For an employer such as a sports team or a hotel, a uniform manager oversees the purchase, maintenance, distribution, and handling of uniforms. In small companies and on minor teams, employees may be trusted with the handling and care of their uniforms, but large companies and important sports teams require a uniform manager and support staff. This person is an important member of the team that manages the employer’s public image, ensuring that uniforms are appropriate for the setting and in good condition, as well as being neat and appealing.
The uniform manager places orders for new uniforms when they are required. This representative might meet with textile and clothing manufacturers to go over specifications, look at swatches, and tailor uniforms to a specific application. This could include discussions about the best garments for working in extreme heat or for athletics, where breathability and performance under duress are critical.
When new uniforms arrive, the uniform manager inspects them before distributing them to employees or storing them for future distribution. This employee is also in charge of laundry, repairs, and other maintenance tasks, which may be unique to uniforms with delicate components. The uniform manager must fit a new uniform if an employee loses or damages a uniform beyond repair. In some cases, an organization may donate uniforms to charities for auction, in which case the uniform manager selects and certifies an appropriate piece.
Uniform managers can conduct spot checks to ensure that uniforms are worn correctly and appropriately. They look for things like mismatching pieces, failing to keep a uniform in good condition during a shift, and being out of uniform in areas where it is prohibited. A uniform manager can be part of the continuity team on film, television, and theater productions, and is in charge of keeping characters looking the same from scene to scene.
By tracking garments and creating detailed digital records, software programs can make uniform management easier. The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology allows a uniform manager to rotate garments appropriately and monitor uniforms. Laundry and mending crews, as well as assistants who can fit and check uniforms and perform related tasks, are examples of support staff. To work in this field, no special qualifications are required, though experience with textiles and wardrobe management, either through formal education at a college or university or experience with other organizations with uniform needs, can be beneficial.