Location
National Theatre, Southbank, London

Hours
Full Time - 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary
£30,784 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking a Costume Buyer (NT Traineeship) to join the National Theatre's Production Costume team. This 12-month fixed-term traineeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience by assisting and shadowing the experienced costume team. The role is tailored to the individual to provide a personalised learning experience and a strong foundation for a career in costume buying, assisting, and supervising within theatre, film, or TV.

Throughout the contract, you will receive regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager (NT Costume Supervisor) to guide your progress, provide detailed feedback, and set targets to help you succeed. You will build supplier contacts and develop your skills and knowledge within a busy costume department.

The traineeship also supports the development of intangible skills such as time management, problem-solving, and handling challenging situations. By the end of the year, you will be equipped to progress independently in the costume industry with enhanced expertise and experience.

Additional Benefits
Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours (subject to availability and policy), 25 days annual leave increasing to 32 with length of service plus bank holidays, development programmes via e-learning and specialist in-person training, access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme, enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies including leave and support, pension schemes, sabbatical options, on-site canteen and social facilities, occupational health support, mental health and wellbeing advisors, wellbeing events, exclusive staff talks, discounted access to National Theatre at Home, volunteer leave, and discounts at NT venues and local businesses.

Experience
Recent experience working within a costume or related environment is required.

About you
You will have a strong desire to pursue a career in Costume Buying and Costume Supervising. Good textile and footwear knowledge, along with an interest and appreciation of costume history and contemporary trends, are essential. You should demonstrate good IT and finance skills, primarily in Word and Excel, and possess excellent organisational abilities. Basic sewing skills and knowledge of costume construction are advantageous.

Qualifications
No formal qualifications are specified; however, a passion for costume and a commitment to learning and development are vital.