E.L.V. DENIM is hiring a Head of Studio to join our team. The successful applicant is a dynamic individual who can manage the timeline, workflow and logistics of a busy production, design, sourcing and studio.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
E.L.V. DENIM is a pioneering British luxury brand dedicated to handcrafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials. Breathing a second life into garments that could otherwise be destined for landfill, transforming loss into luxury.
In a world of over-consumption, E.L.V. DENIM challenges convention. Their fabric-first curated sourcing of pre-loved garments ensures every piece is unique and their innovative designs creates pieces to last a lifetime. In 2023 the brand extended beyond denim and into new categories, upcycling corduroy, shirting, tailoring, leather and cotton. Helping to protect the environment for future generations and proving that a completely circular fashion model can be a success.
All production takes place in East London, minimising carbon footprint and supporting our local community of ateliers.
THE ROLE
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
* Managing Critical Path (alongside Operations Manager) ensuring seasonal planning is efficient and accurate
* Planning production & pairing timeline and allocating styles to factories.
* Support with pairing of jeans alongside CD
* Support pre-production processes alongside Studio Assistant
* Liaising with factories regarding drop dates/progress/collection dates. As well as regular check ins regarding progress/quality ensuring relationships are nurtured.
* Managing Factory Quality Control
* In House post production
* Managing production for 'In House' styles
* Sourcing new factories and training on E.L.V. DENIM processes as and when needed
STUDIO MANAGEMENT
* Managing a team of 5+ people, studio & machines, ensuring a productive and positive working environment is maintained.
* Daily time planning of studio team & freelancers ensuring all timelines & budget are running smoothly
* Briefing studio team and freelancers on making styles, leading cutting/ fabric prep/ stitching tasks and offering support as needed.
* Periodical progress check ins with Studio Assistant
* Overview on Trims Management with Studio Assistant
* Custom fitting of client's garments, pinning adjustments on body and actioning changes on existing garments.
* Interns exit interviews, giving feedback on their progress with us/ discussing their next steps
SOURCING
* Responsible for managing the sourcing and preparation for all raw material for the production and design seasons in a timely and cost-effective manner.
* Management of sourcing budget alongside Head of Operations.
* Sourcing new garments for design development of new collections with production assistant & Creative Director
* Supporting Production + Operations Assistant on sourcing trips, hand picking garments across the UK
DESIGN MANAGEMENT
* Design development and product development of two collections per year alongside CD.
* Generating new ideas ahead of design development meetings for review by CD
* Ensuring collection categories are fulfilled and collection workload is balanced
* Sketches and CAD drawings of styles, keeping the design board up to date
* Management of collection spreadsheet, noting all details of each style & factory placement
* Undertaking pattern cutting of styles/ booking in pattern cutters to work on new developments, leading fit sessions enduring notes taken and comments actioned.
* Toiling and fitting of new developments, sourcing trims for new designs
* Stitching final in-house samples
* Prepping sample packs for factories of outgoing styles, negotiating and signing of production pricing.
* Managing collection costings, ensuring it is brought in within budget
* Managing QC of collection before and after collection shoot alongside Production + Operations Assistant.
* Managing design sign off meetings, ensuring all details are noted and agreed on final collection before production starts.
* Wash tests for new materials/ styles
* Grading of patterns
KEY SKILLS
* Strong and independent time and workflow management of self and a team
* At least 3 years' experience in fashion production management for RTW garments
* Exceptional trouble shooting experience, decisive decision making and adaptability.
* Advanced design/ product development skills covering: sewing, pattern cutting, finishing and drawing/ CAD, ideas generation.
* Exceptional people management skills
* Understanding of correct garment fit, experience leading fit sessions
* Key eye for detail when applied to quality control processes
* Equipment/Machine operation and maintenance
* sewing machine and overlocker knowledge and care e.g. different feet, needles, threads, tension
* Pattern cutting knowledge, ability to draft edit patterns
* Strong written and verbal comms
* Use of Microsoft office and excel, zedonk a plus
* Driving licence and car is a plus for factory meetings
* Ability and willingness to work outside of working hours when needed
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should respond with their CV & Portfolio to Successful first stage applicants will be required to undertake a design and sewing task