Gallery Manager at Elvaridah

Role Overview

• The Gallery Manager will support the Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Gallery. This role combines administration, art handling, research, client engagement, sales coordination, and exhibition management.
• The successful candidate will understand the full lifecycle of an artwork from collection and documentation to presentation, sale, and delivery and will ensure that gallery operations run smoothly, professionally, and efficiently.
• This is a hands-on role for a smart, organised, and self-driven individual with 2–5 years of work experience who is ready to take ownership and grow within a dynamic art environment.

Key Responsibilities

Artwork Acquisition & Documentation

• Coordinate collection of artworks from artists, estates, and collectors
• Maintain artwork intake records and condition reports
• Research artists, provenance, exhibition history, and comparable sales
• Create and maintain artwork documentation (catalogue entries, price lists, certificates, inventory records)
• Ensure all artworks are accurately catalogued and digitally archived

Sales & Client Management

• Assist in managing artwork sales from inquiry to payment and delivery
• Prepare invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation
• Communicate professionally with collectors, corporate clients, and institutions
• Track client relationships and follow-up communications
• Support negotiation processes under the Director’s guidance

Gallery Operations & Space Management

• Ensure the gallery space is consistently presentation-ready
• Oversee artwork placement, lighting, and display standards
• Supervise installation and de-installation of exhibitions
• Coordinate with framers, installers, movers, and other contractors
• Monitor inventory and artwork locations (on-site, on loan, in storage)

Exhibition & Proposal Development

• Assist in planning and executing exhibitions
• Prepare exhibition proposals and presentations
• Coordinate logistics for openings and gallery events
• Support catalogue and exhibition text preparation
• Work closely with artists during exhibition preparation

Administrative & Operational Support

• Manage schedules related to exhibitions and artwork movement
• Maintain organised physical and digital filing systems
• Track sales performance and inventory movement
• Ensure compliance with gallery processes and documentation standards

Candidate Profile

• We are looking for someone who is:
• 2–5 years into their professional career
• University graduate
• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Personable, articulate, and confident with clients
• Proactive and capable of working independently
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Interested in African art and cultural practice

Key Skills Required

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Research and analytical ability
• Administrative competence
• Sales awareness and client sensitivity
• Basic financial literacy (invoices, pricing, margin awareness)
• Ability to learn quickly