Director, Senior Specialist, Watches

Description

Who We Are

At Freeman’s we believe that people are enriched and energized when they are surrounded with objects of significance and meaning. Freeman’s is one of the leading and fastest growing fine art auction houses in the U.S. Our values are evident in how we approach the marketplace, providing unmatched service, a focus on excellence, and holding the utmost respect for our clients and the items we steward. As a globally recognized brand, we conduct over 140 auctions each year for everything from contemporary paintings and fine jewelry to French furniture and rare books. With salerooms in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, we stay locally relevant while passionately catering to our global sellers and buyers.

Position Summary

The Head of Sale is responsible for driving business development, securing profitable consignments for sales, and overseeing successful execution of auctions. The role combines market leadership, client relationship management, and scholarly expertise. The Head of Sale is responsible for the growth and profitability of the sales within the expert department, and ensuring the highest standards of research, cataloging and client service.  

Key Responsibilities

• Meet department and individual consignment and revenue goals, contribute meaningfully to auctions, departmental strategic objectives, and promote Freeman’s luxury categories.  
• Proactively identify, source and secure watches for sale .
• Proactively develop new opportunities to grow and maintain the volume of transactions with top clients, including dealers, institutions, and a particular focus on private collectors. 
• Travel to regional offices to support Business Development efforts, and to evaluate and consign property for upcoming sales, and to participate in client facing meetings and events. 
• Collaborate with other departments and with the Trusts, Estates, and Private Client group (TEPC) to develop strategies to reach new potential consignors and buyers. 
• Help drive potential sale opportunities alongside auction consignments, identifying key selling points and supporting targeted, proactive outreach. 
• Review and approve consignment proposals, marketing content and communication strategies.  
• Contribute to and maintain the scholarly integrity of the auction catalogues and research; review and approve catalogue entries, provenance research, and attribution decisions. 
• Ensure management of consignment-related costs, including terms, deal margins, marketing, logistics and other financial elements. 
• Ensure the successful delivery of sales through effective marketing, client outreach, and bidding engagement.
• Work with the broader team to promote the auctions by assisting clients at auction previews, speaking with clients about the property, developing, tracking and communicating client interest and executing bids at auction. 
• Stay informed about developments in scholarship, exhibitions, and the watches and luxury markets. 
• Assist with training and education of Specialists, Associate Specialists, Cataloguers, and Department Coordinators as necessary, including updating cataloguing standards for watches. 
• Monitor market trends, auction results, and collector demand to inform strategy. 
• Position the department competitively within the global art market. 
• As Head of Sale, this role is responsible for managing budgets, revenue targets, and sales performance. 
• Ensure efficient coordination with internal teams including operations, marketing, editorial, and client services. 
• Maintain compliance with company policies and due diligence standards. 
• Work with the SVP, Senior Director on development of additional revenue streams, including “buy-it-now" opportunities.

Education & Experience

• Deep expertise in Watches and Luxury and strong reputation within the field. 
• 7-10+ years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or luxury market leadership role. 
• Proven track record of securing consignments and achieving strong sales results. 
• Proven business acumen.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.

Skills

• Sophisticated understanding of departmental P&L and the ability to negotiate consignments and deal structures that drive profitable sales while remaining competitive in the market.
• Exceptional client relationships and business development skills. 
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities. 
• Strategic thinking and market insight. 
• Creative problem solving. 
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple high-value projects under deadline.
• Flexible to travel at short notice to see clients, view property and support sales.

Values

• Excellence: Setting the standard in auction and appraisal services through expertise and meticulous attention to detail.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all interactions with clients, partners, and colleagues.
• Judgment: Incorporating experience, empathy, and integrity to always deliver client centric decisions and actions that uphold our brand.
• Collaboration: Working together with our team and clients to achieve shared goals and exceed expectations.
• Responsiveness: Delivering timely and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.

Physical Needs

• Perform light physical tasks, including lifting and moving items such as boxes, files, and other materials up to 20 pounds, unless otherwise specified.
• Operate standard office equipment proficiently, including phones, computers, copiers, and other commonly used devices or software applications.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal teams and external contacts; sufficient hearing is required for routine interactions.
• Understand and accurately process written materials and documentation.
• Work efficiently in a traditional office environment, including extended periods of sitting, with the flexibility to adapt to various work settings as needed.

What We Offer

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision & Dental Plans (PPO & HDHP options available).
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Enjoy 11 company-paid holidays throughout the year.
• Up to 12 Weeks of Fully Paid Parental Leave.
• Company-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance.
• Company-Paid Group Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

Freeman’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.