Head of Production & Special Projects, Artist Studio

Our client, an established artist studio is looking for a Head of Production and Special Projects. The ideal candidate provides strong planning, organisational and coordination skills as well as being responsible for the organisation and coordination of all internal and external productions. They direct exhibitions and project specific installations in close collaboration with the artist and the studio manager. The Head of Production and Special Projects is responsible for the planning and management of the studio technicians, organises transports and is in close contact with external producers and collaborators.

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

• 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 timelines.
• 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.
• Overseeing project and production timelines, scheduling and deadlines.
• Assisting the studio manager in negotiating commissions and contractual agreements with institutions, directors, legal and other personnel.

About the candidate:

• Several years project management experience working for an artist studio, gallery, institution or similar.
• 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 liaise between various producers and institutions to deliver the goals of the artist with the upmost quality and in a professional manner.
• Able to multitask, managing multiple projects and productions at once and prioritise within a fast-paced environment.
• The candidate should be highly motivated, precise, flexible, reliable and independent, with the ability to comprehend and execute tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented, and enjoy superior problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines and work under pressure.
• Attention to detail and the ability to track and follow-through on a variety of projects that require immediate attention.
• Understanding of financial management, experience preparing budgets.
• Good comprehension of legal documents, understanding and experience with contracts in the art world.
• Fluent in English and German, French is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (Oral and written).
• Must be proficient using various computer programs such as Sketch up (or similar), Photoshop, InDesign and Excel is highly desired.
• 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.