact for operational concerns and escalating to management only when necessary. Responsible for reporting operational performance, commercial risk and project updates to senior team. Responsible for overseeing resource planning, procurement and logistics to optimise project delivery. Responsible for ensuring that production is cost effective and within allocated budgets (staffing and production materials). Responsible for producing estimated costs associated with a project and still ensuring that quality and standards are still maintained as agreed with the client. Responsible for implementing quality-control programs and monitoring product standards in coordination with the senior team. Responsible for championing a positive, inclusive team culture that supports high performance and personal development. Responsible for working with the senior team to ensure the production of projects and goals are achieved and remain aligned with company policies. Responsible for leading on all Health and Safety regulations and procedures in the workplace. Responsible for the line management of staff who directly report to this role (5 direct reports). Responsible for reviewing worker performance alongside the senior team. Responsible for identifying any management training needs within their team.

Essential skills and qualifications

Be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with a team, senior managers and clients. Be able to act decisively and resolve resource-related problems. Be able to work under pressure and motivate and influence others to meet tight deadlines. Be able to make practical decisions to avoid unnecessary blockers and ensure production progresses smoothly. Be able to work in a logical, systematic manner. Excellent planning and organisational skills to be able run and monitor the production process and manage multiple deadlines. Excellent time management skills. Excellent attention to detail to ensure high levels of service delivery. Comprehensive IT skills in using software or IT packages to manage and report on projects. Experience of managing a production team in a fast-paced garment / costume manufacturing environment. Experience of managing and leading a team of people, ideally with experience supporting neurodiverse team members. Experience of managing multiple projects of work and deadlines in a fast-paced garment / costume manufacturing environment. Experience of resource (staff and equipment) planning in a similar garment / costume manufacturing environment. Experience of making autonomous decisions and leading others through change and growth. Experience of implementing project management systems into a garment / costume manufacturing production line without compromising quality or creativity. Experience of health and safety procedures and policies within a manufacturing workplace. Has a passion and enthusiasm for working in the costume industry.

Desirable skills and qualifications

Experience of working within the entertainment industry (theatre, cruise lines, costume production, tv, fashion). Experience of costume / garment construction methods.

Opportunities

We are an ever-expanding team and encourage all our staff to progress, work on new projects and build on their skills.

About James Maciver Costumes

We are a fast-paced dynamic and creative expanding team of 32 employees based in Milton Keynes, working with clients around the UK and Internationally. Our clients range from independent artists to large-scale companies within the entertainment and hospitality industry with various requirements and needs.

We work on various seasonal calendar events throughout the whole year including but not limited to Christmas, Gay pride, New Year, Easter.

Values

Our values are to provide a professional, dependable and bespoke service. We pride ourselves on designing and producing high quality products for our clients however large or small.

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.

Further information regarding the health and safety standards can be found in the health and safety policy.

The role is physically demanding and may require long periods of standing or sitting at a desk.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Olney MK46 5ED: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have experience of working within the entertainment industry (theatre, film, cruise lines)? Do you have experience of managing a production line which manufacture costumes or garments?
Experience:

Project management: 2 years (preferred) managing a production line: 2 years (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Olney MK46 5ED (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Head of Production and Project Delivery July 2025