Head of Private Watches Sales & Client Growth

Cultural Signal; Lavamünd; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s is seeking a Head of Private Sales for Watches to originate and execute high-value private sale transactions and expand client relationships in the luxury sector. You will lead cross‑functional collaboration with the global network to maximize revenue and market presence.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in luxury markets, strong negotiation acumen and a track record of success with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional and relevant experience within the luxury goods, art, collectibles or related markets.
• Demonstrable success in originating and executing high-value transactions and developing strong client relationships.
• Deep understanding of the luxury market and its participants.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and convert opportunities into revenue.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Proven ability to build credibility and trust with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and regions.
• Numerate and detail-oriented.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Additional language skills would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Drive the growth of private sale transactions within Watches.
• Originate, negotiate and execute private sale transactions, leveraging Sotheby's global network and client base to identify opportunities.
• Lead the sourcing and origination of exceptional property within Watches, leveraging personal networks, market intelligence and Sotheby's global platform to secure opportunities for both private sale and auction.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of private sale opportunities through proactive client engagement and business development activities.
• Work closely with Private Sales Strategy, Client Development and Specialist teams to identify client priorities, create action plans and generate transaction opportunities.
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, cultivating strong relationships with new and existing ultra-high-net-worth clients, collectors, dealers, advisors and other market participants.
• Actively source property for private sale and identify opportunities to place property with existing and prospective buyers.
• Participate in pricing, valuation and transaction discussions relating to private sale property.
• Collaborate across departments and categories to maximise cross-selling opportunities and enhance client engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions and opportunities within Sotheby's systems.
• Identify opportunities to transition property and clients between auction and private channels to maximise commercial outcomes for clients and Sotheby’s.
• Partner with auction teams to ensure opportunities across auction and private sale channels are fully leveraged.

Skills

Client relationship building

Negotiation

Commercial acumen

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Collaboration across teams

Numerate/detail-oriented

Language skills (advantageous)

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

Sotheby’s is seeking a Head of Private Sales for Watches to originate and execute high-value private sale transactions and expand client relationships in the luxury sector. You will lead cross‑functional collaboration with the global network to maximize revenue and market presence.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in luxury markets, strong negotiation acumen and a track record of success with ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients.