Head of Department (f/m/d) of the Costume Workshops for the “Maxim Gorki Theater”

We are looking for a Department Manager (f/m/d) for our costume workshops.

Your role:

At the Maxim Gorki Theater in 10117 Berlin and in the costume workshops in 10243 Berlin.

The Maxim Gorki Theater Berlin is one of Berlin’s state-funded ensemble theaters. It is shaped by a history of political and artistic innovation. Originally built as a concert hall for the Berlin Singakademie, it reopened as a spoken-word theater in 1952 and has consistently provided decisive artistic inspiration ever since. Located between Humboldt University and Museum Island, the theater is a place of transdisciplinary exchange and political debate, using artistic means to transcend genre boundaries. Starting with the 2026/27 season, the Maxim Gorki Theater, under the direction of Çağla Ilk, will be reoriented as a house of the arts, contradictions, and new beginnings.

The costume workshops are a central component of our artistic production process. In close collaboration with costume designers, directing teams, and other technical and artistic departments, costumes are created here that bring characters to life on stage. As department head, you will assume technical, organizational, and personnel responsibility for this multifaceted area.

Your Responsibilities:

• Technical, organizational, and personnel management of the costume workshops

• Planning, managing, and overseeing workflows and production processes

• Ensuring high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective execution of costume productions

• Close collaboration with costume designers in bringing artistic designs to life

• Coordination of fittings, alterations, new pieces, and reproductions

• Planning and monitoring budgets, material usage, and procurement

• Coordination with the departments of directing, set design, dramaturgy, makeup, and other technical departments

• Organizing and coordinating external workshops, service providers, and suppliers

• Further development of work processes and structures within the costume workshops

• Ensuring compliance with labor, health, and safety regulations

We offer:

• A responsible leadership position at the intersection of art, craftsmanship, and organization

• A varied and creative work environment

• The opportunity to actively help shape artistic productions

• Collaboration with dedicated colleagues from various artistic and technical disciplines

• Opportunities to further develop work processes and structures within the department

• Employment in accordance with the NV Bühne collective bargaining agreement (Special Provision: Stage Technology, Section 1, Paragraph 3)

• Full-time position with 39 hours per week

• Annual salary between €60,000 and €70,000 — subject to negotiation

• Deutschlandticket Job and an employee cafeteria

Notes:
The Maxim Gorki Theater actively promotes equality for all people in accordance with the State Equality Act. We therefore welcome applications from everyone, regardless of nationality, social background, age, religion, disability, or sexual identity. Applications from women, people of color, and people with an immigrant background are expressly encouraged. People with severe disabilities will be given priority consideration if equally qualified, in accordance with Section 2 of SGB IX.

Contact:
Please send your complete application, indicating your earliest possible start date, along with relevant documents (such as a cover letter, resume, portfolio, copies of vocational training/degree certificates, and copies of employment references) to

Your Profile:

• Completed vocational training or a degree in costume design, custom tailoring, costume making, or a comparable qualification

• Several years of professional experience in costume workshops, preferably in theater

• Experience leading teams and/or production processes

• In-depth knowledge of pattern-making, materials science, and costume production

• A strong understanding of artistic and craftsmanship processes, as well as a high commitment to quality

• Strong organizational skills, business acumen, and a structured, solution-oriented approach to work

• Good communication and teamwork skills, as well as a respectful leadership style

• Ability to work under pressure and flexibility, especially during production phases with tight schedules

• Sensitivity to the specific requirements of costumes in theater and performance productions

• Proficiency in using standard digital work and communication tools