Business Development Manager, Watches

PRIMARY FUNCTION
This role is to drive global business development and strategic growth within the Watches department through the delivery of high-quality market intelligence, client insight, and data-driven analysis. The role is responsible for monitoring and interpreting global auction market trends, identifying and cultivating high-value client opportunities, and supporting the development of targeted sales and consignment strategies across regions. 
Acting as a central point of coordination, the position oversees private sales pipelines, ensures robust CRM data governance, and facilitates cross-functional collaboration between Specialists, Marketing, and Senior Leadership. Through the preparation of strategic reports, client portfolio analysis, and performance reviews, the role plays a critical part in informing decision-making, enhancing client engagement, and optimising commercial outcomes across auctions and private sales globally.
Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Global Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

•    Monitor and analyse competitor auction results across major global sales
•    Produce detailed sale-by-sale competitive performance reports
•    Maintain and structure live and online global market databases
•    Prepare end-of-season market share and performance analysis reports
•    Conduct in-depth research of the worldwide watch auction market
•    Develop strategic insights to inform Phillips’ client engagement and business development initiatives
•    Update every end of year the Why Phillips Brochure with new statistics

Strategic Client Intelligence & Portfolio Development

•    Identify and profile high-potential consignors and bidders for global auctions and private sales
•    Analyse new clients to assess high-spend and long-term potential
•    Conduct biannual structured client portfolio reviews with specialists
•    Create targeted client lists for auctions, private sales, and business development initiatives
•    Support business getters in developing and refining their client portfolios
•    Debrief client meetings to capture strategic intelligence and collecting focus
•    Maintain accurate records of client interests, wish lists, and transactional history
•    Assign new sale clients to appropriate client-facing colleagues
•    Review and triage inbound cold consignment opportunities
Private Sales Coordination & Pipeline Oversight

•    Centralise and track global private sale requests in collaboration with the Perpetual team
•    Maintain structured oversight of watches currently on offer
•    Provide bi-weekly private sales pipeline updates to the team
•    Ensure accurate and up-to-date tracking of inventory and client interest
•    Refine and filter relevant opportunities for Business Getters
Data Governance & CRM Management

•    Create and update client accounts across global locations
•    Maintain data integrity within Phillips’ CRM system
•    Update and structure client records in line with GDPR, handling sensitive data including addresses, biographies, collections, and catalogue preferences
•    Update catalogue print run and mailing list prior to each sale
•    Vetting of new clients for registration by working in tandem with Bids, Legal and Finance departments 
•    Ensure compliance with corporate data governance policies
•    Monitor print run numbers and provide print run figures for approval for each sale season and site
•    Provide up-to-date distribution lists and print run for each sale site to the printed catalogue team
•    Create ad-hoc client segmentation lists for Marketing initiatives

Auction Strategy, Targeting & Performance Reporting

•    Support pre-sale client targeting strategy across global auctions
•    Prepare presentation materials and strategic briefing documents
•    Lead Interest Meeting during sale seasons
•    Produce post-sale transaction analyses for senior management
•    Lead end-of-sale and end-of-season debrief reporting
•    Identify key revenue trends and strategic implications
Global Business Development & Cross-Location Coordination

•    Lead monthly cross-regional business development and events meetings
•    Coordinate global client invitation strategy across Hong Kong, Geneva, New York, and London
•    Maintain a centralized overview of international events and client outreach efforts
•    Support Marketing strategy, including digital campaign planning and e-blast calendar coordination
•    Coordinate shipping of property for consignment where necessary 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
•    Work experience in Auction Houses and Luxury Retail Market essential, experience
in Watches preferred.
•    Five + years business development and management experience.
•    Analytical in thought processes and at ease with date mining and analysis.
•    Breadth and depth preparing of reports, data analysis and deep knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel. 
•    Strategic and creative thinker with a track record of delivery and ability to manage several projects concurrently and see them through from conception to conclusion.
•    Solid interpersonal skills and working across cultures and geographies. Ability to working with cross functional teams and gravitas managing high level Leadership Stakeholders.
•    Strong self-management and self-motivated skills including demonstrable drive and energy. Ability to work with little management oversight.
•    Strong team player, able to work on multitask projects and in multi-functional teams.
•    Comfortable working in a fast paced, hands on, growth orientated work environment, must be adaptive to change.
•    Strong personal motivation and commitment, naturally optimistic.
•    Must be proactive and demonstrate initiative, responsive and sociable.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 
•    Master’s degree or equivalent advanced degree preferred. 
•    Multicultural sensitivity and a commitment to drive inclusive culture.
•    Fluent French and English.

WORKING CONDITIONS
•    Candidate must be open to travel as relevant within Phillips Watches department’s safety and security policies.
•    Flexibility for some evening and weekends around the auction calendar as required.