• REPORTING TO: The Social Outfit Chief Executive Officer
• HOURS: Part-time (3 to 4 days)
• REMUNERATION: Package up to $65,000 p.a. (inclusive of 9.5% superannuation). The Social Outfit offers Salary Packaging.
• CONTRACT: Fixed term contract to 31 January 2021 (with potential extension)

OVERVIEW:

The Social Outfit is a charity that uses a social enterprise model to provide employment and training to people from refugee and new migrant backgrounds. The Social Outfit opened its retail store and sewing studio in June 2014 in Newtown, NSW.

The objectives of The Social Outfit are to:

• Develop the skills and talents of people from refugee backgrounds;
• Develop educational goals and employment opportunities for people from refugee backgrounds;
• Promote, showcase and celebrate Sydney’s diverse refugee communities;
• Provide an inclusive and safe space for people from diverse backgrounds to come together; and
• Promote and showcase environmentally conscious fashion and design, thereby promoting sustainability and ethical consumption.

ROLE:

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operations of The Social Outfit’s workroom. The main responsibility is for clothing and product manufacturing. You will be responsible for managing the development of The Social Outfit collections as well as to develop the provision of manufacturing for external clients. You will also train and mentor the sewing staff.

This is a great opportunity to be engaged in an ethical social enterprise contributing to strengthening social cohesion and empowering new migrants and refugees. The role is based in The Social’s Outfit Newtown store, where you will be interacting with our passionate, friendly team and the community we support on a daily basis. It will suit an experienced workroom manager who is able to think out of the box, problem solve and work well in a team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and organise production schedules.
• Oversee and coordinate all outputs from The Social Outfit’s workroom, including scheduling making by all sewing technicians, forecasting for high volume periods, and quality checking all garments produced.
• Develop, plan and deliver manufacturing services for external contracts.
• Manage the development of The Social Outfit Collections ensuring garments are produced in time for photo-shoots and collection launches.
• Produce patterns, samples, grade and oversee all the production stages.
• Mentor selected sewing staff to work alongside you in order to gain experience in production management.
• Oversee and guide the sewing team by holding a weekly staff meeting with the Head Sewing Technician and a weekly meeting with all workroom staff.
• Manage, train and support the Sewing Technicians, including assisting them to transition to external employment and training opportunities as appropriate.
• Monitor and report to CEO on staff hours while enforcing workroom rules and procedures.
• Develop accurate costing sheets and manage garment costings in consultation with the Retail Manager.
• Manage fabric control and workroom supplies, including ordering fabric, trims and supplies as required.
• Negotiate costs and confirm suppliers.
• Develop relationships with key fashion industry partners and collaborators to source excess fabric, donated patterns and shapes, and to provide further training and employment opportunities for sewing technicians as suitable.
• Work effectively alongside other TSO staff and students in a collaborative way to achieve the mission and goals of The Social Outfit.
• Ensure compliance with all The Social Outfit policies and procedures including those relating to workplace health and safety.
• Carry out any other reasonable request from the CEO, and other senior staff.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential

• Demonstrated experience as a Manufacturing or Production Manager in the apparel industry.
• Excellent knowledge and hands on experience in garment construction, fit and samples reviews.
• Experience in management and mentoring of staff.
• Experience in working collaboratively with a wide range of organisations and individuals.
• Strong organisation skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of margins and costs.
• Ability to source new suppliers as required.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team, manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Passion for the mission of The Social Outfit and our community along with an interest in ethical fashion and/or social enterprise.

Desirable

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
• Pattern-making and grading skills
• Digital print development skills
• Sewing trainer/teacher skills

BENEFITS:

• Highly rewarding role with direct connection to purpose
• Based in our vibrant Newtown shopfront, The Social Outfit – you will be located at the heart of the organisation’s work
• Flexible hours and working conditions
• Close to public transport
• Opportunity to develop your career in the social purpose sector and make a genuine difference

All employees must agree and adhere to The Social Outfit Code of Conduct.