Our client
Our client is a contemporary art gallery that believes in the preservation and celebration of creativity. Since the gallery’s inception, it has been dedicated to amplifying contemporary artistic voices to ensure their vital contributions to creativity continue to inspire, challenge, and enrich our world. The gallery’s mission is to increase accessibility to art by engaging new audiences and amplifying the reach of distinctive and important contemporary artists. As an artist-led space, the DNA of the company is fundamentally creative.
The Role
As Commercial Director, your core focus will be to drive new revenue and business growth opportunities for the company group and the gallery. You will leverage your extensive business experience, strong network in the art/luxury brand/hospitality/events industries, and comprehensive marketing and events skillset to nurture high-value relationships and deliver exceptional commercial brand partnerships. Ideally, you will have extensive experience scaling businesses, with a strong understanding of the contemporary art world, as well as the luxury brand, luxury hospitality and retail sectors – with the ability to identify, negotiate, orchestrate and execute high-value commercial deals with the world’s leading brands and figures. As a dynamic individual with exceptional stakeholder relationship and communication skills, you will intuitively understand how to generate business opportunities that can add real value to the business.
Requirements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven track record of leading high performance teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Extensive experience (5-10 years minimum) in a senior marketing and business development role, with a comprehensive understanding of brand partnerships, audience segmentation, social media, digital platforms, experiential, and events marketing.
- Excellent sense of operational design and aesthetics, and exceptional written communication.
- A skilled negotiator and deal-maker a keen eye for detail
- Experience in commercial roles with strong analytical skills and business acumen.
- Ability to work and thrive in a collaborative fast-paced detailed oriented environment.
- A hands-on, proactive “can do” attitude, with strong organisation and ability to mentor others.
- A deep understanding of the value of art and culture in commercial brand spheres – particularly within luxury retail, music, fashion, film, event and hospitality contexts.
Key responsibilities
Business Development
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the art, luxury, hospitality, and events sectors to expand the gallery’s partnerships & events business.
- Cultivate and leverage relationships with key stakeholders, including luxury brands, event venues, hotels, and hospitality providers, to secure strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Identify lucrative opportunities for the gallery’s artists ensuring they align with the Gallery and the Artist’s practice and vision – both institutionally and commercially.
- Lead negotiations and contract agreements with partners to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and sustainable long-term business relationships.
- Identify ways to share value across the business
Marketing, Partnerships & Client Development
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement targeted marketing campaigns and promotional activities to drive event bookings.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with marketing and events agencies, luxury brands, and hospitality providers to enhance the gallery’s brand visibility and attract high-value clients.
- Identify and nurture key client relationships across brand, venue, hospitality, and events production industries.
- Identify and onboard appropriate clientele, talent and influential figures into the brand.
- Work closely with the Client Services team on client development strategies
Sales and Revenue
- Direct the Partnerships Manager and Events team in prospecting, pitching, and closing high-value event bookings, ensuring revenue targets are being met or exceeded.
- Develop pricing strategies and revenue management tactics to optimise event profitability and drive overall revenue growth.
- Identifying and negotiating new venues and locations for the business to expand to.
Market Analysis and Strategy
- Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to inform strategic decision-making.
- Conduct regular market analysis and assess business performance to identify opportunities for growth and optimisation.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance the gallery’s position and capitalise on emerging market trends.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee the implementation of operational processes and systems to support the scaling of the business, ensuring efficiency and excellence, including Saleforce, G-Drive, Hubspot, and other software tools to drive productivity and streamline operations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to oversee event operations and enhance the customer experience.
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to event management and operations, including overseeing legal agreements and contracts.
Expected Working Hours: 9 am – 6 pm / 10 am – 7 pm Monday – Friday (Attendance at exhibition openings expected)
Contract: Full time
Salary: around £80k DOE