Specialist, Wine

Sotheby's; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s in Hong Kong seeks a Specialist, Wine to liaise with buyers and sellers, advise on wine, and secure profitable consignments for sale at auction. You’ll assist with estimates, cataloguing, attending events, and other client-facing tasks, driving revenue for the department.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of professional experience in auctions or fine wine, and a WSET Diploma is preferred. Fluency in English with Mandarin/Cantonese is highly valued, with some travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in Auction or Fine Wine.
• Proficient base knowledge of wines and vintages relevant to the auction market.
• WSET Diploma preferred.
• High level of attention to detail for data analysis.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.
• Professional and discreet client service skills.
• Fluency in English; Mandarin and Cantonese preferred.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with clients to secure profitable auction consignments.
• Inspect wines for auction at warehouse and on-site at clients’ property.
• Maintain accurate warehouse inventory records.
• Provide a high level of customer service to buyers and sellers.
• Cultivate your own client base of buyers and sellers across Asia.
• Assist with sale administration.
• Attend wine auctions and related events.
• Events management/participation – client development and entertainment.
• Promote wine sales globally and cross-promote other Asia departments’ sales.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Client service

Communication

English fluency

Mandarin

Cantonese

Education

WSET Diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

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.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Head of Auction Sales, Asia, the Specialist, Wine will liaise with buyers and sellers, providing wine advice and securing profitable consignments for sale at auction, as well as assisting with auction estimates, wine inspection, cataloguing, attending wine events and other client‑facing activities, and other departmental tasks as required. This role will be a key, leading contributor to the department’s revenue and client‑facing activity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Negotiation with clients to secure profitable auction consignments.
• Perform inspection for auction wines at warehouse and on‑site at clients’ property.
• Maintain accurate records of warehouse inventory.
• Provide a high level of customer service to buyers and sellers.
• Cultivating your own client base of buyers and sellers across Asia.
• Assist with sale administration.
• Assist at wine auctions and related events.
• Events management/participation – including client development and entertainment.
• Assist in promoting all wine sales globally.
• Assist in cross‑promoting other Asia departments’ sales.
• Active promotion of retail and storage business.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 3+ years of professional experience in Auction or Fine Wine Industry.
• Proficient base knowledge of wines and vintages relevant to the auction market.
• WSET Diploma preferred.
• High level of attention to detail is a must to ensure accuracy, particularly with regard to data analysis.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.
• Professional and discreet client service skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel.
• Requires a significant amount of physical work moving cases of wine in our warehouse and in private cellars.
• Some travel required as needed.
• Excellent communication skills – ideally fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

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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.