Acting Head of Decorative Arts & Art (Maternity Leave Cover)

Location: Woollahra, Sydney
Reports to: Managing Director & Head of Important Collections
Employment Type: 12-month fixed-term, Full time (Maternity Leave Cover)

Position Overview

The Acting Head of Decorative Arts & Art is responsible for leading and managing Leonard Joel Sydney's Decorative Arts, Art and Private Collections department (excluding jewellery) during a maternity leave period. The role focuses on client relationship management, valuations, auction management, and the day-to-day operation of the department, ensuring the successful delivery of auctions and achievement of sales and financial targets.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, collectors, estates and private clients

Source and evaluate property for auction, prepare proposals to secure consignments

Undertake off-site visits to meet prospective clients and assess collections

Assist in promoting Leonard Joel's Sydney services through networking, referrals, events and working collaboratively with the marketing department

Auction & Collection Management

Manage consignments of decorative arts and art for both single owner auctions and mixed-vendor auctions

Negotiate contracts, estimates and sale terms with vendors

Provide cataloguing and valuation expertise, drawing on specialist consultants where required

Oversee all aspects of catalogue production, including content development, cataloguing, lotting and design coordination

Coordinate and manage photography requirements for auctions

Auction Operations

Plan and oversee auction and exhibition logistics in collaboration with the Sydney Office Manager & Administrator; including staffing, display presentation and viewings





Ensure the successful delivery of auctions from consignment through to sale

Manage departmental budgets, expenses and sales performance against agreed targets

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Sydney Decorative Arts & Art department including answering phone calls and greeting walk in clientele

Work cohesively with the Sydney Office Manager & Administrator and the Senior Advisor, Sydney to put together four mixed-vendor auctions and at least two single owner auctions per year

Collaborate with specialist departments across the business to ensure appropriate auction placement, valuation expertise and stock management

Work closely with the Senior Advisor and other department heads on significant consignments and strategic opportunities

Key Relationships

Managing Director & Head of Important Collections

Other Heads of Department

Vendors, collectors, estates and all Leonard Joel clients

Knowledge of and experience working with decorative arts and/or fine art

Experience in either auctions, a commercial gallery, valuations or a related field

Strong business development and client relationship management skills

Excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills

Ability to lead a small team comprising two permanent staff members (Senior Advisor, Sydney and Office Manager & Administrator) and two casual staff members

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Sound commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and sales targets

Key Success Measures

Achievement of departmental sales and financial targets

Successful sourcing and consignment of decorative arts and art inventory

Delivery of high-quality auctions and client service

Effective leadership and management of the Sydney department during the maternity leave period

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📌 Acting Head of Decorative Arts & Art (Maternity Leave Cover) (Woollahra)
🏢 Leonard Joel
📍 Woollahra