A rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced wardrobe, costume and production leader to join Northern Ballet in a pivotal senior role.
The Head of Wardrobe is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and delivery of all wardrobe, costume-making, wigs, hair and make-up activities across Northern Ballet's repertoire, both new and existing productions.
The role ensures that the artistic vision of each production is realised to the highest standards whilst maintaining effective budgetary control, operational efficiency and safe working practices. Working closely with the Technical Director, Designers and Creative Teams, the Head of Wardrobe leads the evaluation, planning and delivery of costume and wardrobe requirements from concept through to performance.
A key responsibility of the role is assessing the practical and financial viability of costume, wigs, hair and make-up designs, preparing accurate cost estimates for new productions and revivals, and advising the Technical Director on budget implications and resource requirements.
- Salary: £41,700 per annum plus touring allowance
- Full time
- Closing date: 18 September 2026
- Interviews will take place: week commencing 5 October 2026
Job Description
About Northern Ballet
Northern Ballet is the UK's foremost narrative ballet company.
We tell unexpected stories that move our audiences across the country and online. We aim to reach as many different people and places as possible with our passionate storytelling, mastery of classical dance technique and live music.
We believe in the power to change lives through dance and are committed to engaging with people from all different sectors of the community. We have an absolute commitment to our leading role as an international ambassador for world-class dance, often showcasing our exceptional home-grown artistry on the world-stage.
Your Application
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Essential things we need to see in your application
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- Significant senior-level experience in costume production, wardrobe management or a related performing arts environment.
- Experience leading and managing specialist teams.
- Proven experience of managing complex production budgets and resources.
- Demonstrable experience of cost estimating and financial planning for theatrical productions.
- Strong understanding of costume construction, wardrobe operations, wigs, hair and make-up processes.
- Experience working closely with designers and creative teams to realise artistic concepts.
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice within a production environment.
- Experience of delivering multiple projects to demanding deadlines.
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What we’d also like to see in your application
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- Experience working with repertory companies or maintaining costume stock across multiple productions.
- Knowledge of costume storage, cataloguing, archiving and stock management.
- Experience supporting new commissions, revivals and remounts.
- Understanding of the specific demands of ballet costumes, including freedom of movement, durability and quick changes.
- Experience working with freelance or casual staff teams.
- Knowledge of sustainable costume practices, including reuse, repair, recycling and responsible sourcing.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Strong budget management and financial analysis capability.
- Ability to assess design feasibility from both practical and financial perspectives.
- Excellent planning, organisational and project management skills.
- Highly developed communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Ability to balance artistic requirements with operational and financial constraints.
- Proficiency in budget preparation, reporting and forecasting.
- Experience supporting apprentices, students, placements or early-career wardrobe staff.
- Awareness of access, inclusion and body confidence considerations in fittings and wardrobe practice.
- Experience working with costume hire, external makers, suppliers and specialist craftspeople.
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements specific to wardrobe, wigs, hair, make-up and touring environments.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office or similar software.
- Large-scale touring experience.
- Full UK driving licence.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@northernballet.com before 18 September 2026.
We also ask applicants to complete our equal opportunities monitoring form.
The interviews are due to take place week commencing 5 October 2026.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms. We believe in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please contact us to talk through any access requirements you may need at any stage of the recruitment process so that we can ensure reasonable adjustments are in place. Adjustments could include providing documentation in alternative formats (large print, braille, or audio), adapting the interview environment, or allowing additional time for responses.
Header image from Gentleman Jack, photo Emily Nuttall.
About Northern Ballet
One of the world's leading ballet companies. Based in Leeds, UK, we tour the UK with our unique brand of dance storytelling, on a mission to make ballet accessible to everyone.
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Watch Northern Ballet
On stage and screen, Northern Ballet's mission is to bring world-class ballet to as wide an audience as possible.
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