Specialist, Handbags

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

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.

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

The Handbags Specialist is responsible for sourcing luxury bags and accessories for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The Specialist will provide pricing and valuation services to clients and authenticate bags. Additionally, the Specialist will be responsible for building buyer relationships and partnering with internal teams including Catalogers, Account Managers, Coordinators and Relationship Managers.

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

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• Proven experience of managing client portfolios and driving sales
• Experience as a handbag’s 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

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$90,000. 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.