Art Registrar – Supporting an UHNWI (Mayfair)

The RoleArt Registrar – Supporting an UHNWI (Mayfair)Martis Search is representing a Mayfair based Family Office to hire a permanent “Art Registrar.”This super-interesting and technical role sits is responsible at a high-level as an “Art Registrar” for a large multi-million valued privately owned global “Fine Art collection.”This broad role encompasses Accounting, Audit, Compliance, Insurance & Valuations, Reporting, Tax Reporting, Shipping, Storage Management of a global privately owned Fine Art Collection, as well as streamlining existing processes – you can see that there is a lot to do in this role.It requires someone with extensive experience in this field, working with external Auction Houses, internal and external Lawyers, Customs and Excise departments (across multiple geographical jurisdictions) , COO’s, Fund Managers, art transportation and shipping specialists to name but a few.This means having the ability to work with spreadsheets, data analysis and reporting, but also touching on the “Accounting & Taxation” side of working with an ever-growing global Fine Art Collection. You will also have sound previous working experience working with Art databases. Having any aptitude, or ability to use AI to automate processes is also highly advantageous.Our client is ideally looking for someone who is of graduate calibre, but has previous “Art Registration” experience, or “Art Collections Management” experience gained from either a Shipping company, or Auction House perspectives.The position operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and requires a high degree of discretion, adaptability, initiative and strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.Our client offers hybrid working, with 4-days in the office and x 1 day working-from-home (with some potential flexibility to work more days from home).OverviewOur client is are looking for a registrar to manage the movement and storage of a large private art collection. The role sits at the centre of the collection's logistics and compliance - covering international customs and import/export requirements, shipping and handling, insurance schedules, and valuations for tax, insurance and estate planning purposes.The successful candidate will work closely with the collections, interiors, legal, finance and tax teams:Key responsibilitiesInventory and collection managementMaintain accurate records of the collection’s location, condition, ownership and valuationConduct and coordinate physical audits across all properties and storage locationsMaintain accurate, up-to-date records in the collection management databaseManage and negotiate external storage contracts globally, identifying opportunities to streamline costsCustoms and international complianceManage customs, import/export movement of works globallyKeep abreast of changing customs and cultural property regulations across relevant jurisdictions and advise the team accordinglyShipping and logisticsCoordinate shipping, packing, crating and installation of works with fine art shippers and handlersInsuranceMaintain and update insurance schedules to reflect acquisitions, disposals and revised valuationsIn collaboration with the finance team, review policy terms and coverage levels on a regular basis to ensure the collection is adequately protectedValuationsCoordinate periodic valuations of the collection for tax, insurance, estate planning and other purposesLiaise with external valuers and maintain an organised record of valuation history for each itemSupport the legal and tax teams with valuation data required for reporting, tax and other purposesData and reportingEnsure shipping, location, valuation and insurance data is accurate and well organisedProduce regular reports on collection status, location, valuation and insurance position for internal stakeholdersImplement and maintain a tech-focused document system for all collection recordsSkills and competenceExcellent IT skills, with strong proficiency in Excel and collection management/database softwareConfident and proficient user of AI tools - able to apply them practically and thoughtfully to improve efficiency and output qualityHighly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlinesA self-starter with strong initiative - able to identify what needs to be done and act without being directedComfortable building systems and processes from scratchDiscreet and trustworthy, with an understanding of the sensitivity involved in working in a Wealth Management environmentExperience and backgroundPrior experience as a registrar, or in collection managementStrong working knowledge of customs, import/export requirements across multiple jurisdictionsExperience working with, or within, a fine art shipping companyExperience managing insurance schedules and valuations for high-value collectionsExperience coordinating valuations for tax and other reporting purposesExperience implementing or maintaining inventory and data management systems for a collection SalaryBetween £70 k pa - £75 k pa (possibly higher, dependent upon experience), plus an annual bonus, pension and healthcare