Gallery Director - Sydney

Seeking a commercially minded leader to drive art sales, artist development and team performance at a leading contemporary art gallery

The Sydney Gallery Director is responsible for the performance and growth of the Sydney gallery and plays an important role in the strategic direction of Michael Reid Galleries nationally and internationally. 

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role carries responsibility for revenue growth, artist relationships, team leadership and the successful delivery of the Sydney exhibition program.

This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a sales target-driven environment and enjoys balancing commercial outcomes with long-term artist career development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales & Commercial Leadership

• The Gallery director will own the commercial performance and revenue outcomes of Michael Reid Sydney.
• Drive sales growth across exhibitions, art fairs, private placements and institutional opportunities.
• Personally manage key collector relationships and significant sales opportunities.
• Develop strategies to expand collector engagement and acquire new clients.
• Monitor performance against budgets, sales targets and KPIs.
• Negotiate high-value private sales and the placement of works with institutions.

Artist Development

• Work directly with represented artists to build sustainable careers and commercial success.
• Develop exhibition, pricing and placement strategies alongside artists and leadership.
• Maintain strong, long-term relationships with represented artists.
• Support the retention and acquisition of high-quality artistic talent.

Exhibitions & Program

• Deliver a forward-looking, commercially sound program of exhibitions, projects and partnerships that strengthen the gallery’s reputation.
• Execute exhibitions requiring complex coordination across artists, artworks, cataloguing, photography, installation, marketing, client management and sales.
• Ensure exhibitions achieve both artistic and commercial objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and hold accountable a high-performing Sydney team.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, ambition, collaboration and commercial excellence.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing and Photography teams to ensure Sydney maintains the highest standards across the group.
• Represent Michael Reid Sydney at industry events, art fairs and public forums.

Business Development

• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth, partnerships and audience development.
• Build relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions and corporate clients.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of Michael Reid Galleries nationally and internationally.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

Within 12 months, the successful candidate will:

• Deliver strong commercial outcomes and sales growth.
• Expand collector relationships and client engagement.
• Maintain strong artist relationships and retention.
• Lead a high-performing team culture.
• Contribute meaningfully to the strategic growth of Michael Reid Galleries.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience in a commercial gallery, auction house, art advisory business or related creative enterprise.
• Demonstrated success managing significant client relationships and commercial outcomes.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A sophisticated understanding of the contemporary art market.
• A genuine interest in artist development and long-term career building.

ABOUT MICHAEL REID GALLERIES

Michael Reid Galleries is one of Australia’s leading contemporary art businesses, representing artists across Australia and internationally through a network of galleries, art fairs and strategic projects.

The group operates galleries in Sydney (Chippendale), Berlin, the Northern Beaches, the Southern Highlands and Murrurundi, and works with leading contemporary artists, institutions and collectors throughout Australia and internationally.