About Maruku

For over 30 years Maruku has operated as a not-for-profit art and craft corporation, owned and operated by Anangu. Approximately 900 Aboriginal artists belonging to over 20 remote communities across the Central and Western Deserts, make up the collective that is Maruku. Our purpose is to keep culture strong and alive, through art, craft and cultural tourism experiences.

Our name, Maruku, literally means “belonging to black”. This is because Maruku is owned and operated by Anangu (Aboriginal people from the Western and Central Deserts of Australia).

Our logo is ‘tali’ design. ‘Tali’ means sand dunes. You will see this pattern describing country is significant throughout our artists’ art and woodcarvings. The desert, this sand dune country is what they call home.

Anangu artists make up the collective that is Maruku. Our purpose is to keep culture strong and alive, for future generations of artists and make culture accessible in an authentic way to those that seek a more in-depth understanding. We also provide an important form of income to artists and Anangu living in remote communities across Anangu lands.

Maruku today is one of the largest and most successful indigenous owned and operated organisations. Currently, Maruku comprises of a warehouse based in Mutitjulu community, a retail gallery at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre, as well as a market stall in the town square of Yulara. Our main stocks are paintings and punu (wooden carvings). Additional to the retail arm, Maruku offers tours, workshops, demonstrations, traditional ceremonies and exhibitions.

About the role

As Gallery & Retail Manager, you will be responsible for working under the direction of the CEO, managing the operations of the Maruku Gallery and Retail outlet at the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre and assisting in other areas of the organisation's retail operations as required. You will manage and oversee Anangu Project Officers and Project Support Officers working in the Gallery and Retails outlets. You will work collaboratively with the Collection and Exhibitions team, providing exceptional customer service as per business expectations and standards

Responsibilities

• Respond to customer enquiries in the gallery, online and over the phone
• A proven capacity to contribute effectively to the operations of an Indigenous artists' enterprise including effective planning and reporting skills, together with the ability to show discretion, maintain confidentiality and conduct business in a culturally sensitive manner
• Ensure the gallery and products are well presented and tidy
• Maintain stock levels, manage consignment stock from the warehouse, and other art centres, monitor and report on stock movement
• Ensure gallery products are displayed with correct price tags
• Ensure documentation and ongoing interpretive information is correct and relevant
• Maintain a close working relationship with Anangu artists and regional art centres at all times
• Maintain a close working relationship with management and staff of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and Voyages Ayers Rock Resort as well as other Tourism Operators at all times
• Encourage promotion of traditional art and culture as appropriate
• Ensure items are packaged for sale transport within 2 business days of sale
• Greet customers as they enter the gallery
• Contact existing customers to provide aftersales service
• Resolves customer complaints by reporting to CEO then assist in investigating problems, developing solutions
• Submits orders by referring to price lists and product literature
• Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions, preparing reports, making recommendations to management
• File all invoices and transactions
• Perform end of day reconciliations

Key requirements

• Knowledge/experience of Aboriginal Arts/Crafts industry
• Computer skills using word processing and database packages and
• MYOB Retail Manager
• 4WD experience
• A willingness to learn Pitjantjatjara language
• Applicable years of retail store experience
• Proven successful experience in store sales
• People and customer engagement skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to propose innovative ideas to increase market share

About you

• Applicable years of gallery and / or retail store experience
• A full, current driver's license