At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead logistics for unique artworks, ensuring smooth shipping and compliance.
- Company: Join HENI, a leader in art logistics and exhibitions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities to shape the future of art movement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on involvement across various functions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the art world while honing your logistics skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in logistics or customs, with a passion for art.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
BASED IN South East London CONTRACT TYPE Full-time select the right shipper, route, packing/crating and installation service.
Own and be able to operate fulfilment for editions, books and merchandise, including drop and allocation controls, production readiness, order checks, bulk labels, pickups, tracking, customer returns, damaged-stock replacement and accurate edition-number records.
Build and manage the supplier framework, competitive tenders, carrier and platform relationships, shipping budgets, rates, surcharges, capacity and performance; maintain practical contingency arrangements for major drops and platform or carrier failures.
Take full ownership of customs and excise compliance for imports and exports, including tariff classification, valuation, VAT, licensing and documentation.
Manage pro formas, CPC codes, Incoterms, CITES/carnets, Temporary Admission, customs warehousing, proof-of-export deadlines, returned goods and any approved client self-collection; liaise with HMRC and brokers.
Set proportionate packing, insurance and condition-reporting requirements; maintain chain-of-custody records and manage customs holds, loss, damage, claims, repair/replacement and root-cause action.
Apply appropriate controls to replaceable numbered editions.
Maintain a complete, searchable and compliant record of every movement, including website/offline shipments, allocations, cancellations, returns and replacements.
Improve dashboards, deadline alerts, data integrations, movement tracking and automation so the function does not depend on personal folders or a single person/platform.
Coordinate closely with Warehouse, Sales, Customer Care, Production, Exhibitions, Finance, Legal and Technology; communicate costs, lead times and risks clearly, protect client/artist confidentiality, support a premium customer experience and escalate errors transparently.
CANDIDATE PROFILE A strong background in art is preferred.
The successful candidate will combine art-handling judgement, customs expertise, commercial discipline and the ability to lead while remaining actively involved in day-to-day logistics work.
Essential experience and capabilities At least five years' relevant experience in registrar, logistics or customs compliance work, including senior ownership of complex international movements and the ability to lead people and partners.
Proven experience moving art or other high-value, fragile goods, with sound judgement on handling, packing/crating, transport modes, condition evidence and insurance.
Deep working knowledge of customs and VAT, including commodity codes, import/export documents, proof of export, Temporary Admission and bonded/customs warehouse controls.
Practical understanding of high-volume parcel or e-commerce fulfilment, shipping platforms, order data, carrier operations, returns and operational resilience.
Strong supplier and commercial skills: tenders, rate negotiation, budgeting, cost comparison, service performance and capacity planning.
Confident with spreadsheets, document repositories, inventory/shipping systems and operational data; able to improve controls, reporting and processes.
Highly organised, meticulous, discreet and calm under pressure, with clear communication, strong customer judgement and full ownership from problem through resolution.
Comfortable working hands-on across office, warehouse and fulfilment activity.
WHY HENI This is an opportunity to shape how HENI moves unique artworks and exhibitions, high-volume editions, books and merchandise - combining specialist art care, international trade, customer experience and scalable fulfilment in one accountable function.
Head of Logistics employer: HENI
HENI is an exceptional employer that values craftsmanship and collaboration, providing a supportive work environment in the vibrant creative hub of South East London. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer competitive salaries and opportunities to work with renowned artists, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their precision craft role while contributing to the production of museum-quality frames.
