Job Description
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
Solid 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) (New South Wales)
🏢 Leonard Joel
📍 New South Wales