Gallery Operations & Projects Manager

Duties & Responsibilities:
Plan, coordinate and execute exhibitions, art fairs and special projects, including Art Dubai, Art Abu Dhabi, international art fairs and private projects.
Oversee exhibition installation and de-installation processes, coordinating with artists, technicians, fabricators, contractors and external vendors.
Manage art shipping, transportation, logistics, customs clearance, insurance arrangements and artwork condition reporting.
Coordinate with artists, partner galleries, museums, cultural institutions and other stakeholders regarding project timelines, production schedules and technical requirements.
Develop and maintain detailed operational plans, project schedules, timelines and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
Manage multiple exhibitions, art fairs and projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines, budgets and quality standards are met.
Prepare and monitor operational budgets, project cost estimates, expenditure reports and financial trackers.
Negotiate with suppliers, shipping companies, fabricators and external service providers to ensure cost-effective and reliable project delivery.
Ensure compliance with professional art-handling procedures, artwork conservation requirements, installation standards and relevant logistical regulations.
Coordinate the preparation, packing, transportation, installation and safe handling of artworks across local, regional and international locations.
Monitor project progress, identify potential operational challenges and implement effective solutions to mitigate delays and disruptions.
Act as a key operational point of contact between artists, collectors, institutions, partner galleries, vendors and internal teams.
Support senior leadership with exhibition planning, operational strategy, project scheduling and the execution of gallery initiatives.
Coordinate production requirements, technical specifications, equipment, materials and resources for exhibitions and installations.
Maintain accurate documentation, including project plans, shipping records, customs documents, insurance details, condition reports, vendor quotations and invoices.
Conduct site visits and oversee on-site operations to ensure installations and exhibition preparations are completed according to specifications.
Ensure all project stakeholders are informed of progress, changes, deadlines and operational requirements.
Travel locally and internationally as required to supervise art fairs, exhibitions, installations and other projects.
Perform other operational, project management and coordination duties as required.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Arts Management, Arts Administration, Project Management, Business Administration or a related field is preferred.
Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience in gallery operations, art logistics, exhibition management, art fair coordination or art project management.
Proven experience managing exhibitions, art fairs, installations and complex art-related projects from planning through completion.

Strong knowledge of artwork handling, packing, transportation, international shipping, customs clearance and insurance procedures.
Previous experience coordinating with artists, galleries, collectors, museums, cultural institutions, fabricators and logistics providers.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines and operational requirements.
Experience preparing project budgets, cost estimates, expenditure reports and vendor quotations.
Strong understanding of exhibition production, installation and de-installation processes, technical requirements and conservation standards.
Excellent organisational, planning, scheduling and project coordination skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage unexpected challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and project management or scheduling tools.
Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate professionally with local and international stakeholders.
Willingness and flexibility to travel locally and internationally as required.

Key Skills:
Strong project management and end-to-end operational execution capabilities.
Excellent coordination, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy and quality control.
Strong vendor negotiation, cost management and resource-planning abilities.
Ability to prioritise competing deadlines and manage multiple complex projects effectively.
Proactive approach to identifying risks, resolving operational challenges and ensuring timely delivery.
Strong understanding of art logistics, exhibition production and professional artwork handling.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of project outcomes.
Professionalism, discretion and the ability to work effectively with high-profile artists, collectors and institutional partners.
Flexibility to work extended hours during exhibition installations, de-installations, art fairs and major project deadlines.

Language Skills
Fluent written and spoken English.
Strong business communication skills for stakeholder coordination, project documentation, reporting and professional correspondence.
Additional languages are an advantage, particularly when coordinating with international artists, galleries and institutions.

Other Details:
Working days and hours: As per company requirements, with flexibility during exhibitions, art fairs and project deadlines.
Location & Mobility: Dubai, UAE. Willingness to travel locally and internationally as required.
Allowances / Benefits: As per company policy and UAE labour law.