Luxury Handbags Specialist – Auctions & Private Sales

Sotheby's Institute of Art; New York (NY); 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 New York seeks a Handbags Specialist to source luxury bags, provide pricing and valuation, and authenticate bags for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The role emphasizes building buyer relationships and collaborating with catalogs, account managers, and marketing teams.

The candidate will drive activity across Auctions and Private Sales in the US, inspect items, and ensure proper photography and documentation. Travel across the US is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing client portfolios and driving sales.
• Experience as a handbag authenticator and valuer.
• Experience in auction house, ecommerce or second-hand luxury shop.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a busy, global team.
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, tech savvy.

Responsibilities

• Business-getting for Auctions in New York and across the region as well as contributing to major selling US locations and Buy-Now Marketplace.
• Drive Private Sale activity within the region including the organization of Private Sale exhibitions within the US markets.
• Inspect and authenticate properties in the US.
• Work with Head of department and Marketing teams to promote all Auctions and Marketplace initiatives
• Outreach to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships
• Outreach to Sotheby’s Relationship Managers to ensure internal awareness of all sales happening in this category
• Provide regular analysis of auction data to the Head of Department
• Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele
• Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors
• Ensure that product photography is executed properly
• Work collaboratively with team Administrators and Coordinators to facilitate smooth handoff of information and positive client experiences
• Participate in regular pipeline meetings to keep Head of Department aware of progress for Auction and Marketplace channels
• Regular travel throughout the US will be required as part of the role

Skills

Client relationship management

Handbag authentication

Sales experience

Independent worker

Communication skills

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Suite

Job description

Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York seeks a Handbags Specialist to source luxury bags, provide pricing and valuation, and authenticate bags for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The role emphasizes building buyer relationships and collaborating with catalogs, account managers, and marketing teams.

The candidate will drive activity across Auctions and Private Sales in the US, inspect items, and ensure proper photography and documentation. Travel across the US is required.