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Gallery Operations Manager

Gagosian · London, Greater London

Type
Full-time
Posted
Today

Overview

Your experience managing operational units, coordinating multi-agency responses, and maintaining security protocols directly prepares you for the facility oversight and emergency keyholding duties here. The role demands the same calm under pressure, vendor management, and health & safety compliance that you exercised running a custody suite or public order operation. While you may lack specific art-gallery technical knowledge, your record-keeping, troubleshooting, and people-management skills from policing are immediately transferable to the exhibition planning and contractor coordination.

About this role

Description

Gagosian is seeking an experienced Gallery Operations Manager to oversee building maintenance and facilities across two London gallery locations and two office locations (including external garage space), as well as provide key technical support for exhibition planning and execution.

The primary objective of this role is to maintain the gallery’s physical environment, ensure building readiness, and manage vendor logistics. Working closely with the Associate Director of Exhibitions, this role is also crucial in supporting the planning and mounting of complex exhibition installs and de-installs.

This position requires a detail-oriented, highly organised professional who thrives under pressure and enjoys working in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. Must be able to work flexibly as works may be required outside of office hours.

Key Responsibilities**

Facilities & Building Maintenance*

  • Facility Oversight: Manage the overall maintenance of all building facilities, HVAC systems, security and fire systems, and humidity control through proactive maintenance programs and rapid-response troubleshooting.
  • Vendor & Contractor Logistics: Coordinate and supervise external contractors (electricians, plumbers, painters, engineers, etc.) working on-site.
  • Standards & Housekeeping: Ensure all gallery presentation spaces and administrative offices are maintained to the highest aesthetic standard. Oversee external cleaning contractors.
  • Health & Safety: Maintain safe working practices and lead H&S compliance across both locations.
  • Keyholding: Serve as the primary, 24-hour first point of contact and keyholder for all fire and security emergencies.

Exhibition Technical Planning & Installation

  • Technical Planning: Assist with project management for complex installations, including drafting schedules, producing risk assessments, establishing H&S procedures, and maintaining installation files.
  • Execution Support: Support the Associate Director, Exhibitions to execute seamless exhibition builds, installs, and de-installs.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience:*

  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience in facilities management or technical gallery operations (art gallery, museum, or auction house experience is a strong advantage).

Technical Knowledge

  • Hands-on technical understanding and experience with building management and climate systems.

Skills

  • Strong organisational, practical, and troubleshooting skills with a collaborative mindset.
  • Excellent record-keeping.
  • Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tight deadlines under pressure.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of staff.
  • Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills, including the ability to write clear technical documentation.
  • A strong interest in contemporary art.

Software Proficiency

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Google Workspace.
  • Knowledge of Rhino or 3D modelling software is an advantage.

About Gagosian

Established by Larry Gagosian in Los Angeles in 1980, Gagosian is a global gallery specializing in modern and contemporary art that employs more than three hundred people at exhibition spaces in seven countries in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

About facilities & operations roles for ex-police

Operations, facilities and site management roles. Running a shift, a custody suite or an operational unit is people-and-process management employers can use from day one.

See all facilities & operations jobs in London →

Why this fits a police background

  • Risk & threat assessment
  • Working to legislation & regulation

What facilities & operations roles pay ex-police

Advertised UK ranges, editorial estimates reviewed July 2026

Operations coordinator£28,000–£36,000
Facilities manager£38,000–£52,000
Operations manager£45,000–£60,000
Senior / regional operations manager£55,000–£75,000
Full facilities & operations salary guide →

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