Men's Tailor, Deputy Supervisor

Opera Australia is seeking an experienced Men's Tailor, Deputy Supervisor to join our creative and dedicated Wardrobe team!

About the Role

As Deputy Supervisor, Men’s Tailor, you’ll play an integral role in the construction, alteration, and finishing of tailored garments for male performers across new and revival productions. Supporting the Men’s Workroom Supervisor, you’ll help oversee day-to-day operations, contribute your advanced technical skills, and ensure the highest standards of costume making are maintained. This is a hands-on, leadership-driven role ideal for someone with extensive experience in bespoke tailoring, period costume construction, and team coordination.

This is a two-year fixed-term contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with designers and costume supervisors to interpret tailoring briefs and execute high-quality tailored garments.
• Assist in supervising the workflow of the men’s tailoring workroom, supporting the team to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Construct, alter, and finish bespoke tailored garments using traditional and modern techniques.
• Fit and adjust costumes to meet the needs of individual performers, ensuring comfort, performance functionality, and design integrity.
• Provide technical advice on fabrics, interlinings, construction methods, and finishing techniques suitable for various periods and performance demands.
•  Mentor and support junior tailors and costume makers, maintaining a collaborative and productive workroom culture.
• Monitor materials usage and assist in managing stock of tailoring supplies, including fabrics, trimmings, and haberdashery.
• Ensure costume continuity and accurate documentation, updating garment records and alteration notes as required.
• Support the Supervisor with administrative and coordination tasks as needed.

About You

• Hold tertiary qualifications in men’s tailoring or an equivalent field.
• Advanced specialist knowledge of traditional and contemporary men’s tailoring techniques.
• Proven experience in bespoke garment construction, especially for period and performance wear.
• Strong understanding of historical menswear and its adaptation for stage or screen.
• Ability to interpret design drawings and translate them into technically sound, wearable garments.
• A supportive leader with excellent interpersonal skills and experience mentoring or guiding others.
• Confident working under pressure, with excellent time management and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

About Opera Australia

Opera Australia (‘OA’) is the nation’s premier opera company and one of its most important cultural institutions. With a rich history and a global reputation for artistic excellence, OA presents over 500 performances each year—reaching more than 650,000 people through opera, musicals and concerts. Its productions span iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as regional centres across the country. OA is committed to artistic innovation, national reach and cultural leadership. It nurtures Australian talent on and off the stage; collaborates with leading international and local companies, and brings extraordinary stories to life through music and song. With a full-time orchestra, dedicated chorus and a highly skilled workforce, OA is Australia’s largest performing arts employer and plays a vital role in Australia’s performing arts landscape and in the lives of audiences nationwide.

For more information about OA please visit opera.org.au

What we offer

As Australia’s National opera company, we are committed to fostering a safe and collaborative environment for all. Our values are Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Brave, and Inclusive, and we are dedicated to supporting OA’s people both on-stage and off.

• Hybrid and flexible work environment
• Strong diversity and inclusion priority
• Generous Leave Policy including First Nation’s Cultural & Ceremonial Leave, Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave, Education Leave, Women’s Health Leave, Gender Affirmation Leave, and more
• 16 weeks’ paid Parental Leave and continued payments of superannuation if using Unpaid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted private health insurance
• Access to salary packaging through SmartSalary
• Discounted retail goods through our Rewards platform and other affiliated businesses
• Complimentary tickets to select Opera Australia shows
• If this sounds like you then click ‘Apply’ to send through your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on the 6 May 2025.

For any enquiries about this role, please contact our People team at People@opera.org.au

Opera Australia recognises and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters across Australia on which we live, perform and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise, celebrate and respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers who carry the cultural wisdom, traditions and Dreaming of this ancient land.

Opera Australia is committed to enabling and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our team comes from all walks of life. We acknowledge that all individual differences, life experiences, self-expression, and talent represent our culture and reputation of Opera Australia. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression.