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
Sotheby’s is looking for an experienced Seller Operations Coordinator to own the operational execution of sales in accordance with company policies and best practices while delivering high-quality client service. This dynamic role is ideal for a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys multi-tasking and organizational tasks whilst coordinating all key processes leading up to the sales. The successful candidate will support sales across departments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with wider business to address client enquiries, resolve client issues and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction
- Ensure all required legal and compliance documentation are on file including photo ID, proof of address, payment instruction and W8/9 forms
- Liaise with clients and manage property throughout the sale cycle
- Communicate with clients, shipping coordinators and overseas and regional offices to facilitate inbound shipments, obtain export licenses and arrange customs clearance in accordance with sale deadlines
- Manage consignment agreements and terms of sale including requesting legal contracts, generating SAP contracts, tracking receipt of all contracts, IC disclosures and IC recipient contracts
- Work closely with Legal department and Business Manager/Director on sale agreements with complex, highly managed terms
- Collaborate with Business Manager/Director with regards to guarantees and irrevocable bids, ensuring all due diligence requirements are met
- Work with Specialists, Compliance and Shipping to track all outstanding compliance issues and ensure they are resolved according to catalog and sale deadlines
- Arrange for property to be authenticated, where necessary, in line with various committee deadlines
- Coordinate the movement of property internally and externally for third-party services (such as restorers, external experts, authentication committees, photographers)
- Set reserves in systems
- Review presale compliance reports (AML, ALR) and complete High-Value Lot (HVL) forms as necessary
- Prepare lot cards for exhibition
- Coordinate post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and canceled sales
- Obtain and action recommendations for unsold property and facilitate return to consignor shipment and/or collection
- Process missed reserves
- Follow pending payments with post sale
- Liaise with Client Experience to manage consignor expectations as it relates to late payment
- Coordinate and facilitate the compliant processing of private sales, including contract preparation and logistics
- Monitor and process House Property and Temporary Admission (TA) property quarterly
- Support Inactive Inventory Initiative and work closely with Specialist department and Operations to meet inventory targets
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Degree in business administration or equivalent field preferred
- At least 1-3+ years’ experience in business administration and/or client service
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills
- Competencies in legal, finance and/or project management
- Operationally minded with an appetite for technology
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines
- Creative problem solver with ability to act quickly and effectively under pressure
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office – prior experience with SAP or other Sotheby’s systems is preferable
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $50,000-$54,000. 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.
Skills Required
- Degree in business administration or equivalent
- 1-3+ years experience in business administration and/or client service
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication
- Competencies in legal, finance and/or project management
- Operationally minded with an appetite for technology
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines
- Creative problem solver able to act quickly and effectively under pressure
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Prior experience with SAP or other Sotheby's systems
- Knowledge of compliance and legal documentation (photo ID, proof of address, W8/W9, AML/ALR, HVL forms)
- Experience coordinating logistics, export licenses, customs clearance and third-party vendor movement
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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