Wardrobe Buyer – Expression of Interest (EOI)
About the Role
As Wardrobe Buyer, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing costume designs to life by sourcing high-quality fabrics, garments, and accessories for both new and revival productions. Working closely with designers and the wider costume team, you’ll interpret creative briefs, offer expert advice on materials, and ensure everything is procured efficiently and on budget. This role is perfect for someone who combines an in-depth knowledge of costume history with strong supplier networks and a sharp eye for detail and quality.
This is a two year fixed-term contract.
Key Responsibilities
• Interpret costume designs and advise on fabric and material choices, balancing aesthetic vision with the practical needs of performers and performance conditions.
• Proactively source, document, and maintain a thorough understanding of current and emerging suppliers, materials, and techniques used in costume production.
• Select and purchase haberdashery, art finishing materials, fabrics, and ready-made costumes, staying up-to-date with the latest products and trends.
• Place timely orders to ensure all materials arrive when needed, avoiding production delays.
• Oversee the delivery and distribution of items into the workroom and manage the return of goods where appropriate.
• Process purchase orders and invoices, accurately tracking and documenting all spending in line with company policies.
• Maintain and update the fabric, haberdashery, and trims library.
• Ensure fabric bibles are kept up to date in accordance with internal procedures.
About You
• Advanced specialist knowledge of fabrics, haberdashery, garment construction, and accessory sourcing.
• Strong understanding of historical costume periods and their modern adaptations.
• Proven ability to interpret creative design briefs and translate them into practical sourcing solutions.
• Confident in using initiative and making decisions under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with a wide range of costume and wardrobe team members.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
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 Swag 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 30 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.
