The Operations Manager is responsible for overall management of their assigned location, including business management, operations management and people management. This role requires elements of business management to insure the financial and operational health of the office and operational management to ensure that communications and operations meet company standards. People management is required to ensure the communication, direction and skill development of Art Handlers. The Operations Manager will ensure estimating, project management and storage projects are on track, by personally completing or working through others to do so.
This role requires detailed knowledge of art handling best practices, museum standards of care, in-depth understanding of fine art logistics and the documentation requirements necessary to maintain the chain of control and legal necessities. This role reports to the Director of Operations and typically works M-F 9:00am – 5:00pm, with after–hours participation as needed.
Business Management
Manages Local Office and Field Team
Overall responsibility for the success of the assigned office – performance, employee morale and training, and operational success
Operations Management
Estimates for field work and transportation for clients, coordinates location-specific estimates with logistics, crating and storage departments.
Allocates employee, vehicle and material resources for jobs in field
Ensures necessary documents are complete and meets company/industry standards
People Management -
Leads all communication with direct reports: daily operations, job scheduling, training, company updates and HR
Leads regular team meetings and ensures that staff is prepared for jobs
Ensures all employees are trained in art handling safety and best practices
Project Management
Work with other managers to staff jobs
Ensure clear team communication/preparation
Estimated time in general activities
40% project management
30% management of daily operations
20% people management
10% business management
Required skills and experience:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in a high-volume art service company, museum, gallery or related organization
3 or more years Art Handling experience
Knowledge of museum storage, art handling and transportation best practices
Proficiency in collections management databases preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
Attention to detail and accuracy in communication
Ability to work independently, an as a leader or member of a team
Bachelor of Arts Degree in the arts or museum studies or equivalent, or combination of education and experience