About the Position
Reporting to the Head of Wardrobe Production, the Footwear Manager joins a dynamic team committed to promoting and celebrating the artists and activities of The National Ballet of Canada. The Footwear Manager is responsible for the coordination, assignment and customization of all footwear related to both new and existing productions, including sourcing footwear to purchase and coordinating customized production with outsourced makers. This position also manages the Pointe Shoe Room with all purchases of pointe shoes and ballet slippers including fitting, receiving and managing the inventory.
This is a 14-month temporary contract role.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordination and assignment of all footwear related to new and existing productions
- Conducting footwear fittings and executing alterations and colour customizations that are required to meet production designs
- Sourcing all new footwear to be purchased, working closely with manufacturers to ensure proper fit and specifications are met
- Maintaining and purchasing all footwear inventories of new and existing productions as well as stock inventories of all footwear including basic stock of the Pointe Shoe Room
- Communicating with dancers to provide footwear requirements for each production
- Communicating all relevant production information including running notes with the Road Crew
- Packing and logistics of all footwear required for company tours
- Customization of pointe shoe and ballet shoes to match skin tones as required for each production
- Maintaining an ongoing inventory of all pointe shoes and ballet slippers and basic supplies in the Pointe Shoe Room
Qualifications and Competencies
- A college diploma or certificate in theatre production or another relevant program
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a coordinator position in a theatre or film environment
- Experience fitting dance footwear with a basic knowledge of pointe shoes and pointe shoe fittings
- Strong communication skills
- Exceptional eye for detail
- Deadline-driven, and comfortable with fluctuating priorities in a fast-paced environment, and produce under high pressure situations
- Works well in a team-driven environment with the ability to work independently
- Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude
- A passion and love for the performing arts
Working Conditions
- Primary work out of head office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
- This role requires in-office attendance 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)
Physical Effort and Sensory Demands
- Standing and squatting for fitting purposes
- Pushing/pulling required to maneuver crates and related equipment
- Standing for long periods during fabric dyeing process
- Long periods wearing both ear protection and respiratory mask during painting process
Compensation
We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. The salary range for this role is: $28-$32 per hour plus vacation pay.
Application Process
This posting is for an upcoming temporary vacancy within the organization. Please submit one PDF document that includes your cover letter and updated resume to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading “Footwear Manager” by no later than August 21, 2026. We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received, and we may choose to move forward with interviews before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The use of artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by our managers and HR team.
The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. We will primarily be using your phone number listed or email to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to include an updated phone number and email address and accept calls/emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your phone, voice messages and email regularly. If no response is received within a reasonable timeframe, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.
