Business Operations Manager

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

Partner with Business Operations leadership, Heads of Departments, Marketing, Operations, and Senior Business/Specialist teams to manage the execution of sale strategies, operations and marketing in NY Global Fine Arts division. Scope includes: Marquee auction categories with a focus on Modern Evening Auction, Modern Day Auction, ongoing oversight on Latin American and American Art, stand alone sales and special projects such as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Sales Execution and Operations:

• Partner with Operations to confirm departmental sale formats, exhibition and sale dates, gallery allocations etc. for live and online sales. Maintain auction and exhibition calendar with sale teams and Operations. Work with relevant business operations teammates to find solutions to any scheduling conflicts across categories.
• Work with specialist departments, operations, and marketing teams to ensure timely execution of requirements for all exhibitions and sales. 
• Lead point of contact with Auction Operations to ensure NY galleries are set up and ready for exhibitions. 
• Partner with relevant regional teams and Traveling Exhibition Manager to plan and execute traveling exhibitions. 
• Route Sale Format Requests for catalogues, new and changed sales from Business Manager and Sale Teams through for approval and communicate changes per global update process. 
• Ensure systems are up to date with collaborators.
• Act as liaison between various departments for single owner and cross-category sales, from proposal to sale execution.
• Ensure the fluid transfer of property within multiple channels (Auction, Private, Marketplace)
• Oversee physical set up of all live auctions and produced livestreams,

2. Business Development and Marketing:

• Liaise with specialist teams and marketing to ensure successful allocation, timely preparation, and execution of all sale materials including digital campaign execution, photography and video production, editorial, website content development and print catalogues.
• Organize, communicate and collaborate with internal/external teams and clients to execute high level special projects. 
• Attend and contribute to Proposals providing insight on feasibility for marketing and traveling exhibition promises.
• Work with marketing to provide and/or review timely marketing campaigns for business getting.
• Collaborate with Pre-Sale Coordinators, Business Managers, and Legal to execute marketing riders for consignment contracts.
• Provide reports and lists through Tableau to departments.
• Attend pricing sessions and departmental meetings

3. Transformation:

• Work with BizOps team, Product & Tech team, and specialist departments on resolving issues and improving new digital platforms and processes (i.e. Cataloguing platforms, Marq, AI implementation and others as needed).
• Work with Compliance to better understand any issues that may pertain to the art market and relay to the wider team as needed.
• Liaise with Legal to assist with and troubleshoot on claims or issues that arise. 
• Suggest, manage and implement efficiencies for general process and communication improvement across departments.
• Collaborate with other Business Operations team members to ensure global alignment and sharing of best practices.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 2-5 years of experience
• Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work well under pressure, with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with prior office experience 
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Computer literacy (Google, Microsoft, Adobe)

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $65,000-$75,000. 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.