The Company
Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
The Operations Director, UK is accountable for leading all UK operational activity and for building a high‑performing, client‑focused Operations function. Working in close partnership with regional leadership and global stakeholders, the role ensures strong collaboration, aligned decision‑making, and the effective execution of global strategy at a local level.
The primary objective is to deliver outstanding service to clients and internal teams while driving efficient, cost‑effective, and scalable operational processes. The role champions continuous improvement, operational excellence, and risk management, ensuring the UK operation is resilient, well‑governed, and positioned for sustainable growth.
How You'll Make an Impact
Operational Leadership & Service Excellence
* Lead and inspire the UK Operations function, setting clear direction and driving high‑performance delivery across all operational areas.
* Ensure exemplary standards of client service at all times, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance and simplify the client experience.
* Create seamless, efficient, and reliable operational processes that support business objectives and client needs.
Functional Oversight
Provide leadership and oversight across all UK Operations departments, including:
* Client Services (in collaboration with Global Service Operations Director)
* Art Transport
* Bids (in collaboration with Global Service Operations Director)
* Gallery Operations
* Warehousing & Logistics
* Photography
* Events & Facilities Management
* Ensure systems, processes, and ways of working are fit for purpose, consistently applied, and regularly reviewed for improvement.
Strategy & Change
* Contribute to the development of the global Operations strategy.
* Work with Operations Leads to translate global strategy into effective local execution.
* Lead and support operational transformation, continuous improvement initiatives, and organisational change programmes.
People & Talent
* Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing, engaged Operations leadership team.
* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
* Support talent development, succession planning, and performance management across the Operations function.
Financial & Commercial Management
* Maintain rigorous financial control, with accountability for Operations P&L and CAPEX budgets.
* Drive cost discipline, commercial optimisation, and value creation through effective supplier, contract, and vendor management.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
* Ensure the effective flow of information through robust internal communication channels.
* Act as a senior operational partner to UK leadership, Art departments, and Infrastructure teams, maintaining strong, proactive stakeholder relationships.
* Participate as required in UK management forums and governance structures.
Risk, Resilience & Infrastructure
* Own and maintain comprehensive UK Operations risk registers, identifying and mitigating operational, financial, and reputational risks.
* Act as Incident Manager for regional Business Continuity Planning and crisis management.
* Lead the delivery of new office, facility, and real‑estate projects, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with strategic goals.
What you'll bring to the team
* Extensive experience in senior operational leadership roles within fast‑paced, client‑focused environments.
* Proven track record of leading complex, multi‑disciplinary operational teams.
* Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence, efficiency, and cost‑effective service delivery.
* Experience leading organisational change, continuous improvement, and transformation initiatives.
* Strong background in financial management, including P&L ownership, CAPEX planning, and commercial negotiation.
* Experience in risk management, business continuity planning, and crisis response.
Leadership & Behaviours
* Inspirational and inclusive leader, experienced in managing diverse and multi‑cultural teams.
* Highly organised, results‑driven, and comfortable delivering complex projects at pace.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships at senior levels.
* Clear, confident, and engaging communicator, able to simplify complexity and drive alignment across the organisation.
* Resilient and adaptable; thrives in evolving environments and leads teams effectively through change.
* Strong service orientation, with a deep commitment to delivering an outstanding client and colleague experience.
* Administratively self‑sufficient, with strong working knowledge of professional IT and office tools including AI.
What's great about working for us
* 27 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
* Christie's Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
* Additional 1 week's annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
* Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that's important to you
* Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
* Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
* Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
* Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year
* Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie's)
* Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
* Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
* Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months
* Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
* Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
* Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Christie's Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
* Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution
Robust family first policy:
Ø 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
Ø Eligible to return to work for 80% of your agreed normal weekly working pattern while being paid as though you were working 100%, post a minimum of 16 weeks of leave
Ø Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
Ø Christies Family Network: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
*Christie's reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Closing Date: Sunday 1st March
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