Bids Coordinator

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 Bids & Client Services Department is the first and most highly visible contributor to the client experience at Sotheby's worldwide headquarters. As a member of the Bids & Client Services Department, it is the responsibility of the Bids Coordinator to provide key operational support to the bidder experience and the auction process. The primary goal of the Bids Coordinator is to ensure the flawless execution of all auctions in New York  in compliance with company policies and best practices while ensuring an exceptional and seamless client experience. The candidate will be responsible for registering and executing bids for all New York sales in addition to facilitating the operation of all auctions in New York. The candidate must be process driven, a creative problem solver, a team player, and must excel under pressure with a calm demeanor to support an elevated client experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, vet and execute bid registrations over email, on the phone, and in person for auctions
• Serve as Brand Ambassador for the Company, portraying a warm, hospitable feeling for both current and prospective clients
• Uphold and abide by Sotheby’s KYC & AML procedure; ensure all required legal and compliance documentation is gathered, reviewed, and stored appropriately.
• Accountable to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction process to effectively communicate with existing and potential clients
• Manage telephone bid allocation for live sales
• Assist with live auction clerking duties by operating Sotheby’s online bidding platform and overseeing an accurate sale record
• Centralize interest requests from specialist departments inclusive of pulling pre and post-sale reports, providing analytics and product interaction data.
• Gather and assess auction metrics, bidding data, and key performance indicators to inform relevant teams and support the enhancement of processes, overall sale performance, and client experience.
• Implement training & onboarding initiatives for temporary Bids & Client Services staff as directed by the Bids & Client Services Managers
• Proactively address client concerns and issues as appropriate and take ownership of solving the client’s issue or escalation
• Collaborate with Product & Technology to improve auction platform functionality and enhance bidding workflows
• Provide exceptional client service in all interactions both internally and externally to clients, auctioneers, relationship managers and specialist departments
• Support clients with general inquiries through the possession of thorough and current knowledge of the Company’s international sale and exhibition calendars, special events, departments, personnel and their building locations; names and titles of Sotheby’s senior management and executive officers
• Participate in ad hoc projects as needed
• Must adhere to required front of house attire on live sale days

Qualifications

• 2+ years relevant professional experience
• Must be available to work evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a pleasant, client service oriented attitude
• Operationally minded with an eye for process optimization
• Process driven, logical, and solution oriented thinker; able to multitask and prioritize time-sensitive deadlines with poise under pressure
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic team player with strong work ethic and superb organizational and time management skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Proven experience employing problem solving skills when dealing with internal and external clients
• Forward thinking and tech savvy
• Strong comfort with Microsoft Office & Google Suite - prior experience with SAP, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Client Databases, or other Sotheby’s systems is preferable
• Foreign language(s) a plus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $45,000-$55,000. 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.