Assistant Custom Manager

Location: London
Department: Custom
Position: Assistant Custom Manager
Reports to: Custom Manager

The Role

As Assistant Custom Manager, you will work closely with the Custom Manager to ensure that custom orders and client accounts are managed accurately, efficiently and to LaDuca's standards from initial fitting through to production and delivery.

You will be responsible for coordinating a wide range of administrative, operational and client-facing activities, while also supporting fittings, production and the wider Custom team.

We are looking for someone with strong leadership qualities who is comfortable making decisions, solving problems and maintaining the smooth running of the department.

Key Responsibilities

Custom Accounts & Order Management

  • Manage the day-to-day administration of custom client accounts, ensuring all order, production and invoice information is accurate and up to date.

  • Maintain order tracking, client records and priority lists.

  • Monitor outstanding invoices and ensure additional costs, including shipping, travel and other applicable charges, are accurately recorded and passed to clients.

  • Coordinate deliveries and ensure finished products reach clients or third parties in a timely manner.

  • Maintain accurate digital records of fittings, specifications, approvals and fit checks.

  • Create and maintain client files for new productions, cast changes and ongoing accounts.

Client & Production Coordination

  • Liaise confidently and professionally with clients regarding orders, fittings, production and account queries.

  • Work closely with factories and suppliers to monitor orders, components, leathers and production requirements.

  • Monitor stock and product movement throughout open custom accounts, ensuring all movements are accurately recorded and reconciled.

  • Coordinate with the Custom Manager on EU and international remote accounts, reviewing fitting information and supporting appropriate sizing and product decisions.

  • Attend client meetings with the Custom Manager and ensure all relevant information is accurately recorded and communicated.

Fittings & Custom Product

  • Assist with and, where appropriate, lead custom fittings and measurements.

  • Develop a strong understanding of LaDuca's fitting processes, products and specifications.

  • Support remote fittings and communicate fitting information clearly to clients, colleagues and production teams.

  • Assist with the creation and updating of product specifications and supporting materials.

Team & Department Support

  • Work closely with the Custom Manager and wider LaDuca team to ensure the department operates efficiently and professionally.

  • Share knowledge and assist with training and development of colleagues where appropriate.

  • Communicate and collaborate with LaDuca's global Custom teams, including providing fitting information and supporting training when required.

  • Take on additional responsibilities appropriate to the role and the needs of the department.

Leadership & Responsibility

This is not simply an administrative role. We are looking for someone who has the potential to become a trusted second-in-command within the Custom Department. The successful candidate will:

  • Be confident taking charge of situations and providing clear direction when required.

  • Be capable of working independently and making decisions within the agreed responsibilities of the role.

  • Remain professional and solutions-focused when dealing with difficult or unexpected situations.

  • Understand and respect LaDuca's management structure and established procedures.

  • Take full ownership of their responsibilities and follow tasks through to completion.

The Person

  • A natural leader who is confident and capable of taking control when necessary.

  • A genuine team player who enjoys working collaboratively and is willing to both learn from others and share their own knowledge.

  • Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple accounts, deadlines and priorities simultaneously.

  • Calm under pressure, with the ability to handle challenging clients, production issues and unexpected problems professionally.

  • Proactive and accountable, taking ownership rather than waiting to be directed at every stage.

  • Professional and respectful, with genuine respect for the LaDuca product, brand, clients, colleagues, vendors and management.

  • Adaptable and willing to learn, with the motivation to develop a strong understanding of custom footwear and LaDuca's processes.

Experience & Skills

Previous experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Custom footwear or shoe fitting

  • Fashion, footwear or luxury retail

  • Production or product development

  • Client or account management

  • Entertainment, theatre or performance industries

  • Administrative or operational management

  • Working with detailed product specifications

Knowledge or experience in shoe fitting, measurements, graphic design, sketching or Canva would be a strong advantage. However, these skills are not essential. We are equally interested in candidates who demonstrate the right attitude, work ethic, initiative and desire to learn quickly. 

Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

What We Offer

This is an exciting opportunity to become an integral part of LaDuca's London Custom Department and develop a broad understanding of custom footwear, fittings, production and client management.

  • Hours: 38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, office-based.

  • Holiday: 28 days including bank holidays.

  • Career Development: Genuine opportunity to grow into greater responsibility and future management opportunities within the Custom Department.

  • Training & Development: The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills across custom footwear, fitting, production and client management.

  • Team Environment: Work closely with an experienced Custom team and collaborate with LaDuca's wider global teams.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who understands the importance of the product, the client and the team, and is ready to step up when the department needs them. If you are organised, ambitious, calm under pressure and excited by the opportunity to develop within a specialist custom footwear business, we would love to hear from you.

Expressions of interest including a CV can be emailed to michaela.musson@aab.uk