Alterations & Repair Workshop Manager

Company description:

SOJO is a fashion-tech platform revolutionising clothing repairs and alterations. Launched in London in 2021, SOJO powers the repair and alterations service for the fashion industry’s top brands (such as Selfridges, Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Arket, GANNI and many more) with our technology and end-to-end in-house operations.

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Workshop Manager to oversee daily operations at our busy repairs and alterations tailoring studio launching in the business district of La Défense in Paris. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to manage a team of skilled tailors and studio assistants. As the Studio Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient operations, managing customer relations, supervising staff, overseeing quality control and maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship in all repairs and alterations completed.

Key Responsibilities:Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the studio to ensure seamless workflow and timely delivery of tailoring services.
• Manage the studio’s service assignment ensuring the proper allocation of services to staff based on skillset and output
• Ensure that all equipment, tools, trims and supplies are well-maintained and in working order.
• Ordering new stock of fabrics, sewing materials, and other essential supplies as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the studio, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for the team.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Oversee the hiring process to ensure a team of qualified tailors with a diverse skillset who consistently produce good quality and high output work
• Lead and supervise a team of tailors and assistants, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate staff schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage and managing time-off requests.
• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment by resolving any conflicts or challenges among the team.
• Ensure that all team members adhere to studio policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.

Customer Service and Client Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, answering inquiries and addressing concerns regarding tailoring services.
• Manage customer appointments, ensuring efficient scheduling and effective communication regarding service timelines.
• Provide expert advice to clients on alterations and repairs to meet their needs and preferences.
• Handle customer complaints or concerns promptly and professionally.

Financial and Administrative Duties:

• Monitor and track revenue, expenses, and profits, ensuring the studio operates within budget.

Quality Control:

• Ensure that all alterations and repairs meet the studio’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
• Conduct regular checks on finished work before returning items to clients to ensure accuracy and satisfaction.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, techniques, and best practices to continuously improve service offerings.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a management role, preferably within a tailoring, fashion, or retail environment.
• Fluent in French and English
• Strong knowledge of alterations, repairs, and garment fitting techniques.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise tasks efficiently.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with customers and staff professionally
• Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on quality control and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team to achieve goals and maintain a positive and passionate work environment.
• Basic understanding of financial management, including budgeting and invoicing
• Familiarity with tailoring tools, fabrics, and sewing equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Dependent on experience

Requirements: Bilingual (English & French)

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 20/05/2025