Specialist, Contemporary
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
Source and sell works for Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, London live and online auctions, and private sales. Work closely with our network of colleagues globally to develop and win business for these sales and become a full and active member of the global Contemporary Department. Focus on business and client development, to deliver on the financial plan with successful sales.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Play a key role in sourcing works for Contemporary and other London sales, including overseas travel and client visits as appropriate
- Setting an example of scholarship providing - expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines.
- Play a key role in sourcing and selling works from clients: identify key selling points for each sale and help coordinate proactive sale outreach activities
- Meet annual individual consignment targets as well as annual significant contributions
- Meet private sales target, sourcing and selling works to clients
- Work with all members of the team in a collegiate manner, mentoring juniors where appropriate
- Preparation of proposals, valuations and private sales materials when required
- Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public)
- Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities
- Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Extensive skills in sourcing and selling contemporary artwork in an auction and private sales
- Strong track record in building and servicing high level client relationships, and a sensitive approach to problem solving
- Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process, procedures and systems
- The ability to work effectively individually and in a team and to ‘pitch in’ when required
- Ability to work well under pressure, and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
- Good organisational skills with a proven ability to work to deadlines
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both spoken and written English, with other European languages a benefit
- Possess high levels of integrity and be able to operate within corporate governance and legal framework
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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
Sotheby’s is a global leader in the art and luxury market, offering unparalleled access to exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales, and e-commerce. With a vast network of specialists and an innovative technology platform, we cater to collectors and art enthusiasts across a range of categories, from contemporary art to fine jewelry and rare collectibles.
- Employees
- 500+ employees