Valuations Manager

THE ROLE

The Valuations Manager holds full responsibility and accountability for the efficient management and accurate production of valuations for VIP clients and their professional advisors, reporting to the Head of Department. The role requires proven practical experience and technical expertise in every type of valuation scenario, along with specialist knowledge of the criteria for UK Taxation and Heritage valuations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing and coordinating large and complex multi-department valuations on both a desktop and first-hand inspection basis, closely monitoring each project’s progress to its conclusion
• Overseeing and producing valuations for a wide range of different purposes across multiple business channels
• Managing IHT and CGT valuations, providing valuation support for AILs, conditional exemption claims, rental negotiations and retrospective valuations
• Working with colleagues across all jurisdictions and undertaking cross-border valuations as required
• Assessing and mitigating risk throughout the entire valuation process
• Managing the workflow in conjunction with the Production Coordinator and Heritage Coordinator, ensuring instructions and deadlines are clearly communicated, resulting in the successful completion of valuations
• Liaising with Sotheby’s expert staff and specialist departments regarding queries and valuation details ensuring valuations are produced to the highest standards of accuracy and in a timely manner, meeting demanding deadlines
• Supporting the specialist departments, business-getters and regional offices in winning business
• Offering a thorough and excellent service to a wide range of clients in line with corporate standards, acting as an ambassador for Sotheby’s in both manner and appearance
• Maintaining complete client confidentiality at all times
• Negotiating valuation fees, recording these internally, sending out invoices and chasing settlement if necessary
• Controlling the budget and expenditure for each project
• Preparing monthly and year-end figures for formal/draft valuations, and providing analysis of all valuations produced
• Maintaining and updating all valuations databases & files, and keeping extensive data records up to date
• Facilitating the sharing of information regarding clients and their collections with relevant specialists and Client Development, liaising with Tax & Heritage, Proposals, expert departments, and Operations as necessary
• Supporting the HOD in delivering Sotheby’s business focus and strategy, achieving annual departmental goals, and assisting on any other projects as assigned

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience at an international auction house working in Valuations
• Demonstrable practical experience and technical expertise in producing valuations for insurance, government indemnity, sale at auction, sale by private treaty, family division, loan collateral, restitution, taxation (IHT & CGT), Acceptance in Lieu, conditional exemption claims, rental negotiations, and retrospective valuations
• Experience of working with large heritage, private, institutional and corporate collections and their curators
• Knowledge of collection management systems and databases
• Possess strong all-round knowledge of fine & decorative art, along with the ability to catalogue these categories
• Educated to graduate standard, ideally with a BA or MA in the History of Art
• A professional qualification (Foundation Certificate and/or Diploma) from the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners is advantageous
• Be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Fluency in English along with fluency one or more European languages required
• Knowledge of Sotheby’s services, corporate culture and departments is advantageous

• Ability to communicate professionally and confidently, both verbally and in writing, with senior management, clients, professional advisors, and all stakeholders
• Excellent client-facing skills and a proven ability to interact successfully with priority/UHNW clients and their professional advisors
• Be self-motivated and able to work effectively alone using your own initiative, as well as part of a team
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills, an organised and methodical approach to work, along with high attention to detail
• Possess sound commercial awareness and business acumen
• Be a resourceful problem solver
• Ability to work under pressure, coordinate a busy schedule and prioritise workload, meeting tight deadlines
• Flexible approach to working hours and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally when required