At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales across exhibitions, private sales, and art fairs while managing client relationships.
- Company: Join RHODES, a vibrant art gallery in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the art world while developing your sales expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in art sales or high-end luxury sales with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
RHODES is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Sales to join our London gallery on a fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is a senior, client-facing role with primary responsibility for generating sales across our artist exhibitions, limited-edition print releases, private sales, commissions and art fair activity.
Based at our gallery on Great Portland Street, London, the successful candidate will act as the central driver of sales activity, leading client relationships, managing opportunities and helping to deliver ambitious commercial targets across the business. This role would suit someone with several years’ experience in an art gallery, auction house or wider art-market sales environment. Candidates with relevant experience in high-end luxury sales will also be considered, particularly where they can demonstrate experience managing high-value client relationships, negotiating sales and delivering against commercial targets.
The successful candidate will need to be confident selling art, developing collector relationships, managing negotiations and representing RHODES with professionalism, discretion and commercial focus.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and executing the gallery’s sales strategy across exhibitions, fairs, private sales and artist releases.
- Taking responsibility for achieving and exceeding weekly, monthly and annual sales targets.
- Managing sales enquiries from initial contact through to negotiation, close, invoicing and aftercare.
- Maintaining and developing relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions and other art-market contacts.
- Identifying and cultivating new sales opportunities across existing and prospective clients.
- Developing sales strategies where demand exceeds available inventory, including commission opportunities where appropriate.
- Managing CRM systems, client records, sales pipelines and follow-up activity.
- Driving sales activity at gallery exhibitions, private views, UK art fairs and international art fairs.
- Hosting collectors, advisors and VIP guests at gallery events, fairs and private appointments.
- Working with the Founder / Director on pricing, placement, artist positioning and sales approach.
- Coordinating with logistics, finance, marketing and operations to ensure a smooth client and sales process.
- Representing RHODES professionally at gallery events, private views, art fairs and selected evening events.
About You
We are looking for someone who is commercially focused, highly organised and confident operating at a senior level within a client-facing sales environment. The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Several years’ experience in an art gallery, auction house, art-market sales environment or relevant high-end luxury sales role.
- A proven track record of selling art or high-value luxury goods or services.
- Experience managing collector, client or high-net-worth relationships.
- Confidence handling sales conversations, negotiations, objections and sensitive client discussions.
- Experience working to, managing and exceeding commercial targets.
- Strong knowledge of the contemporary art market.
Head of Sales Maternity Cover in London employer: RHODES Contemporary Art
RHODES is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and the opportunity to engage with high-profile clients in the vibrant art market. The company's commitment to fostering a collaborative culture ensures that team members are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to the success of the gallery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales Maternity Cover in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend art fairs, gallery openings, and industry events to meet potential clients and colleagues. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Sales role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past sales successes and client relationships. When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, let them see how you can drive sales at RHODES.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to galleries or companies you admire, like RHODES, and express your interest in future opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest job postings and apply directly through there. It shows you're serious about joining the team and makes it easier for us to find you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales Maternity Cover in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sales role. Highlight your experience in art sales, client management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to meet commercial targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for art, your sales successes, and how you can contribute to RHODES' goals. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, be specific about your past roles and responsibilities. We want to see examples of how you've successfully managed high-value client relationships and driven sales in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at RHODES.
How to prepare for a job interview at RHODES Contemporary Art
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the artists and artworks that RHODES represents. Familiarise yourself with their exhibitions, limited-edition prints, and any recent sales. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've met or exceeded sales targets in previous roles. Bring data or anecdotes that highlight your ability to manage high-value client relationships and negotiate effectively. This will demonstrate your commercial focus and experience.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills
Think about how you’ve built and maintained relationships with collectors or clients in the past. Be ready to share strategies you’ve used to cultivate new opportunities and manage ongoing client interactions. This is crucial for a client-facing role like this one.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since this role involves selling art, practice how you would pitch a piece or an exhibition. Focus on how you would engage potential buyers and handle objections. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and showcase your selling skills.
