Temporary 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

To provide client liaison support to the Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art and the Head of Private Sales Europe.  This is an all-encompassing role, working directly to support the requirements of a leader and also providing support in a Client Liaison capacity by ensuring effective client management and execution of associated projects.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Introduce a systematic approach to identify sourcing and selling opportunities for the Head of Private Sales and Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art, with the inclusion of day-to-day information on past and forthcoming sales, identifying property of interest coming up for sale at auction or privately, obtaining bidding advice and the execution of condition reports and other relevant information.
• Set up pipeline management meetings with the leaders identified above and their wider team to review sourcing initiatives and activity.
• Deliver client requests concerning general collection management including consignments, pre- and post-sale support and administration, bid registration and execution, loan requests, transactional history, accounts and valuations.
• Management and execution of pre-sale targeting strategy for global auctions across the Impressionist and Modern Art department.
• Manage and keep track of pre-sale target lists as well as current and potential consignment lists, buyer and under bidder results and artist sourcing projects with relevant specialists.
• Monitor consignment process pre- and post-sale to ensure a smooth selling experience and high sell through rates for consignments.
• Coordinate tracking and input of all significant contribution for auction consignments, purchases, IB and underbids, private treaty sales.
• Ensure that managed clients and any other high-profile clients under remit receive a consistently high level of service, by maintaining positive communication and rapport with departments such as Shipping, Client Accounts, Events, Impressionist and Modern Client Strategist, Sotheby’s Preferred, other specialist departments, and European and global salerooms to ensure a seamless process for the client.
• Support client-related projects initiated by the Head of Modern Art, and work closely with the Research function and other support roles to achieve client objectives
• Confident and efficient handling of client contact and relationships.
• Establish good working relationships with the PAs of high-priority clients and with internal EAs/Client Liaisons across the business.
• Supporting the Business Developer/Client Strategist with Client and Business Development initiatives (e.g. updating the client system, sending large volumes of emails such as pre-sale targeting, event invitations etc.).
• Effective liaison with other departments and international colleagues, in particular coordinating with the London and New York departments to ensure a seamless service to mutual clients.
• Proactively dealing with general queries, problem-solving and following tasks through to completion.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Dependable, flexible, discreet and diplomatic.
• Computer literate, with detailed knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication skills (both written and spoken).
• Well organised, with a good eye for detail and the ability to prioritise tasks as well as being able to adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Experience delivering on tasks in a timely manner without compromising service level
• Enjoy troubleshooting and using initiative.
• Be a team player, capable of working well as part of a busy, highly pressurised team, with good interpersonal skills and a friendly and approachable manner towards both clients and colleagues.
• Enthusiastic with a flexible approach and exceptional client service skills.

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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.