Bids Manager

The Role

The Bids & Client Services Department is the first and most highly visible contributor to the client experience at Sotheby’s worldwide headquarters. The Bids Manager is responsible for the core management, people, and transformation priorities of the bidder experience for all auctions in New York and will serve as a subject matter expert for the bids function. The candidate should be comfortable coordinating and managing a team, working under pressure at a fast pace, and able to juggle multiple priorities at once. They must be process driven, a creative problem solver, and forward thinking in all elements of their work to support a positive team environment and elevated client experience. 

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the bids function including management of ticketing system; bidding and account escalations; live & online auction operations; sale creation and management support
• Line manage a group of Bids Coordinators and any temporary bids support staff. Provide day-to-day support and guidance. Manage recruitment of bids staff as necessary in partnership with Head of Bids & Client Services and Human Resources. 
• Partner with Head of Bids & Client Services to set goals and conduct annual performance reviews
• Responsible for developing and implementing training for new bids support staff. Provide ongoing training for Bids & Client Services teams on compliance procedures, operational processes, and system enhancements. 
• Uphold and abide by sotheby’s KYC & AML procedure; ensure all required legal and compliance documentation relevant to bid activity is gathered, reviewed, and stored appropriately
• Work alongside Head of Bids & Client Services and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Bids function and the wider Client Service Operations Team
• Establish, gather, and analyze KPIs, SLAs, and metrics to measure team performance and inform the bidder experience. 
• Collaborate with Product & Technology to improve auction platform functionality and enhance bidding workflows
• Liaise closely with Global Bids & Client Services Departments to operate globally as a team, align on process, and ensure adequate coverage and support 
• Represent the Bids department during any sale outage or operational escalations; manage client communications as necessary
• Support Head of Bids & Client Services with managing sale calendar additions and adjustments in conjunction with Sale Directors and Logistics
• Work closely with Client Services Manager to ensure alignment in department initiatives and service provision
• Must adhere to required front of house attire on live sale days

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant professional experience; previous Bids Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is strongly desired
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Comfortable communicating with senior staff, auctioneers, and VIP clients 
• Positive and proactive approach to challenges. Proven experience employing problem solving skills when dealing with internal and external clients
• Experience managing a team is advantageous but not a pre-requisite 
• Operationally minded with an eye for process optimization 
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to stick to strict deadlines
• Must be flexible to work evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed
• Able to maintain the highest standard of confidentiality and discretion
• Strong comfort with Microsoft Office & Google Site – prior experience with SAP, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Client Databases, or other Sotheby’s systems is preferable

The proposed base salary for this position is $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.