Established in 1976, Parnell Gallery is one of New Zealand’s longest standing dealer galleries, representing and exhibiting a diverse range of established contemporary New Zealand painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Presenting monthly exhibitions and regularly showing a curated selection of artworks across its two gallery spaces, the gallery is housed within a beautiful heritage building located in Parnell.

We are seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to join our close knit and friendly team as Gallery Sales Manager.  This integral position will work between 25 and 40 hours per week (negotiable, depending on the successful candidate), and will play a key leadership role in art sales operations & overall gallery management.  In this capacity, you will actively engage with clients & our artists while also spearheading the sales team, actively shaping the client experience and service levels, and efficiently managing execution of administrative tasks.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about art and eager to contribute to our thriving NZ art community, working alongside talented artists as well as our wonderful clients and art collectors.

To be successful in this role, you will need to balance your responsibilities related to team management with managing artist communications (and our shared inbox), and providing exceptional customer service to clients, as well as managing project work related to the ongoing success of the gallery.

At times you will be actively engaging with clients, speaking knowledgeably and passionately about gallery artists and their work, while also working closely with our Art Consultants and the wider team to ensure that sales targets are met.  Your deep passion for art, high attention to detail, organisation skills, and love of systems, combined with your proven ability to genuinely connect, listen, and engage will be invaluable in delivering an exceptional experience to our clients, artists and the gallery team alike.

This role combines a high level of behind-the-scenes administrative, operational and logistical responsibilities as well as outward facing interactions with clients & artists and would suit someone who already has similar gallery experience or creative exposure with a background in systems, operations and customer-facing, service experience. The scope of responsibilities will be shaped by the agreed hours with a full-time position including additional client-facing engagement.   We welcome applicants looking for either part-time or full-time hours, and encourage you to clearly outline your preference in your application.

In return for your passion and knowledge of art, administration/operational skills and deep understanding of the engagement of customers and service ethos – we offer competitive remuneration equal to experience, a tight knit, supportive and passionate team as well as the opportunity to work in an ever-changing and exciting work environment whilst supporting the NZ art community.

To provide an authentic perspective on our team & this role, we approached our current Gallery Manager (who is leaving the role to relocate to the South Island), to share her feedback on her experience in the role:

“For me, working at Parnell Gallery means being part of a close-knit team where art, people, and purpose come together every day.  This role is ideal for someone who thrives behind the scenes – bringing clarity, structure, and leadership to a creative environment – while building meaningful relationships with our clients, artists, and team. If you love contributing to a gallery that genuinely cares about its community and takes pride in delivering a seamless, thoughtful experience, you’ll feel right at home here” – Laura Hart

If this role sounds like you please email your CV and cover letter to parnellgalleryjobs@gmail.com – outlining your preferred weekly hours, why you want to work at Parnell Gallery, what motivated you to apply for this role and what unique skills and strengths you can bring.

NOTE: We may bring the application period to an early close if we receive a high volume of suitable candidates, so applying in December is advised if this role appeals to you.