Director, Private Sales, Contemporary

Sotheby's; Paris; Sur place; EUR 80 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A global auction house is seeking a Contemporary Art Senior Specialist to source and sell artworks across live and online auctions. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in the art market, strong client relationship skills, and a proven ability to meet regional sales targets. This role involves managing operations of the Contemporary sales in France, ensuring high client service standards, and developing new business networks. The position offers an opportunity to work in a prestigious environment with passionate professionals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a specialist sourcing and selling contemporary art.
• Background from an auction house, museum, gallery, or private dealership preferred.
• Strong record of building and servicing high-level client relationships.

Responsabilités

• Source works for Contemporary and Modern sales, including consignment activities.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Contemporary sales, ensuring accurate research.
• Develop client relationships and generate new business networks.

Connaissances

Client relationship management

Business acumen

Art sourcing

Valuation skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Description du poste

Sotheby’s is a global auction house with a long history of bringing exceptional art and luxury objects to buyers through auctions, private sales, and e-commerce.

THE ROLE

The Contemporary Art Senior Specialist will source and sell works for Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department in France across live and online auctions and private sales. The role focuses on business getting, client development, and achieving regional sales targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source works for both Contemporary and Modern France sales, including consignment and business‑getting activities.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations of the Contemporary sales in France, ensuring research, cataloguing, condition reports, and exhibition set‑up.
• Accurately manage consignment costs, terms, margins, marketing, guarantees, and loans to meet net profit and sales targets.
• Provide scholarship by researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard.
• Develop client relationships, enhance loyalty, and generate new business networks.
• Assist in selling lots at exhibitions, communicating client interest, and executing bids.
• Mentor junior specialists and cataloguers.
• Participate in valuation projects and proposals.
• Achieve annual consignment and private sales targets.
• Maintain high client service standards internally and externally.
• Comply with company rules on compliance and corporate governance.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 8+ years of experience as a specialist sourcing and selling contemporary art.
• Background from an auction house, museum, gallery, or private dealership preferred.
• Strong record of building and servicing high‑level client relationships.
• Business acumen, valuation skills, and operational knowledge of the auction process.
• Effective both independently and in a team; willing to pitch in when required.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle diverse tasks.
• Organisational skills with proven deadline management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; spoken and written English, additional European languages a benefit.
• High integrity and adherence to corporate governance and legal framework.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to help achieve global business success.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, reproductive health decision, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.