Head of Production & Special Projects - Basel

Our client is represented by international galleries in 6 countries, and exhibits widely at museums and institutions around the world. The artist’s practice encompasses the production of artworks both within the studio and in collaboration with a global network of external producers, fabricators, and craftspeople for exhibitions, public art commissions, and institutional projects.

Our client is seeking a Head of Production & Special Projects to lead the coordination and management of all internal and external productions. This role requires strong organisational, planning, and project management skills, and involves close collaboration with the Artist and Studio Manager.

The position involves but is not limited to the following tasks:

• Overseeing project and production timelines, scheduling and deadlines.
• Responsibility of all internal and external artwork production, large scale installations and maintenance projects. Organising, managing and overseeing production and installation processes in close collaboration with the Artist and the team. Liaise with external producers, galleries, commissioning bodies and institutions to oversee, coordinate, and facilitate various projects, large scale installations and productions.
• Developing and managing project budgets.
• Coordinating and managing the storage facility, transports and custom duties in close collaboration with the galleries and shipping companies.
• Leading and managing a small team of studio technicians and coordinating their roster and timeline
• Managing the in-house production and art handling in close collaboration with the Studio Technicians.
• Preparing applications to competitions for art in public projects in close collaboration with the Studio Manager including research of technical requirements, related costs and feasibility of proposed artworks.

About the candidate:

• A minimum of three years project management experience working for an artist studio, gallery, institution or similar.
• The candidate should be highly motivated, precise, flexible reliable and independent, with the ability to comprehend and execute tasks efficiently.
• Proven ability organising and overseeing the production of projects from creation to installation.
• The candidate should bring a wide understanding of diverse material and production processes as well as technical requirements in the installation of large-scale works.
• Being confident reading and understanding technical plans and maps, and working with engineers and special craft experts.
• Able to multitask, managing multiple projects and productions at once and prioritise within a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, and enjoy superior problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines and work under pressure.
• Understanding of financial management, experience preparing budgets.
• Fluent in English and German (at least B2 level), French is a plus.
• The candidate is expected to travel for work regularly, be flexible, to change work- stations and react positively in unconventional situations.
• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.