Business Director

Sotheby's; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury art and auction house is seeking a business management specialist to drive financial results in their Global Fine Arts department. Responsibilities include managing business opportunities, leading budget planning, and developing financial models. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills, a Bachelor's degree, and 4+ years of experience in a relevant field. This role also values creative problem-solving and an interest in art or luxury objects.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in a business management or financial role.
• Ability to present to diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and accountability through pipeline management.
• Develop financial models to support consignment management.
• Lead annual budget planning in collaboration with management.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Advanced Excel skills

Creative problem solver

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

The role:

You will be a core member of Sotheby’s London Global Fine Arts department, driving financial results, growth, and profitability for this key business area. You will act as a business partner to the department specialists focused on P&L management and reporting (live and online auction and private sales), pipeline management, deal making, and sale execution. You can think analytically, synthesize quantitative and qualitative information, and are excited by proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Own the pipeline of business opportunities and deals to drive sales and accountability, in active collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Lead, manage, and track all auction and private sale (as required) consignments and annual goals. Responsible for Pipeline presentation and discussion with CFO, Heads of Departments, Specialists, and RMs
• Develop financial models (revenue and expense) to support consignments for all revenue streams; approve/escalate where appropriate.
• Prepare client facing deal communication and take a client facing role for commercial terms, when required.
• Serve as the first business point of contact for negotiations for consignments, vendors, consultants, or other third parties, including corresponding legal agreements with Legal team; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Serve as point person for the legal department on settlement of claims and goodwill gestures.
• Lead annual budget planning and regular forecasting in partnership with Head of Sale, Head of Department, Finance, and other members of management; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Translate financial results and KPIs into operational recommendations to optimize the business.
• Manage all sale and department expenses; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Regularly review and develop plans for Sotheby’s inventory, in partnership with Operations and Finance teams.
• Act in a client-facing capacity and as an internal conduit to troubleshoot escalated pre- and post- sale issues
• Work with Pre and Post sale on Sale settlement to maintain a high-level oversight, Extended Payments approval and accountability and billing for non-standard transactions.
• Act as a strategic partner for senior management by reviewing competitive analysis, maintaining market share reporting, and analyzing trends in deal making.
• Research potential additional revenue streams and partner with key internal stakeholders to develop business plans.
• Work collaboratively to propose, manage, and implement efficiencies, integration, and adoption for new IT and digital improvements aligned to overall responsibilities.

Ideal experience & competencies

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4+ years of professional experience in a business management, banking, financial or consulting role.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to succinctly present to stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, multi-tasker.
• Creative problem solver, energetic and persistent.
• Confident team player, capable of working well independently in ambiguous situations.
• Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.

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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.