Head of Costume Production

Head of Costume Production

Discipline: Costume & Wardrobe

Job type: Permanent

Salary: £68,000 per annum

Contact email: recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk

Job ref: 012844

Expiry date: 04 Sep 2026 12:00

We are looking for a Head of Costume Production to join the National Theatre Costume Production team

The Head of Costume Production is responsible for leading the planning, development and delivery of costumes for productions at the NT, ensuring the creative ambition of every show we make is realised through effective leadership, collaboration and resource management. From the earliest meetings and initial concept discussions with designers, the Head of Costume Production engages with a production's artistic ambitions and is the senior costume production reference point for Production Managers, Directors, Designers and other NT Departments as the costumes make their transition to the stage. The role requires the ability to balance creative excellence with the effective management of resources, budgets, schedules and people, directly managing the three department Supervisors (Costume Production Supervisor, Costume Workroom Supervisor, In-house Costume Supervisor) and all show-based freelance Costume Supervisors

The Head of Costume Production forms part of the wider Production & Technical management team (working closely with the Head of Running Wardrobe, Head of Hire and Transport and Head of WH&M) as they lead and motivate their own department to consistent high standards in a forward-looking culture of creativity and continuous

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Substantial experience of management and/ or costume supervising in the theatre or film industries
• Substantial knowledge of theatrical costume techniques (costume, costume props, textile work) relevant to the preparation and staging of major theatrical productions.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, including managing staff performance, recruitment and development
• Strong stakeholder management and excellent interpersonal skills, with experience building effective relationships with designers, freelancers, production teams and other departments.
• Substantial experiencing of budgeting, relating to equipment, productions and staffing, with a demonstrable ability to interpret and apply financial information

If that sounds like you, this may be the role for you!

We want to understand each candidates skills, experience, and perspectives, so we encourage you to complete your application using your own words. While generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool for exploring ideas or structuring responses, applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can appear generic and make it difficult for us to assess your individual experience.

If you choose to use AI during the application process, please use it only as a tool to help draft and structure your ideas, check your spelling and grammar, and guide your writing, while ensuring the personal experiences are entirely your own words. Responses that do not demonstrate your own voice may affect how your application is assessed and could result in it not being progressed.

Working with us will give you…

• Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
• 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
• Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
• Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
• Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
• Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
• On-site staff canteen and social facilities
• On-site occupational health support
• In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
• Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
• Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
• Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
• Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
• Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
• Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card

Please note

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 4 September 2026 at 12 noon

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Should you need support or additional time to submit an application please contact recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address underrepresentation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet our minimum requirements for our vacancies.

If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.