Boutique Manager, Dubai

Sotheby's International; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s International seeks a Salon Manager to run its new Dubai Salon, delivering exceptional client experiences while supporting commercial performance and leading a dedicated team. The role requires building strong relationships with collectors and luxury clients across the region.

You will collaborate with specialist departments, marketing, and regional teams to ensure premium service, operational excellence, and strategic growth for the salon in a fast-paced luxury market.

Qualifications

• Experience in luxury retail, hospitality, private client, gallery or similar high-touch client environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Dubai Salon ensuring smooth, high-standard service.
• Coach and support the Salon team with clear expectations and collaboration.
• Deliver highly personalised client experiences across luxury categories with discretion and relationship-building.

Skills

Luxury retail

People management

Sales focus

Client service

Organization

Communication

Arabic language (adv)

Job description

Job description

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

Sotheby’s is seeking a Salon Manager to lead the day-to-day running of its new Salon in Dubai. This role will be responsible for ensuring the Salon operates to the highest standard, delivering an exceptional client experience, supporting commercial performance, and providing clear leadership to the Salon team. The Salon Manager will work closely with specialist departments, regional leadership, marketing, operations and corporate partners to establish the Salon as a destination for luxury, collecting and client engagement in Dubai.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Dubai Salon, ensuring the Salon runs smoothly, efficiently and in line with Sotheby’s standards.
• Manage, coach and support the Salon team, ensuring clear expectations, strong service standards and a collaborative working environment.
• Deliver an exceptional, highly personalised client experience across luxury categories, with a strong focus on discretion, quality and relationship-building.
• Act as a senior relationship lead for key Salon clients, building and maintaining long-term relationships with new and existing collectors and luxury clients in the region.
• Contribute to the Salon’s commercial objectives, working with the team to drive sales, identify opportunities and support performance during key trading periods.
• Partner with specialist departments and corporate teams to support product sourcing, category strategy and the successful execution of the Salon offer.
• Work with marketing, events and regional teams to develop and deliver client engagement initiatives, partnerships and boutique programming.
• Oversee daily Salon operations including floor management, appointment flow, inventory coordination, visual presentation, opening and closing procedures, and operational readiness.
• Ensure client information is accurately captured and maintained, supporting personalised follow-up, client development and long-term relationship management.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the luxury landscape in Dubai and the wider region, including competitors, client behaviour, market trends and local opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Sotheby’s policies and procedures, including security, inventory control, client confidentiality and broader operational requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, logistics, compliance, finance and other support teams to ensure the Salon operates effectively and any issues are resolved quickly.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience managing a luxury retail, hospitality, private client, gallery or similar high-touch client environment.
• Strong people management experience, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop a team in a client-facing environment.
• Commercially aware, with a track record of supporting sales performance and identifying opportunities to deepen client relationships.
• Excellent client service skills, with confidence engaging with high-net-worth clients and operating with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, operational detail and busy trading periods.
• Good judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach to resolving day-to-day operational issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments, regions and time zones.
• A genuine interest in luxury, collecting, art, design, jewellery, watches or related categories would be beneficial.
• Fluency in English is required; Arabic or other language skills would be advantageous.

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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.