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
The Managing Director, China, holds executive responsibility for driving sustainable growth via client development and partnerships, while managing all facets of the China business. Reporting to the Managing Director, Asia, this leader fosters collaboration across local, regional, and global teams to cultivate collectors, expand auction and private sales, and ensure operational resilience in a regulated environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Development & Partnership-Driven Growth
- Build and deepen relationships with China-based collectors to secure consignments and boost private sales, acting as senior sponsor for personalized client experiences.
- Identify new client segments and forge strategic partnerships to accelerate development and originate high-value opportunities.
- Collaborate with specialists, category leaders, regional, and global teams to optimize cross-category sales and align on priorities.
Network Connectivity & Global Integration
- Cultivate trusted ties with global and regional category heads (e.g., Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Contemporary Art) for seamless collaboration.
- Integrate China clients into Sotheby's worldwide network to unlock cross-border engagements.
- Represent Sotheby's China externally to elevate brand positioning.
Compliance, Governance & Operations
- Provide strong oversight of regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational excellence within China.
- Ensure all activities align with local regulations and Sotheby’s global standards and policies.
- Partner with legal, compliance, and operations teams to navigate China’s dynamic regulatory landscape.
- Define and execute the China strategy in alignment with regional and global priorities.
- Monitor performance against strategic objectives, implementing actions to ensure sustainable growth.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Experience
- 15+ years leading in auction houses, luxury, or client-centric sectors.
- Track record growing high-value relationships and commercial outcomes in China.
- Expertise in China market dynamics, regulations, culture, and consignment/private sales.
- Proven operations management spanning finance, HR, compliance.
Skills & Capabilities
- Client-focused with senior relationship ownership.
- Collaborative style suited to matrixed, global structures.
- Strong influencing, negotiation, commercial acumen, and cultural agility.
- Exceptional executive presence.
Language
Fluent in Chinese and English
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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.
Skills Required
- 15+ years leading in auction houses, luxury, or client-centric sectors.
- Track record growing high-value relationships and commercial outcomes in China.
- Expertise in China market dynamics, regulations, culture, and consignment/private sales.
- Proven operations management spanning finance, HR, compliance.
- Fluent in Chinese and English.
Sotheby's Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sotheby's and has not been reviewed or approved by Sotheby's.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as broad, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Mental health benefits and disability coverage are also included as part of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additional financial supports such as flexible spending accounts and an employee stock purchase plan are also referenced.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off policies are characterized as generous, including paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days. Paid parental leave and family-related supports are also included in the overall offering.
Sotheby's Insights
What We Do
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare 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 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
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