Studio Administrator & Operations Manager for a Contemporary Artist Studio in London

Our client is seeking a highly organised and dependable Studio Administrator & Operations Manager to join a leading contemporary artist’s studio based in London but with an international focus.

This is a key role for a proactive individual who can take full ownership of the studio’s administration, operations, finance, logistics, and organisational processes. Acting as the operational backbone of the business, you will ensure the studio runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing the artist and wider team to focus on creative and strategic priorities.

For candidates with the appropriate experience, the role may also expand into project management, taking sole ownership of one or more projects, exhibitions, commissions, publications, and other artist-led initiatives from planning through to delivery.

The Ideal Candidate:

You are a reliable and capable operator who enjoys creating structure, solving problems, and keeping things running smoothly. Comfortable balancing administrative detail with operational oversight, you take ownership of your responsibilities and can be trusted to manage a critical part of the business with professionalism, efficiency, and discretion.

This is an opportunity to become an integral part of a growing artist studio, taking ownership of the operational side of the business while helping support the delivery of ambitious creative projects. The artist studio has just begun a scaling process after several years of running a lean but successful model. This will be the first time this role has been created within the studio.

Key Responsibilities:

Studio Operations & Administration

• Manage day-to-day studio administration, schedules, travel, meetings, and correspondence.
• Handle customer service enquiries and maintain professional communication with clients, collectors, auction houses, galleries, and suppliers.
• Maintain administrative systems, records, policies, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate suppliers, contractors, and external service providers.
• Support general business operations and ensure the smooth running of the studio.

Finance & Bookkeeping

• Manage bookkeeping, invoicing, payments, expenses, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate financial records using Xero or similar accounting software.
• Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expenses.

Artwork Logistics & Inventory Management

• Coordinate domestic and international artwork shipments, transportation, storage, and installation.
• Liaise with specialist art shippers, couriers, galleries, auction houses and collectors.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and artwork tracking systems.
• Support the logistics of exhibitions, commissions, loans, and special projects.

Project Coordination

• Assist with the planning and delivery of exhibitions, publications, commissions, and other studio projects.
• Coordinate timelines, budgets, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Track project progress and ensure deadlines and deliverables are met.
• Act as a central point of coordination across multiple workstreams.

Candidate Profile:

Essential

• 3-5+ years' experience in operations, administration, studio management, arts administration, gallery operations, finance, logistics, or a similar role.
• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience with bookkeeping and financial administration
• Working knowledge of Xero, Google Drive, Word Press and Social Media platforms
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Desirable

• Experience within an artist studio, gallery, auction house, museum, or creative business.
• Experience managing domestic and international artwork logistics.
• Familiarity with customs procedures, shipping documentation, and fine art transportation.
• Experience with inventory management systems and artwork databases.
• Project management experience.
• Interest in contemporary art and the wider cultural sector.

Salary: DOE

Full-time, hybrid