Head of Atelier/Premier(e) d'Atelier

Job Title: Head of Atelier / Premier(e) d’ AtelierRecruitment and candidate selections exclusively by Isrid AgencyCompany: Pre-launch high-end fashion startupLocation: The Netherlands, Rotterdam / The Hague regionJob Type: Full-Time*** Isrid is open to meet candidates from any location in Europe or the world and the company will assist in relocation ***In the case Isrid will select you to set up an interview, she will disclose more information about this start-up, the vision and the CEO/Creative Director behind the brand.About the Company and the Role:We are a well-funded, forward-thinking fashion startup with global ambitions. Our aesthetic is defined by black, sculptural, daring design rooted in avant-garde haute couture. Inspired by the likes of Rick Owens, Alaïa, Yohji Yamamoto and Chrome Hearts, our mission is to challenge the boundaries of contemporary high-end fashion and beyond.Founded by fashion-forward thinking and company building experts, we are only focused on developing daring creations. If it’s been done before, we’re not interested. As we prepare for our launch, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Atelier to establish and lead our in-house atelier. The initial task at hand will be to work with the founders and CEO/ Creative Director to build out the physical atelier and hire the staff starting at zero. This means we have an opportunity to build from scratch in a modern, brand new space, and get everything exactly right.We have budget and a vision: a rare combination and key requirements for success.Your main responsibility is to turn our designs into physical garments of the highest standard while building and managing a skilled team of artisans from the ground up. Timelessness and the play between opposites are central to the design approach. The collections offer a historical-futuristic take on classic styles, blending flowing lines with bold geometric forms. Each piece is crafted with couture-level precision for both men and women, without following the usual seasonal fashion cycles. The brand also embraces advanced technology, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to expand the design process. The perfect candidate has developed and built teams from the ground up before and has the vision and capabilities to lead by example.Key Responsibilities:• Lead the creation and scaling of the in-house atelier• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of specialist craftsmen• Translate avant-garde design concepts into technically sound garments• Collaborate closely with the CEO/Creative Director and Design Team• Oversee fittings, prototyping, and final garment execution• Set and maintain couture-level quality and construction standards• Build sourcing pipelines and technical workflowsCore Expertise Required: (You are not required to perform all disciplines personally, but must have a comprehensive understanding of them)• Garment Construction & Tailoring• Toile / canvas development• Precision cutting• Draping & moulage• Hand-stitching & finishing• Advanced fitting & alterations• Sculptural & asymmetrical silhouette construction Specialized Techniques (Team Management Scope)• Leatherwork• Corsetry• Fabric dyeing & treatments• Surface manipulation (pleating, bonding, etc.)• Pattern making (manual & digital)• Textile sourcing• Luxury finishing techniquesLeadership & Operations:• Experience leading couture or luxury fashion teams• Strong industry network• Workflow and atelier setup experience• Clear communication between creative and technical functions • Deep appreciation for radical, black-driven fashion aestheticsCandidate Profile• +10 years experience in a Head of Atelier role• Multiple years in couture or high-end fashion creation• Passionate about experimental design and craftsmanship• Visionary, organized, and detail-oriented• Willing to relocate or travel as needed• Fluent in English, written and spoken• Ideally, fluent in French, written and spokenIf you recognize yourself in this description and are ready to contribute to and establish an exceptional atelier environment, we would love to hear from you.Please share your CV and/or portfolio and tell Isrid what drives you in your craft.