Operations and Projects Executive

Overview

Le Connoisseur, a distinguished art consultancy with offices in London and Paris, specializes in sourcing and commissioning artworks for upscale interiors including hotels, restaurants, private residences, and flagship boutiques. Working closely with international design studios, hospitality groups, and developers mainly across Europe and the Gulf regions, the company leverages deep-rooted relationships with artists nurtured over years, offering unique commissioned pieces rather than market-bought art.

This permanent, full-time position based in London involves hybrid working with a possibility for a four-day workweek. The role reports directly to the founders and aims to align operational capacity with the growing scale of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a comprehensive and accurate status record for all active projects, monitoring deadlines, costs, and ownership.
• Coordinate activities of framers, fabricators, shippers, handlers, and installers ensuring adherence to budget and schedule.
• Expand and manage the supplier network by sourcing, benchmarking, and monitoring vendor performance.
• Oversee logistics including shipping, insurance, condition reporting, and customs documentation, especially for artworks destined for the Gulf.
• Handle instructions to appointed logistics agents and brokerage firms and track deliveries through to receipt.
• Manage all project documentation and client submissions maintaining up-to-date version control.
• Raise purchase orders and actively track project expenses, reporting any financial variances to the founders.
• Maintain comprehensive records related to artists, galleries, and suppliers such as agreements, invoices, authentication, and provenance.
• Liaise with artists and suppliers to request pricing, availability, images, and lead times, issuing draft correspondence for senior review.
• Coordinate follow-ups ensuring no task is duplicated or neglected throughout the studio.
• Prepare and assemble proposals and tender documentation, ensuring their accuracy and timely submission.
• Maintain studio operational systems including artwork databases, supplier records, templates, and archives.
• Create artwork presentations and project handover documentation per management instructions.
• Develop templates, workflows, and standardize filing systems to improve studio efficiency.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of four years' experience managing complex projects with multiple components in sectors like art, interiors, architecture, luxury hospitality, or high-end procurement.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to avoid errors or misplaced documentation.
• Proven ability managing external vendors and contractors maintaining schedule adherence.
• Comfortable working with formal documentation, record keeping, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, project management software, and aptitude for rapidly learning new tools.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to engage formally with clients, designers, galleries, and artists.
• Ability to remain calm and disciplined under pressure, independently ensuring task completion.
• Professional discretion suitable for handling confidential, high-profile projects.
• Interest in art, design, or hospitality sectors is important though deep expertise is not mandatory.

Desirable:

• Basic competencies in design or visualization software such as InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp, or Rhino, useful for representing artworks in situ.
• Experience within galleries, art logistics, interiors, architecture, hospitality, or luxury procurement.
• Familiarity with art shipping, handling, framing, or installation processes.
• Experience with client-side or contractor-side document control systems.
• History of improving studio systems, templates, or workflow automation in small businesses.
• Additional languages such as French or Arabic are advantageous given the company’s market territories.

Success Metrics for First Six Months

• All active projects managed seamlessly through a single precise record with no duplicated efforts.
• Artwork and supplier databases are comprehensive, consistent, and actively used daily.
• Project deliveries and installations proceed on schedule with all documentation correct and complete.
• Proposal and tender submissions are prepared and dispatched punctually without senior team intervention.
• The founders and curators can dedicate more time to client engagement and curation, relieved of coordination duties.
• At least two key processes have been documented and improved in efficiency.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Annual salary between £30,000 and £35,000, commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid working model from the London office with flexible arrangements including the possibility of a four-day week.
• Opportunities for travel to project sites across Europe and the Gulf region.
• Generous holiday entitlement of 22 days plus UK bank holidays.
• Enrollment in the company pension scheme subject to eligibility.
• Work within a small, senior team with direct access to company founders and meaningful project ownership.
• Exposure to landmark international projects spanning luxury retail, five-star hospitality, and major developments.
• Clear career progression potential leading to an Operations Manager role as the company expands.