Sr. Director, Wardrobe

As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports. 
 
Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide. 
 
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com
Reporting to the Sr Director, Production Operations, the Sr Director, Wardrobe facilitates wardrobe logistics, coordination and design & build for theme park, cruise line, sporting events and corporate accounts as well as overseeing the wardrobe team and wardrobe shop daily operations. This role acts as the point person for outside build shops and vendors and manages the details needed to ensure the success of productions from conception through execution.
Role & Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with both the RWS’ Executive Creative Team and clients, as well as directors, designers and production management in realizing the vision of each experience - ensuring the client’s needs and vision are met within the parameters of operation and budget.
• Build and maintain relationships to be a favored partner with all outsourced designers, build shops, vendors and talent. Negotiate with current and potential vendors to ensure items sourced are most cost-effective and durable.
• Provide creative design solutions when a designer may be unavailable, or a redesign is needed.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the wardrobe division, and directly oversee the in-house team of designers, stylists, stitchers ensuring deadlines, budgets, and client needs are met.
• Oversee the maintenance and business operation of the in-house operations including the maintenance of all shop equipment, sourcing, shopping, build and construction of all wardrobe items required for projects. This also includes inventory, documentation, cataloging and management of an expansive in-house stock of costumes, shoes, wigs, jewelry and accessories.
• Develop and implement a long-term strategy for the Wardrobe department, establish best practices, analyze and suggest areas for improvement of both the physical wardrobe shop and staffing needs
• Ensure wardrobe financial performance remains within budgetary guidelines by managing Directors & Managers to maintain accurate expense reports and ensure quality deliverables, as per allocated people days, supplies, materials and dry cleaning.
• Oversee coordination of all wardrobe account shipments & manifests, both domestic and international.
• Record & document (electronic and hard copy) all information relating to account wardrobe data as reference for future productions and documentation purposes.
• Provide leadership and training to department staff, designers, and interns.
• Leads the Wardrobe Dept in collaborating across internal departments to provide accurate, timely, competitive and profitable pricing in global business development proposals

Please Note: While this is an accurate and comprehensive description of the role, the above Roles & Responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require additional tasks be performed as assigned.
Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree: Costume Design, Theatrical Production or related field OR 5+ years of comparable experience in the entertainment, educational or live event production industry
• 5+ years of relevant experience in project management, costume shop, operations management, theatrical wardrobe, or a combination is required
• Solution-focused, including the ability to take initiative and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Experience leading and managing a team
• Expertise in sewing and costume construction techniques including patternmaking, draping, and wig-making
• Exceptional at multitasking
• Adaptable to fast-paced timelines
• Excellent project & time management skills
• Competent of Microsoft Office
• Exceptional organizational and documentation skills
• Exceptional budgeting and finance skills
• A flexible schedule allowing for approximately 25% international travel
• Motivation, dedication, passion, integrity, collaboration, and self-direction
• Musical-theater or Music Venue experience
• Theatrical admin experience (stage management, production management, general management)
• Cruise ship and/or Theme Park experience
• A valid passport for the duration of employment for all travel-related roles.

Company Benefits

• Progressive PTO
• Health benefits- Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid parental leave
• 401k
• Employee Enrichment Programs
• Summer Fridays

Estimated Start Date: November 1st, 2024
Status: Mobile (3x days/week in NYC HQ)
Starting Salary: $100,000 annual exempt salary
Diversity and Inclusion Statement 
DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE
Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements.
So bring all of who you are, no questions asked.