Luxury Handbag Specialist — Auctions & Private Sales

Sotheby's Institute of Art; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Los Angeles is seeking a Handbags Specialist to source luxury bags for Auctions and Buy Now Marketplace. You will provide pricing, authentication, and valuation services, while building strong client relationships with US buyers and consignors.

The role requires hands-on experience in handbag authentication, an understanding of luxury resale markets, and the ability to travel throughout the US. Competitive salary plus discretionary bonus and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing client portfolios and driving sales.
• Experience as a handbag authenticator and valuer.
• Experience in auction houses, ecommerce, or second-hand luxury shops.
• Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories.
• Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; capable of building meaningful client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Business development for Auctions in New York and across the region and supporting major selling locations in the US.
• Drive Private Sale activity within the region and organize Private Sale exhibitions in US markets.
• Inspect and authenticate handbags and accessories in the US.
• Collaborate with Head of Department and Marketing to promote Auctions and Marketplace initiatives.
• Outreach to bidders and buyers to build relationships and awareness.
• Provide regular analysis of auction data to the Head of Department.
• Advise on handbag product mix and pricing/terms for consignors.
• Ensure product photography is executed properly.
• Coordinate with Administrators and Coordinators for smooth handoffs and client experiences.
• Participate in pipeline meetings to inform Head of Department of progress.

Skills

Client portfolio management

Handbag authenticator & valuer

Luxury retail / auction experience

Ecommerce / second-hand luxury

Excellent communication

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Suite

Job description

Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Los Angeles is seeking a Handbags Specialist to source luxury bags for Auctions and Buy Now Marketplace. You will provide pricing, authentication, and valuation services, while building strong client relationships with US buyers and consignors.

The role requires hands-on experience in handbag authentication, an understanding of luxury resale markets, and the ability to travel throughout the US. Competitive salary plus discretionary bonus and benefits are offered.