Fine Art Shipping Manager
Description
What you'll do
Supplier and Stakeholder Management: Manage and negotiate with freight forwarders, carriers, couriers, and customs brokers. Build strong client relationships and present logistics options for delivery and installation.
Logistics and Inventory Management: Prepare shipping documentation, maintain tracking systems, and oversee inventory in storage facilities. Manage budgets, approve expenditures, and monitor KPIs. Ensure environmental and security standards in storage and transit, conduct risk assessments, and implement loss‑prevention procedures.
Requirements
What you'll bring
Education and Background
- Degree in arts administration, logistics, museum studies, business, or related field (BCom in Supply Chain/Operations/Logistics preferred)
- 5+ years’ experience in fine art shipping/logistics or collections management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
Fine Art Logistics and Technical Compliance
- Strong knowledge of fine art packing/crating, condition reporting, and conservation‑aware handling
Proven experience with ATA Carnet documentation and CITES compliance
- Familiarity with import/export law, customs procedures, and insurance for artworks
- Physical ability to oversee and occasionally perform manual handling tasks; understanding of health and safety procedures
- Meticulous attention to detail and respect for provenance and condition
Fastidious attention to detail, record keeping and accuracy
Systems and Technical Tools
- Proficiency in inventory/shipping software and shipment tracking tools
- Intermediate or Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint)
Leadership and Stakeholder Relations
- Excellent organisational, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage authentically with diverse stakeholders (clients, artists, lenders, customs officials)
Strong ability to work as part of a team, and the ability to plan, lead and motivate
- Independent working methods requiring decision-making, responsibility, and accountability
- A commitment to confidentiality at all times, both within the organisation and outside of it, in perpetuity
Work Style and Strategic Mindset
- Nimble and adaptive thinking
- Ability to problem solve, multi-task, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines
- Big picture thinking with an understanding of the overall brand identities and goals and a strong desire to continue to grow and build on these goals
Logistical Requirements and Availability
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Flexibility to work overtime and across time zones as required
Benefits
- Permanent role
- 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Willingness and ability to be available from home for after-hours meetings with US freight forwarders and the team based at the company's gallery in North America