Gallery Sales Manager

Gallery Manager

Temporary | Full-Time | 6 Weeks | On-Site in Los Angeles Kelly Wearstler Studios is mounting a temporary art and design exhibition in Los Angeles. We're seeking a seasoned and polished Gallery Manager to serve as the on-site point of contact for collectors, clients, and VIP visitors. This individual must come from the gallery world, with significant experience working in a contemporary art or design gallery and a proven track record in sales and client cultivation. They must bring an existing network of high-spending clients and collectors, and be able to activate that network through outreach, private appointments, and client hosting.

The Gallery Manager will be responsible not only for welcoming guests and facilitating appointments, but also for leading exhibition tours, telling compelling stories about each piece and artist, and driving sales outcomes. They will work closely with Kelly Wearstler's internal team to support sales, logistics, and client relations. This is a full-time role that requires a consistent on-site presence during business hours, as well as daily communication and updates to the sales team manager.

Duties

• Host all visitors with professionalism, polish, and discretion.
• Manage daily viewing appointments and private walk-throughs.
• Tour guests and clients through the exhibition, providing context, storytelling, and insights into each piece and artist.
• Activate existing client network and proactively reach out to collectors, design clients, and high-net-worth individuals to drive sales.
• Conduct private appointments with clients, showcase works, and negotiate sales.
• Support the sales process end-to-end: inquiries, documentation, invoicing, deposits, and post-sale logistics.
• Maintain direct and ongoing communication with the sales team, providing daily updates on appointments, interest, and inventory.
• Collaborate with the marketing and PR team to align on client outreach and exhibition promotion.
• Assist with VIP events, press previews, and special programming, ensuring top-tier guests feel engaged and valued.
• Ensure the exhibition space is always visually pristine and gallery-standard.
• Work to build lasting client relationships, positioning the gallery as a trusted platform for collectible design and art.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a contemporary art gallery, design gallery, or auction house, with strong client-facing and sales experience.
• Established network of collectors and high-spending clients with proven sales record.
• Art history and/or design history education or similar background preferred.
• Strong experience leading gallery sales, from outreach and cultivation to negotiation and closing.
• Highly organized and proactive, with excellent follow-through.
• Naturally gracious and able to engage with high-profile clients, art collectors, and design professionals.
• Deep appreciation for contemporary art, design, and interiors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing exhibition documents such as checklists, exhibition PDFs, and tear sheets for sales and marketing purposes.
• Full availability for the entire exhibition period in West Hollywood, with potential extension.

Compensation

• Consultant-based role, October 1 – November 30 (with potential extension)
• Hourly/weekly base compensation plus commission on sales.
• Commission structure to reward proactive outreach and closed sales.