Business Manager – International Art Market

Artelia is a premium Africa-focused digital art marketplace designed to connect African artists with global collectors, galleries, institutions, and corporate buyers. The platform integrates curated marketplace sales, a VIP Collectors Club, curator-led exhibitions, corporate art procurement, and global logistics and advisory services. Our aim is to be the global authority for African art, operating at the level of leading platforms like Saatchi Art, Fine Art America, and Etsy. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and strategic Business Manager to lead the execution, growth, and global expansion of Artelia's platform. The primary goal of this role is to drive revenue, expand the marketplace globally, and position Artelia as a leading player in the international art market, with a particular focus on African cultural capital. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in the international art market, experience with high-net-worth collectors, and a proven track record in marketplace management, partnerships, and revenue generation. The Ideal Candidate shall be expected to drive the following ; 1. Strategic & Commercial Leadership: Develop and execute global market entry strategies (US, UK, EU, Asia). Define pricing, positioning, and revenue models across different segments including marketplace sales, VIP collectors club, and corporate art programs. Identify and secure strategic, high-value partnerships with galleries, advisors, and institutions. 2. Revenue Generation & Sales: Design and implement strategies for collector acquisition and retention, including VIP collector engagement. Lead corporate sales efforts targeting hotels, embassies, developers, and other organizations. Oversee private sales and high-value transactions, ensuring the achievement of GMV and revenue targets. 3. Marketing & Brand Positioning: Develop and lead global marketing strategy, including digital campaigns, art fair activations (e.g., Frieze, Art Basel), and PR efforts. Build and maintain Artelia’s brand narrative as a premium African art platform. Oversee content strategy, curatorial storytelling, and artist narratives for the platform. 4. Marketplace Operations Oversight: Supervise the day-to-day operations, including artist onboarding, curation, gallery partnerships, and logistics coordination. Ensure operational efficiency and scalability across the platform to deliver a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers. 5. VIP Collectors Club Management: Design and manage membership growth strategies for the VIP Collectors Club. Develop and oversee exclusive experiences, private exhibitions, and concierge services for high-net-worth collectors. 6. Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the platform at global art events and engage with international galleries, art advisors, auction houses, and cultural institutions. Build and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the art world. 7. Data & Performance Management: Track and optimize key metrics such as GMV, conversion rates, customer acquisition cost (CAC), and lifetime value (LTV). Provide monthly and quarterly performance reports to the executive team. The success of this role shall be measured against the following deliverables: Global Market Entry Strategy Annual Revenue & Growth Plan Collector Acquisition Strategy VIP Club Expansion Plan Quarterly Performance Reports Partnership Development Pipeline Marketing & Brand Strategy Execution Plan Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in Art Business, Art History, Fine Arts, Business Administration, or Economics. Master’s degree (MBA or Art Business) preferred. Professional Experience: Minimum of 10–15 years of experience in the international art market. Proven experience working with high-net-worth collectors, art galleries, auction houses, and global art platforms. Experience in international art fairs (e.g., Frieze, Art Basel) is highly desirable. Core Competencies: Deep understanding of global art market dynamics. Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Established network of collectors, galleries, and advisors. Experience in digital marketplaces or luxury platforms. Excellent communication and relationship management skills. Our Selection Criteria: Depth of international art market experience. Proven track record in revenue generation and strategic growth. Strength of global network and industry relationships. Strategic and operational capability with cultural alignment to African art. Please Note that this Job is fully Onsite in Abuja.