Specialist - Sculpture

Sotheby's; Paris; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s France seeks a lead specialist in sculpture to coordinate Paris and global sales, while defining regional strategy with Worldwide and European Heads. The role demands high academic expertise in European sculpture and representation of Sotheby’s in confidential valuations and public events from receptions to lectures.

As a senior member of the global sculpture team, you will oversee cataloguing, research, inventories, consignments, and client relations, and support cross-border sales

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in art history with demonstrated interest in European sculpture.
• Experience in the high-level marketplace for European sculpture.
• Proven client-facing track record in luxury/art sectors.
• Fluent in English and French; reading ability in Italian and/or German preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the organisation of Sculpture sales in Paris and across Europe.
• Supervise the expertise and valuation of works of art within the department and advise on consignments, sales, and collections.
• Oversee catalogue production and research, including catalogue notes in French and English.
• Direct inventories, proposals and business-winning opportunities.
• Supervise property management and tracking, coordinating with administration and operations.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day department operation and compliance with Sotheby’s policies.

Skills

Client facing

English fluency

French fluency

Italian/German reading

Education

Postgraduate degree in art history

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

Lead specialist in sculpture at Sotheby’s France, coordinating business getting for Paris and global sales, deciding regional strategy in conjunction with Worldwide Head and European Head, providing a high level of academic expertise in the field, representing Sotheby’s both on confidential client valuations (appraisals) and in public events from receptions to talks and lectures. A senior level expert and high ranking member of Sotheby’s renowned global sculpture team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee the organisation of Sculpture sales in Paris, in line with the company's strategy in France and across Europe.
• Supervise the expertise and valuation of works of art within the department and provide specialist guidance on consignments, sales, and collections in which the department is involved.
• Oversee and conduct cataloguing and research, including high quality research catalogue notes and sale-related documentation in both French and English.
• Direct the preparation of inventories, proposals and business-winning opportunities.
• Supervise the physical management of property, including receipt processes and object tracking, working closely with department administration and operational teams.
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day management and operation of the department.
• Lead the promotion of property offered for sale, respond to client enquiries and support auction activities, including telephone bidding when required.
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with Sotheby's clients in Paris and across France and Europe.
• Oversee the organisation of events and initiatives designed to develop departmental business and promote works offered for sale.
• Ensure compliance with all Sotheby's policies, procedures and legal requirements in all client interactions and business activities.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of the financial objectives established for the department.
• Maximisation of departmental profitability.
• Development and retention of a high-quality client base.
• Delivery of a high standard of client service, including professionalism, responsiveness and efficient execution.
• Key role in the organisation of the department, ensuring adherence to company procedures and the successful execution of auctions and sales.
• Strong collaboration and effective working relationships with immediate team members and with other departments in the wider company.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Academic training in art history to postgraduate level including proven interest in European sculpture.
• Experience in the marketplace at a high level with particular focus on European sculpture.
• Proven client facing track record.
• Working fluency in English and French languages, reading ability in Italian and/or German preferred.

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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.