We are recruiting a confident, energetic Junior Art Consultant who enjoys selling and takes pride in making sales happen. This is a demanding, hands-on commercial role, not simply a welcoming or reception post. You will actively start conversations with visitors, understand their interests and budgets, present suitable work and turn genuine interest into purchases.
You will work towards agreed Saturday sales targets and be expected to follow through on enquiries and close sales, including considered and higher-value purchases. You must be comfortable discussing price and asking for the sale while respecting customers’ decisions. We value initiative, sound judgement and results as well as a warm, knowledgeable approach.
You will be the lead staff member on site on Saturdays, normally working alongside one volunteer and coordinating any freelance colleagues present. You must also be confident and happy working independently when required. You will take responsibility for day-to-day trading and routine operational decisions, reporting to the Gallery Director. This is not a formal line-management role.
What you will do
- Take initiative in approaching visitors, identifying buying opportunities and making sales across original art and craft.
- Build trust, explain the appeal and value of individual works, respond confidently to hesitation over price, and help customers make purchasing decisions.
- Work towards agreed Saturday sales targets and keep a clear record of sales, promising enquiries and follow-up actions.
- Develop relationships with returning customers and share appropriate sales leads with the weekday team.
- Explain Own Art, gift vouchers and payment options correctly, using gallery procedures.
- Work effectively alongside the Saturday volunteer, coordinating tasks and any freelance support on site, while also being confident running the gallery independently when required.
- Open and close the gallery, handle payments and cashing-up, maintain appealing displays, and wrap sold work with care.
- Refer unusual customer, security or operational issues to the Gallery Director or designated contact.
- Evidence of personally converting enquiries into sales in a customer-facing setting; experience of working towards targets.
- Genuine enjoyment of selling, confidence in starting conversations and the ability to close sales professionally.
- Ability to build rapport, listen to customers and discuss considered purchases, including higher-value work.
- Reliability, initiative and sound judgement; confidence leading Saturday trading while working with one volunteer or independently when needed.
- Living within practical travelling distance of Farnham and able to arrive reliably for Saturday opening; availability every Saturday and for occasional weekday holiday cover and extended festive trading hours; ability to start immediately.
- Experience in a commercial gallery, jewellery, interiors, specialist retail or another setting involving considered purchases; knowledge of contemporary art and craft.
- We welcome transferable sales experience and will provide training on our artists, stock and systems.
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Junior Art Consultant (Saturdays) in Farnham employer: New Ashgate Gallery Trust Ltd
New Ashgate Gallery Trust Ltd offers a vibrant and supportive work environment in Farnham, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a Gallery Operations Lead, you will benefit from opportunities for professional growth while contributing to the arts community, all within a culture that values innovation and teamwork. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a gallery that not only showcases talent but also engages with artists and customers alike, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
New Ashgate Gallery Trust Ltd Recruitment Team