Commercial Manager

Sotheby's Institute of Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Sotheby’s Partners seeks a Commercial Manager to grow and commercialize Sotheby’s global Event Business, developing strategy and leading end-to-end venue rental engagements across our global network.

The role partners with local leadership and cross-functional teams to maximize revenue, build a robust pipeline, and position Sotheby’s as a top destination for premium events. Base salary ranges from $110,000 to $140,000 with discretionary bonus and benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in business development, partnerships, venue rentals, luxury events or related commercial roles.
• Demonstrated success developing new business opportunities and negotiating high-value commercial agreements.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, financial modelling, forecasting and revenue management.
• Experience working with luxury brands, event production agencies, and premium event suppliers.
• Strong understanding of operational and logistical requirements of delivering complex, high-profile events.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results-oriented approach.
• Experience within luxury, cultural institutions, premium venues, hospitality or real estate is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for Sotheby’s global Event Business.
• Identify, originate and cultivate high-value venue rental opportunities across luxury brands, corporations, cultural institutions, agencies and private clients.
• Build and manage a healthy global pipeline of prospective opportunities.
• Develop annual commercial plans and proactively secure strategic bookings to optimize venue utilization.
• Evaluate, qualify and prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit and revenue potential.
• Own end-to-end commercial process, including pricing strategy, proposal development, negotiations and contracts.
• Develop compelling commercial proposals and bespoke event concepts tailored to client objectives.
• Manage inbound venue rental enquiries while actively generating outbound business opportunities.
• Own pipeline management, forecasting, reporting and revenue performance against targets.
• Develop pricing frameworks and commercial models that maximize revenue while maintaining market competitiveness.
• Partner with local venue teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and successful execution of confirmed events.
• Build strong relationships across Sotheby’s departments to identify opportunities and champion the Event Business internally.
• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the client experience and expand the global Event Business offering.

Skills

Business development

Commercial partnerships

Venue rentals

Luxury events

Hospitality

Experiential marketing

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

Sotheby’s Event Business transforms exceptional spaces into unforgettable experiences. Through access to our landmark locations in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, we curate bespoke events that bring together art, culture and luxury. Leveraging Sotheby’s cultural authority and extraordinary real estate, we create high-impact experiences for luxury brands, corporations, institutions and private clients.

The Commercial Manager, Sotheby’s Partners is responsible for growing and commercializing Sotheby’s global Event Business. The role will develop and execute the commercial strategy, proactively originate and convert new business opportunities, and lead the end-to-end commercialization of venue rental engagements across Sotheby’s global network. Working closely with local leadership and cross‑functional teams, this global role will maximize venue rental revenue, build a robust pipeline of opportunities, establish a consistent commercial approach across markets, and position Sotheby’s as one of the world’s leading destinations for premium events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for Sotheby’s global Event Business.


• Proactively identify, originate and cultivate high‑value venue rental opportunities across luxury brands, corporations, cultural institutions, agencies and private clients.


• Build and manage a healthy global pipeline of prospective opportunities, maintaining relationships with key decision‑makers and event production agencies.


• Develop annual commercial plans and proactively secure strategic bookings to optimize venue utilization and protect key dates within the global event calendar.


• Evaluate, qualify and prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit, revenue potential and operational feasibility.


• Own the end‑to‑end commercial process, including pricing strategy, proposal development, negotiations, contracting and deal closure.


• Develop compelling commercial proposals and bespoke event concepts tailored to client objectives.


• Manage inbound venue rental enquiries while actively generating outbound business opportunities.


• Own pipeline management, forecasting, reporting and revenue performance against commercial targets.


• Develop pricing frameworks and commercial models that maximize revenue while maintaining market competitiveness.


• Partner with local venue teams and cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and successful execution of confirmed events.


• Build strong relationships across Sotheby’s departments to identify opportunities, align priorities and champion the Event Business internally.


• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the client experience, improve commercial processes and expand the global Event Business offering.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• 7+ years’ experience in business development, commercial partnerships, venue rentals, luxury events, hospitality, experiential marketing or a related commercial role.


• Demonstrated success developing new business opportunities and negotiating high‑value commercial agreements.


• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, financial modelling, forecasting and revenue management.


• Experience working with luxury brands, event production agencies, technical production partners and premium event suppliers.


• Strong understanding of the operational and logistical requirements of delivering complex, high‑profile events.


• Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.


• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and commercial opportunities simultaneously in a fast‑paced, global environment.


• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results‑oriented approach and the ability to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities.


• Experience within luxury, cultural institutions, premium venues, hospitality or real estate is highly desirable.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $110,000-$140,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

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.