VP, Senior Collection Sale Manager

Sotheby's Institute of Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s in New York seeks an experienced project lead to manage proposals, sale schedules, and consignments for high‑profile, multi‑category collections, ensuring rigor, creativity, and a client-first approach from first engagement to final sale.

You will coordinate with Specialists, Deal Lead, Marketing, and Legal, streamline communications, supervise logistics from contract to shipment, and maintain strong relationships with advisors to foster repeat business.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of art world and/or auction experience.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and client-facing abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value projects discreetly.
• Experience with high-profile clients and consignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-department proposals and consignments with clear communication.
• Organize client visits and prepare sale schedules with notes and images.
• Collaborate with Specialists, Deal Lead, Marketing, and Legal on terms.
• Oversee sale logistics, contracts, shipping, and authentication.
• Set internal deadlines and track pre-sale material delivery and post-sale follow-ups.
• Maintain client relationships to encourage repeat business.
• Coordinate re-offers and returns with departments and clients.

Skills

Art market knowledge

Client service

Project management

Communication skills

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

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

This role sits at the center of Sotheby’s most complex, high profile, multi-category engagements—acting as both a trusted client advisor and internal lead across strategy, execution, and stakeholder alignment. This role will serve as project lead managing the creation and execution of Proposals, Sale Schedules and Consignments for high profile for high profile clients with multi-category, high-value, and complex collections to ensure each collection is to ensure each collection is approached with rigor, creativity, and a deeply coordinated, client-first mindset, from initial engagement through final sale.

Responsibilities

• Streamline internal and external communication, serving as the single point of contact for various multi-departmental proposals and consignments.
• Organize and attend client visits to see property, coordinating notes and images to produce Sale Schedules.
• Work with the Specialists, Proposal Writer, Deal Lead, Marketing, Press, Sale Directors and Business Managers on the preparation of proposals and financial terms; participate in proposal pitches as required.
• Manage the consignment process from start to finish, overseeing all sale logistics: liaise with sale departments and Legal to create sale contracts and proof details to be sure all terms are accurate, work with department coordinators and Shipping to organize and oversee all shipping and tagging needs, organize on-site photography and video as needed, relay and get approvals for authentication and restoration, send all sale paperwork to the client (pre and post-sale), etc.
• Set internal deadlines to ensure timely execution of all business getting materials pre-sale, and once business is won, deadline tracking for all sale, marketing and exhibition promises, including any press release and catalogue layout review deadlines, obtaining client approvals as needed.
• Work with the specialist departments to relay and confirm reserves and interest levels to the client as needed.
• Keep the client closely informed during the post-sale process, including reporting results to and updating the client on payment status frequently and proactively, and updating master trackers simultaneously.
• Manage the process of re-offers and property returns with Specialist Departments and clients, including other third party auction houses if necessary.
• In partnership with the client team, create and maintain a trustworthy and strong professional relationship with the business’ most high profile advisors and clients, encourage repeat business by providing a seamless client experience and top level dedicated service.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• 9+ years of art world and/or auction related experience needed
• Valuation system and excel experience preferred
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong ability to problem-solve
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and client service skills
• Strong team player, detail oriented, flexible, accurate, discreet, dependable, resourceful and able to multi-task gracefully
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work overtime and to travel as needed (approximately 15% of time is spent out of the office)
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel
• Significant experience in auction house business development, collection sales, or related fiduciary or advisory roles.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value, multi-stakeholder projects with precision and discretion.
• Strong understanding of the art market, estate dynamics, and collector relationships.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and execution.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, and client-facing presence.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000 - $155,000. 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.