Client Liaison

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

The Client Liaison, Luxury Americas role will support the Luxury Chairman and Vice Chairman in the Americas, focusing on private sales and client management. This role will serve as a key point of contact for high-net-worth clients, ensuring seamless execution of private transactions, and delivering exceptional client service. The Client Liaison will assist in identifying and developing private sales opportunities, managing the pre- and post-sale process, and overseeing client-related projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support & Relationship Management

• Introduce a systematic approach to identifying sourcing and selling opportunities based on client purchase history and upcoming auction or private sale property under the direction of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Senior Specialists.
• Maintain communication with clients, ensuring they receive timely and relevant information regarding potential acquisitions, valuations, and market trends.
• Oversee the management of high-value private transactions, ensuring a seamless process for both buyers and sellers.
• Monitor consignment processes pre- and post-sale to ensure a smooth selling experience and high sell-through rates.
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal support teams, including Compliance, Shipping, Client Accounts, and Events, to ensure all aspects of a transaction are handled efficiently.
• Coordinate tracking and input of key contributions for auction consignments, purchases, and private sales.

Client Project Management

• Support client-related projects initiated by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, ensuring effective execution and follow-up.
• Work closely with department support roles to oversee ongoing client needs and initiatives.
• Manage and execute pre-sale targeting strategies for global and regional auctions within the Luxury Private Sales department.
• Maintain and update client wish lists for sourcing and acquisition opportunities.
• Organize and manage private sale and international salon exhibitions, including scheduling, catalog coordination, compliance paperwork, and contracts.
• Ensure all private sales transactions comply with corporate governance policies and industry best practices.

Administrative & Support Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Administrators and Post-Sale Managers to resolve complex post-sale issues, including shipping, authenticity claims, damages, non-payment, price adjustments, client compensation, and restoration or framing requests.
• Respond to general client inquiries via phone, email, and other correspondence.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Occasionally assist with diary and travel management for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen when required.

Operational & Administrative Responsibilities:

• Manage private sales consignments, including SAP, CAT, consignment terms, VAT status, and logistics.
• Conduct compliance due diligence, provenance checks, and liaise with the Restitution and Compliance Departments
• Coordinate professional photography for consigned property when required.
• Prepare contracts in collaboration with the Legal Department and oversee sales transaction processing.
• Track and reconcile costs associated with private sales transactions, ensuring proper cost recovery.
• Facilitate post-sale property management, including shipment coordination and exhibition logistics.
• Liaise with Accounting to issue invoices to buyers and payment statements to sellers.
• Organize and lead regular meetings with international colleagues to provide updates on private sales activity.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of private sales consignments and luxury items available for sale.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Strong background in client relationship management; preferably within the luxury, fine art, or auction industry.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CRM systems.
• Familiarity with auction processes, compliance regulations, and high-value asset transactions.
• Knowledge of the luxury and/or art markets and their clientele.

This role requires a high level of discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering a top-tier client experience in the luxury private sales space.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $55,000-$70,000. 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. 

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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.