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

📌 Acting Head of Decorative Arts (Woollahra)
🏢 Leonard Joel
📍 Woollahra