ABOUT PLOWDEN & SMITH | CAREERS | Two New Vacancies: Head of Client Services | Easel Paintings Conservator – Maternity Cover

Take your career in the fine art restoration sector to the next level with Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is the UK’s largest fine, decorative and contemporary art and object conservation company. Operating out of new purpose-built premises in Mitcham, our team of experienced, skilled restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All treatments are guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Plowden & Smith is committed to supporting employees with their continued professional development and training.

We advertise current vacancies on our website, however we are always interested in hearing from talented professionals at all stages of their careers. Please send CVs to info@plowden-smith.com. We will be in touch should a suitable vacancy arise.

Why work for Plowden & Smith?

  • Work with some of the world’s most rare, beautiful and interesting artworks and artefacts, as well as national and international collections
  • Work in a stimulating, creative environment
  • Free entry to museums and exhibitions being held in the UK and around the world
  • Opportunities throughout the year to attend preview nights and private view events
  • Personal Continued Professional Development fund
  • Child Care Voucher Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Hybrid Working

 

About Plowden & Smith

Founded in London in 1966, Plowden & Smith is a leading fine art and furniture conservation and restoration company.

In December 2018 we moved to purpose-built premises in Mitcham where our team of experienced and skilled conservators and restorers work on an extensive range of materials. All our object treatments are informed by science, guided by contemporary ethical considerations and underpinned by industry-recognised standards of best practice. Staff are committed to continued professional development and training.

New Vacancy – Head of Client Services 

Plowden & Smith is looking to recruit a full-time Head of Client Services. This is a senior role, and the successful candidate will have at least 5 to 10 years of experience in a senior client-facing role working in a fast-paced environment. This dynamic role offers a high degree of autonomy, making it ideal for someone who is energised by a constantly moving workplace, enjoys variety, and thrives under pressure.  

Role: Head of Client Services  
Location: Plowden & Smith, Mitcham, CR4 4NY 
Contract type: Full-time position 4 days on-site, 1 day WFH  
Salary: Up to £50,000, dependent on experience
Start date: As soon as possible

Role Overview 

The Head of Client Services is a senior, client-facing leadership role responsible for overseeing the entire client journey from initial enquiry to final invoicing and follow-up. This position involves managing and mentoring a small team, ensuring high standards of communication and service delivery, and driving business efficiency and client satisfaction. The role forms part of the Senior Management Team and reports directly to the Director of Operations. This is a high-energy role which demands a proactive and resilient approach, suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys multitasking, and is excited by daily variety and challenge.  

Key Responsibilities 

  • Manage, support, and motivate the Client Services team. 
  • Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professionalism 
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships across a diverse range of clients including private collectors, galleries, auction houses, and institutions. 
  • Oversee and improve the entire client experience from an initial enquiry to sending treatment proposals, managing the job, invoicing, and follow-up.     
  • Monitor and update clients on job progress in a timely and professional manner. 
  • Collaborate with conservators and colleagues to solve problems and ensure timely, cost-effective job completion. 
  • Liaising with our logistics team on collection and deliveries both in the studios and with external shippers   
  • Coordinate with the Conservation Manager when additional conservation staff are required for project delivery. 
  • Review and improve workflows and internal processes to enhance client experience where appropriate. 
  • Proactively chase pipelines and identify upselling opportunities. 
  • Collaborate with the Business Development Manager to attract new clients and maximise existing relationships. 
  • Invoice clients promptly when jobs are completed and ensure your team meets the monthly sales targets. 
  • Create monthly sales forecasts and actively working towards reaching them  
  • Report sales activity weekly to the Operations Director
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Skills & Requirements

The role would ideally suit someone who has previously worked as a senior registrar with a gallery, fine art shipper, or in the auction or insurance sectors, although other experience will be considered. The desired candidate would have:  

  • Problem-solving skills are crucial to be successful in this role.   
  • Ability to multitask and pay attention to detail   
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and can excel under time-sensitive deadlines   
  • Discretion and professionalism   
  • Client-centric approach   
  • Great telephone skills  
  • A highly organised and goal-driven individual with a passion for art  
  • Able to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling 

     

How to Apply

We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in this position.
Please send a CV and brief cover letter explaining why you’re right for the role to Alessandro.Borruso@plowden-smith.com 

Deadline for applications: Friday 30th May

Initial interviews will take place online. Selected candidates will then be invited to a second interview at our office for a more in-depth conversation. As part of this stage, they will also be asked to complete a short written task. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a third and final interview, after which the final decision will be made. The outcome will be announced one week later.

No agencies, please. Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. 

New Vacancy – Easel Paintings Conservator – Maternity Cover

We are seeking an Easel Paintings Conservator. The conservator will work with Conservation Management and Client Services to ensure delivery of quality conservation treatments within agreed estimates. We are particularly interested in hearing from conservators with two to five years post qualification practical experience in a wide range of paintings.

Role: Easel Paintings Conservator
Location: Plowden & Smith, Mitcham, CR4 4NY 
Contract type: Permanent fixed-term (1 year), Full time – Maternity Cover 
Salary: £32, 500 – £35,500 depending on experience
Start Date: June 2025

Role Overview 

The Easel Paintings Conservator will undertake examination and assessment of paintings and must be proficient in producing accurate written and photographic documentation and generating condition reports to a high standard.

You will be flexible in your approach with a proven track record of working to tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard and positive work ethic. The successful candidate will bring an enthusiastic approach to their work, have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as part of a team supporting the staff around them.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Producing estimates, condition assessments, treatment methodologies and treatment reports
  • Undertaking treatments of paintings, ranging from those executed on traditional substrates such as canvas and panel, to varied modern materials.
  • Undertaking both structural and surface treatments including but not limited to – repair of tears, warping, relining, re-stretching, removal of varnish and overpaint, surface cleaning, consolidation, filling, retouching, varnishing, and framing.
  • Supporting the Senior Paintings Conservator, Paintings Conservator, and interns, to ensure work in the department is completed to a high standard.
  • Keeping stock of studio materials and pre-empting upcoming project requirements and ensuring these are ordered on time in collaboration with the Senior Paintings Conservator
  • Liaising with the Conservation Manager and Client Services to ensure the smooth running of your personal workload.
  • Work on site as well as in the workshop. This may include major galleries, museums, private homes, heritage sites and storage facilities
  • Provide practical conservation advice and guidance to other conservators, client services and clients
  • Work with other departments in the company on collaborative jobs.
  •  

Skills & Requirements

  • You will have a degree in Paintings Conservation and a minimum two to five years’ post qualification experience specialising in easel paintings conservation.
  • Experience working in private practice is desirable as you will be required to work under your own initiative and effectively manage your workflow to meet deadlines in a fast-paced commercial environment.
  • Reports are a vital part of this role and a clear and concise writing style is essential
  • Treatments are carried out both in the studio and in-situ willingness to do so is required.
  • You will be a personable and effective team worker with excellent communication skills.
  • You will be confident in making decisions with artworks whilst maintaining exceptional ethical standards in your approach to all tasks.
  • Robust chemistry for conservation knowledge.
  • We handle large and oversized work frequently, managing studio space and safe handling with the team is vital to the role.
  • IT: Good working knowledge of Microsoft suite, file sharing services.
  • Experience with contemporary paintings.
  • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required would be of value.

How to Apply

Please send your c.v., portfolio and covering letter of no more than 250 words to alessandro.borruso@plowden-smith.com and include Easel Paintings Conservator in the subject line.

Closing Date: May 7th 2025. Please send applications ASAP if interested.

Start date for role June 2025. Contract Duration: 1 year.

Please note that you must have the right to live and work in the UK. We cannot support any individual in applying for a visa.