About Company:
Since 1996, Loonie Times Custom Mascots & Plush has produced over 6,000 custom mascots and plush characters for brands around the world. Our work has represented companies like Disney, Netflix, Amazon, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, and Home Depot, as well as schools, sports teams, non-profits, and growing businesses.
We combine creativity, craftsmanship, and industry expertise to bring characters to life and help brands stand out.
About Role
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Team Lead to join our Costume Making team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in garment construction, pattern making and a passion for creating high-quality mascots. The team lead main role will be to bridge the gap between management and the production floor. They will ensure the shop operates efficiently by coordinating daily workflows, enforcing quality control standards, troubleshooting equipment, and training staff on sewing techniques and safety procedures.
If you have a keen eye for detail and enjoy working in a creative environment, we would love to hear from you.
Key responsibilities:
1. Production & Workflow Management
- Scheduling: Prioritizing work orders and assigning daily or weekly quotas to sewing machine operators to meet business deadlines.
- Resource Allocation: Ensuring the shop has the necessary raw materials (fabrics, thread, notions) and notifying management of low inventory.
- Task Routing: Assigning specific garments, alterations, or production steps to the team members with the right skill sets.
2. Quality Assurance
- Pattern making: Perform quality checks on the patterns produced by team / make patterns that are up to the standards of the company.
- Inspections: Checking finished goods for accuracy, alignment and similarity to the artwork.
- Defect Reduction: Identifying the root cause of errors and implementing corrective actions to minimize material waste.
- Standard Enforcement: Ensuring every item produced meets the shop's manufacturing quality standards
3. Training & Mentorship
- Onboarding: Teaching new employees how to use industrial sewing machines, follow patterns, and adhere to safety protocols.
- Skill Development: Providing ongoing coaching to existing staff to improve their sewing speed, technique, and accuracy.
- Conflict Resolution: Mediating any workplace disputes and fostering a positive, collaborative shop environment.
4. Equipment Maintenance & Safety
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosing common mechanical issues on the sewing floor and performing minor repairs.
- Safety Compliance: Ensuring the shop complies with health and safety regulations, such as proper lighting, safe needle handling, and clear emergency exits.
5. Liaison & Reporting
- Communication: Acting as the primary point of contact between the costume making staff and upper management.
- Reporting: Tracking daily production outputs, monitoring attendance, and preparing reports on shop efficiency for managers.
Qualifications and Skills:
· Minimum 3 years of experience in a leadership position.
· Minimum 3–4 years of pattern making and sewing experience.
· Advanced knowledge of using hot glue, adhesives, and related fabrication techniques.
· Expertise in pattern drafting and pattern making, with the ability to translate 2D designs into 3D costumes or products.
· Educational background in fashion design, costuming, prop making, or special effects.
· Experience in cosplay, mascot production, upholstery, theatre, dance, film, or related creative industries is considered an asset.
· High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship.
· Excellent time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
Salary and Benefits:
· $21 - $25 CAD per hour
· 100% company-paid health & dental benefits
· Yearly performance bonus
· Unlimited growth and career development opportunities
Additional Information:
· This is a replacement role to support ongoing business operations.
· We do not use AI tools in the screening or selection process.
Loonie Times Custom Mascot & Plush is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that different perspectives strengthen our team and drive innovation. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and provide accommodations in accordance with applicable legislation throughout the hiring process
Pay: $21.00-$25.00 per hour
Experience:
- Pattern making and sewing: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
