Head Preparator

Berggruen Gallery; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid vacation

Job summary

A leading art gallery in San Francisco is seeking a full-time Head Preparator to manage all aspects of art handling and logistics, including packing, delivery, and exhibition installations. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in a professional art context, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities also include overseeing art storage facilities and maintaining the gallery space to museum standards. Competitive salary commensurate with experience along with comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated, hands-on experience as an Art Handler or Preparator.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of art handling and storage techniques.

Responsibilities

• Pack art and assist in deliveries and pick-ups.
• Oversee multiple on and off-site art storage facilities.
• Manage and organize the inventory of all supplies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Ability to lift heavy objects (50 lbs+)

Experience in carpentry

Familiarity with Microsoft Office

Tools

ArtLogic

Photography

Power tools

Job description

Berggruen Gallery is seeking a full-time Head Preparator with specialized art handling experience. This is a multifaceted role encompassing comprehensive support for all phases of art handling, including packing, delivery, and installation, alongside general gallery facilities management. The position requires meticulous organization, administrative proficiency, and a strong knowledge of and professional approach to the safe and efficient handling and storage of artwork.

Minimum of 3 years of dedicated, hands‑on experience as an Art Handler or Preparator within a professional art-related context, such as a commercial art gallery, major auction house, specialized fine art shipping company, private artist studio, or prominent museum. Candidate should be able to work in a fast‑paced environment under pressure and be able to prioritize a range of responsibilities and time‑sensitive requests from multiple people. Attention to detail is essential, as well as strong communication skills and the ability to follow through and handle a high level of volume and complexity. Candidate should be a self‑starter, dedicated, and enthusiastic problem solver, with experience interfacing with clients; as well as a team‑player with excellent interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will be adept at maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion in all dealings.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Art Preparation & Logistics

• Pack art and assist in deliveries and pick‑ups to/from clients' residences, storage facilities, and owner's home. Order custom crates, or packaging as needed.
• Oversee multiple on and off‑site art storage facilities, working with the Registrar and Office Manager to improve storage infrastructure and practices. Manage future storage expansion projects.
• Assist with framing and restoration in consultation with the Registrar.
• Assist the Registrar in managing end‑to‑end transport and logistics of all art movement, including maintaining and organizing information, and providing regular updates to gallery staff and clients.
• Help organize, execute, and file all incoming and outgoing shipping documents.
• Oversee third‑party staffing for installations, ensuring adequate and cost‑efficient staffing for exhibitions and large installations, including estimating time, manpower, and materials.
• Assist Directors in managing and planning installation and layout for art fairs and gallery exhibitions, including occasional travel to art fairs for onsite installation and logistics support.
• Schedule, manage, and perform exhibition installations and de‑installations, including, but not limited to: installing mounts, cases, and varied exhibit components; patching, painting, and repairing walls, and adjusting gallery lighting.
• Ensure clear and concise communication, both internally and externally. This includes maintaining a detailed, ongoing log of upcoming shipments, deliveries, and loans, and providing timely status updates to staff and gallery owners.
• Work with the Accounting and Registration Teams to reconcile all shipping and logistics invoices.

Facilities & Operations

• Oversee and maintain the physical upkeep and appearance of the gallery spaces to safely and professionally display and store artwork to museum standards at all times.
• Manage and organize the inventory of all supplies required for packing, storing, and installing artwork.
• Oversee the maintenance and organization of off‑site storage, implementing cost‑saving measures.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Owners, Directors, and Registrar.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of fine art installation and packing techniques.
• Knowledge, including but not limited to strong fine‑art supplier contacts, packing and crating, modes of transport, import and export compliance in the US and other countries.
• Familiarity with PC/Mac computers, Microsoft Office, and ArtLogic preferred.
• Experience in carpentry, construction techniques, and safe handling of power tools.
• Ability to drive a sprinter van with a valid license/clean driving record.
• Experience with photography and Photoshop a plus.

Essential physical duties for this position include (and are not limited to):

• Ability to lift heavy objects (50 lbs+);
• Carrying and using equipment, such as operating ladders and platform lifts, and safely lifting and moving boxes, art, and tools of varied weight and dimension;
• Off‑loading crates from trucks and safely moving them around the gallery with and without assistance;
• Bending, stooping, standing, twisting, lifting, reaching, and sitting for extended periods of time.

Position Type:

Full‑time with benefits.

Compensation:

Salary to be commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package

including paid vacation

Application instructions:

Please forward resumes to [e-mail]