Wardrobe Head of Department

This is a Full Time Job


Event Services Group (ESG) is seeking a seasoned Head of Wardrobe to lead its dynamic, events-focused costume department. This senior-level role involves overseeing all aspects of wardrobe operations, from costume design and maintenance to managing budgets, inventories, and staff. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in wardrobe management, event production, and leadership, with the ability to drive creative vision while ensuring seamless operations.

As a leader in the event industry for over 30 years, ESG offers a collaborative work environment, a full benefits package, and a culture dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for clients and employees alike.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Leadership: Oversee the Wardrobe department, managing all aspects of costume design, fabrication, and wardrobe operations. Provide strategic direction to align with company goals and creative objectives.

Costume Shop Operations: Manage ESG's Costume Shop including selecting, sourcing and purchasing all equipment, fabrics, machines and necessary shop items. Design layout of shop, workstations, storage, build, dye and laundry areas. Procure all inventory relating to Costume Shop.

Creative Direction: Collaborate with the designated creative team (Fabrication, Décor, Talent and/or Music) and aligned operational teams to conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative costume designs that align with event themes and client expectations. Manages creative development of costume direction for such projects.

Team Management: Source, interview, hire, contract, schedule, lead and mentor Wardrobe Technicians and Coordinator, Costume Designers/Stylists, Make-up Designers, Hair Stylists/Wig Designers and wardrobe suppliers. Develop and manage relationships with vendors/suppliers, negotiating regularly to ensure best possible pricing is in place for all materials and services. Foster a positive and productive work environment while ensuring seamless execution of projects.

Wardrobe Logistics and Shipments: Responsible for receiving, unpacking, packing, and returns (if applicable.)

Inventory and Asset Management: Develop and maintain database and inventory of all costume assets in storage. Create & maintain standards for inventory, storage, care, alterations & maintenance for all items.

Wardrobe Maintenance: Supervise ongoing care for costumes and equipment, including cleaning, repairs, and alterations, while maintaining high standards for costume presentation.

Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the department's budget, including comparative bids, procurement planning, and cost control for costume-related expenses.

Pricing: Coordinate and oversee the acquisition of pricing guidelines or quotes for costumes needed for an event, ensuring timely and accurate information to support budgeting and planning.

Project Execution: Oversee all phases of costume and wardrobe preparation, including sourcing, purchasing and/or creating custom builds, fittings, alterations, logistics coordination, and event-day execution. Ensure timely delivery and quality standards are met as projected budget allows.

Hair, Wigs, and Makeup: Oversee the maintenance of wigs, hairpieces, and makeup, including sourcing professional contractors if and when needed.

Prop Management: Direct the preparation, usage, and maintenance of talent-related props, ensuring their alignment with costume and event requirements.

Documentation and Compliance: Establish and maintain detailed documentation, including costume plots, Style Guides/Look Books, updated talent measurements, laundry schedules, SOPs, and post-event reports. Develop and update Costume Build Guidelines to achieve longevity for costume builds.

Research and Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends, introducing innovative costume solutions to enhance creative output and operational efficiency.

Sales and Business Development: Work closely with the sales team to identify potential business opportunities, support client proposals, and assist in the development of tailored costume and wardrobe solutions that meet client needs, helping to drive department revenue and growth.

Additional Responsibilities (as applicable):

Rental Management (if applicable:) Track and manage rented costume items, ensuring proper invoicing, restoration, packaging, and return of pieces in their original condition.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

BFA/Degree in Costume Design & Technology preferred or 5-7 years of equivalent experience.

Comprehensive understanding of costume construction, maintenance, and design.

Sewing skills, design/styling skills and sketching skills a must.

Expertise in conducting wardrobe fittings and utilizing advanced sewing techniques with industrial sewing machines and sergers.

Proficiency with wardrobe organization, repair, and basic makeup, wig, and costume care.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to project budgeting, manage schedules, maintain inventory records, and track project timelines.

Proficiency in basic administrative tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Office) for documentation and communication.

Effective resourcefulness, communication and teamwork skills.

Ability to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and stay detail oriented.

Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges in costume and wardrobe management.

Event industry experience a plus.

Spanish language skills a plus