Head of Fine Art Logistics

Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa Posted on 26/02/2026

We are seeking an experienced and competent Head of Fine Art Logisticsto oversee all aspects of artwork logistics, ensuring safe, timely, and cost effective transport for exhibitions, fairs, loans, and sales. This senior role requires expertise in fine art handling, international shipping, and regulatory compliance, including ATA Carnet procedures and CITES regulations. The successful candidate will lead shipping staff, manage supplier relationships, and deliver exceptional client service while maintaining meticulous records and compliance with international standards.

Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Client Shipments: Oversee logistics for incoming and outgoing artwork, including packing, crating, labelling, transit, and tracking. Coordinate with freight forwarders, curators, conservators, and installers to meet deadlines. Ensure insurance coverage and compliance with customs and cultural property laws.

Supplier and Stakeholder Management: Manage and negotiate with freight forwarders, carriers, couriers, and customs brokers. Build strong client relationships and present logistics options for delivery and installation.

Logistics and Inventory Management: Prepare shipping documentation, maintain tracking systems, and oversee inventory in storage facilities. Manage budgets, approve expenditures, and monitor KPIs. Ensure environmental and security standards in storage and transit, conduct risk assessments, and implement loss prevention procedures.

• Degree in arts administration, logistics, museum studies, business, or related field (BCom in Supply Chain/Operations/Logistics preferred)
• 5+ years' experience in fine art shipping/logistics or collections management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of fine art packing/crating, condition reporting, and conservation aware handling
• Proven experience with ATA Carnet documentation and CITES compliance
• Familiarity with import/export law, customs procedures, and insurance for artworks
• Excellent organisational, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in inventory/shipping software and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with flexibility across time zones
• Permanent role
• 9 am to 5:30 pm
• Willingness and ability to be available from home for after hours meetings with US freight forwarders and the team based at the company's New York gallery.