Technician, New Bond Street London

Sotheby's International; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s in London seeks a dedicated art-handling technician to support designated departments across the artwork lifecycle. You will assist with receipt, unpacking, storage, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, and help prepare works for transport or sale.

The role requires careful handling, adaptability to overtime and weekend assignments, and strong communication with internal teams and external clients.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in art handling.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates strong self-motivation and composure under pressure.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Exceptional care in handling, packing, movement & storage of artworks.
• Provide support to designated departments to support cataloguing and photographer requirements.
• Lead gallery installations and deinstallations for designated sales and provide support for all other exhibition installations, including packing of artworks for safe storage or transportation between locations.
• Ensure that designated sales are prepared ahead of the deadline and that a high level of communication is maintained with the respective sale coordinator, technician manager and gallery manager. Take a proactive role in problem-solving to support the smooth and efficient execution of exhibition installations and deinstallations.
• Deliver a high level of client service to both external clients and internal departments.
• Collaborate with external contractors & gallery manager to ensure all exhibition installations and deinstallations are completed on schedule for designated sales.
• Maintains areas of responsibility to a high standard.
• Work with all other members of the department to ensure all equipment is regularly tested and complies with relevant Health & Safety legislation.

Skills

Art handling

Prioritization

Communication skills

Organization

Self-motivation

Collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

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.

LOCATION: New Bond Street, London

HOURS: Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 5:30PM

THE ROLE

The role provides essential support across designated specialist departments and the wider departmental team, contributing to all stages of the artwork lifecycle. This includes the safe receipt, unpacking, handling, storage, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, auction room preparation, packing artworks for transport between locations, and coordinating the final release of property. The role upholds a high standard of client service when working with both internal stakeholders and external clients. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the technician is expected to maintain a flexible approach, including working overtime, weekends, and supporting operations at additional locations as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exceptional care in handling, packing, movement & storage of artworks
• Provide a high level of support to designated departments to support cataloguing and photographer requirements.
• Lead gallery installations and deinstallations for designated sales and provide a high level of support for all other exhibition installations, including packing of any artworks for safe storage or transportation between locations.
• Ensure that designated sales are prepared ahead of the deadline and that a high level of communication is maintained with the respective sale coordinator, technician manager and gallery manager. Take a proactive role in problem-solving to support the smooth and efficient execution of exhibition installations and deinstallations.
• Deliver a high level of client service to both external clients and internal departments.
• Collaborate with external contractors & gallery manager to ensure all exhibition installations and deinstallations are completed on schedule for designated sales.
• Maintains areas of responsibility to a high standard.
• Work with all other members of the department to ensure all equipment is regularly tested and complies with relevant Health & Safety legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in art handling.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Display a positive attitude and adhere to Sotheby's Service Standards.
• Demonstrates strong self‑motivation and maintains composure and effectiveness in high‑pressure
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent Organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all tasks.
• Experienced in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

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.