Specialist, Modern & Post-War British Art

Sotheby's France; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s in London seeks a senior business developer for the Modern & Post-War British Art department to generate new business, solicit and evaluate property, and meet sales and profit targets.

You will catalog and coordinate Modern & Post-War British Art sales, collaborate across the department, and leverage international networks to deliver a client-focused message.

Travel will be required; extensive art market knowledge and experience in the auction business are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree holder or equivalent, art-focused (masters preferable).
• 6+ years in the art world, auction house, gallery, or museum.
• 2+ years in client-facing sales preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing property internationally via travel and client visits.
• Meet sales and net profit targets through business development.
• Selling works to global clients and maintaining client relationships.
• Mentor junior team members and share expertise.
• Cataloging and researching items for Modern British sales.

Skills

Client-facing sales

Valuation skills

Art knowledge

IT capability

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Degree in Art

Art-related masters preferable

Tools

Client System

Intellitrack

CAT

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

To be responsible for new business generation in the Modern & Post-War British Art department and for the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property in order to meet the total departmental sales and profit targets.

To catalog, research and help co-ordinate the Modern & Post-War British Art sales, and assist in the general day-to-day functions of the department.

Close co-operation and good communications with colleagues in the department. Using national and international networks to ensure a consistent, client focused message, delivering a high standard of active client management.

Candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge, passion and commitment to the field, be willing to travel and will have in-depth experience of the art auction business.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Play a key role in sourcing property, including overseas travel and client visits as appropriate
• Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets for particular sales. Generating and nurturing strategic, long term-business development.
• Key role in selling works to global clients
• Mentor junior members of the team, ensuring that skills and knowledge are passed on to and shared with all members of the department.
• Cataloging and researching items for the Modern British sales and working with other members of the department to ensure this is carried out to the highest standards according to scheduled deadlines
• Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public)
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Facilitating high level private treaty sales where appropriate
• Preparation of proposals
• Preparation of valuations for Insurance etc
• Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Degree holder or equivalent (Art related masters preferable)
• 6+ years of professional experience, ideally from the art world in an auction house, gallery, or museum.
  • 2+ years in a client-facing sales position preferred
• Preferred Specialist with knowledge of Modern & Post-War British Art and contextual literature
• Ability to effectively access archives and reference sources
• Overall awareness of Sotheby’s services (e.g. Financial Services)
• Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)
• Proven business acumen and fully developed valuation skills
• Language and Communication skills as appropriate
• Flexible and receptive to change
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High level of IT capability (i.e. ability to independently use the Client System, Intellitrack, CAT etc.)

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.