Job Title: Manual Pattern Cutter
Location: Olney (Milton Keynes)
Salary: £26,500 to £31,000 (dependent on experience)
Job type: Full time – Permanent (37.5h a week)
Reporting to: Head Creative Pattern Cutter
Department: Creative Studio
About us:
We are a fast-paced dynamic and creative expanding team of 11 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.
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.
About the Role:
James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the costume Designer’s ideas and drawings into real clothes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head Pattern Cutter / Head of Costume Operation.
They will be required to work closely with a team of machinists or independently on specific projects assigned to them. The role will be based at the creative studio in Milton Keynes and be responsible to the Head Creative Pattern Cutter.
We are looking for someone with previous experience of working in a similar studio / home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required.
This job is Monday to Friday – 37.5 hours per week
Duties & Responsibilities:
- To follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of
- patterns
- Create patterns from clients’ measurements following design, illustrations or photographs
- Creating a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor
- Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns
- Working closely with the Head Creative Pattern Cutter to manage projects and deadlines
- To be able to use own initiative, manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales.
- To be highly organised with excellent communication skills
- To regularly meet and update the Head Creative Pattern Cutter regarding the daily / weekly workload
- Ensuring all sewing machine repairs are communicated promptly to the Workroom Supervisor
- Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the Assistant Head of Costume Operation
- Reporting all low running stock items to the Assistant Head of Costume Operation
- To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet
- During project handover raise any questions / concerns to the Head Creative Pattern Cutter ensuring maximum productivity
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
- Advanced knowledge in construction methods
- To be passionate, enthusiastic and be willing to learn
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience of manual pattern drafting with a minimum of 1 year in industry
- Highly comprehensive sewing skills using industrial machinery
- Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail
- A good eye for detail, shape and proportion
- Knowledge and experience of pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon
- Experience in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods
- Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Proven track record of making patterns, garments and costumes in a professional workroom
- Flexible, hardworking and organised with a 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
Benefits:
- 20 days paid annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro data)
- Free parking (dependent on availability)
- We are a fast-growing company with a lot of opportunity for growth
- Room for promotion
- Friendly work environment
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 & safety policy.
Please click on the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Sewing Instructor, Freelance Pattern Cutter, Lecturer or Educator, Grader, Production Manager, Technical Designer, Garment Technologist, Fashion Designer, Technical Illustrator, Fit Model, Product Development Manager, Fashion Buyer, Fashion Illustrator, Sustainable Fashion Specialist, Tailor/Seamstress may also be considered for this role.
