Gallery Manager

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

The Role

The Gallery Manager plays a crucial role within our organization, with a primary focus on planning & executing the sales exhibition set-ups alongside our live auctions and scheduling our internal sales transport. This role requires a blend of art handling experience, excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that all exhibitions and live auctions are executed seamlessly and on time. From collaborating with the specialist departments regarding the timings for exhibition installation and deinstallation along with gallery allocations to coordinating with the events, design, marketing and press teams to ensure all aspects of Sotheby’s vision is delivered on time.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead Sale set up meetings with the relevant specialist departments, sale directors, design and logistic sale leads for all sale exhibitions, travelling exhibitions and preview exhibitions.
• Collaborate with the Greenford Park Manager to schedule all internal sales transport between New Bond Street & Greenford Park. Collaborate with Specialist departments and the Marketing department to support and execute the creative vision for the exhibition.
• Collaborate with the Design team & Logistics Support Manager to schedule the delivery and collection of all exhibition enhancements.
• Take a proactive role in problem-solving and decision-making to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of exhibition set-ups and auctions.
• Ensure all exhibitions and live auctions open to the public on time and adhere to budgetary requirements.
• Maintain and uphold a consistently high standard of cleanliness across all Galleries.
• Collaborate with the Technician Manager and Greenford Park Manager in overseeing the technician team, ensuring all team members are effectively utilized to optimize efficiencies, as well as scheduling of support from third-party vendors and casual technicians.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Marquee level sales, along with selected other sales ensuring that the set-up schedule is adhered to with a timely completion of all deadlines.
• Coordinate scheduling and act as the primary point of contact for viewing staff, ensuring exhibition numbers support the needs of the business and adhere to budgetary requirements.
• Work closely with Head of Logistics & Gallery operations to plan and implement budgetary requirements with regards to organizing overtime, external support and internal transport.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports on the status of exhibitions and sales events to senior management.
• Develop & Maintain the London Sales Calendar, working alongside the Head of Logistics, General Manager, Sales Directors and Bids departments ensuring that all sales and exhibitions are scheduled and coordinated efficiently.
• Work alongside the Logistics Support Manager to ensure all equipment is regularly tested and complies with relevant Health & Safety legislation.
• Partner with all operations departments, including Risk Management and Facilities, to foster a high level of collaboration and seamless workflow.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in art handling and exhibition management within an auction house environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of motivating teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all tasks.
• Display a positive attitude and adhere to Sotheby’s Service Standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experienced in the use of Microsoft Office, Google Sheets and SAP.
• Employees in this role will be expected to have a flexible approach to work and will be required to work on selected evenings and weekends and may be required to provide a level of support to other locations.