Atelier Manager

INTRODUCTION

At Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today.   

We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values-driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities. 

JOB PURPOSE

Burberry is looking for an experienced Atelier Manager to join the team in London. In this position you will oversee the in-house Atelier, providing technical expertise and collaborating with the Design team on the development of prototypes and samples. You will ensure the smooth operation of the Atelier and optimise the utilisation of the team’s skills and capacity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish trust and credibility with the Design team and influence sustainable ways of working between Design and the Atelier.
• Oversee and manage the requirements associated with the two collections and efficiently manage priorities to achieve deadlines and meet the needs of the two collections by the Atelier.
• Utilise all seamstresses efficiently based on their skills and ensure the correct number of freelancers are hired to meet the demands of the Atelier.
• Define a schedule of work to ensure there is a clear calendar that meets priorities, also factoring in team holidays and time off.
• Provide technical oversight to seamstresses and pattern-makers (approximately 20–25, both internal and external), ensuring a consistent level of delivery, and drive technical suggestions leading towards industrialisation.
• Build strong cross functional relationships with Design, 3D development, Product Development, Fabric & Trims and Global Sourcing.
• Maintain efficient cost control and organisation and achieve key deadlines in the UK and also when the Atelier team travels to Paris.
• Communicate specifications and provide feedback to the PD leads and work with vendors where needed.

PERSONAL PROFILE

• Promote a creative and open environment and be passionate about presenting creative work in a way that sets it up for the best outcome.
• Proven design experience at a luxury brand level and technical knowledge of garment construction.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills and the ability to manage a team under time pressure, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and quickly consider risks and impact as challenging situations arise.
• Budget responsibility and negotiating skills.

FOOTER

Burberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.