Senior Specialist, Spirits - Americas
The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why this role matters
Based in New York, this role will be responsible for sourcing and inspecting spirits consignments for auction, acting as the contact specialist for the Americas. Building close relationships with key stake holders in internally the role also develops close relationships with local private, trade and spirits producing clients. Act as local inspector for consignments arriving direct into the New York and LA warehouse facilities.
How you will make an impact
Business Getting & Client Development
- Serve as a business-getter, evaluating, pricing, and securing Spirits property for domestic and international auctions.
- Arrange and coordinate on-site client visits and collection pack-ups
- Attend regular warehouse visits and inspections – entering information into Christie’s cataloguing databases.
- Project manage the life cycle of an auction, including coordination of lot photography and with marketing/creative teams on auction initiatives.
- Write and prepare catalogue essays and producer headers
- Establish and cultivate long term relationships with novice and seasoned collectors of spirits as well as local trade clients and producers; attend networking tasting and dinner events
- Actively engage with Client Strategy and regional representatives to develop programming as well as strategize consignment targeting.
- Negotiate competitive deals that are both compelling to the seller and financially sound for the company.
- Continue to follow existing processes and approval matrix for structuring and negotiating deals.
- Work split between Rockefeller Center offices and the Wine & Spirits warehouse
What you will bring to the team
- 8y+ of professional experience in a comparable spirits related role, preferably auction, with sound market knowledge of current pricing an authentication trends
- WSET Advanced Certification (L3) or comparable education preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international client relationship management
- Skilled with valuation of rare spirits and commercial deal negotiation
- Ability to lead by example and collaboratively work cross-functionally in a large organization
- Strong ability to project manage, with accountability for the full sale process and ability to prioritize multiple deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
- Discretion and the ability to work with confidential information
- Strong attention to detail
What’s great about working for us
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)
- 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)
- Life Insurance - 3x base salary up to $400k (100% paid by Christie’s)
- Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)
- Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.
- Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year
- Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan
- Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month
- Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.
- Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.
Closing Date: November 5th, 2026
Skills Required
- 8 or more years of professional experience in a comparable spirits-related role
- Sound knowledge of current spirits pricing and authentication trends
- Knowledge of domestic and international client relationship management
- Experience valuing rare spirits and negotiating commercial deals
- Ability to lead collaboratively and work cross-functionally in a large organization
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage the full sale process and multiple deadlines
- Excellent written, spoken, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Discretion when handling confidential information
- Strong attention to detail
- WSET Advanced Certification Level 3 or comparable education
What We Do
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business renowned for its expert live and online auctions and bespoke private sales. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate, and education. With a presence in 46 countries, it serves a global clientele through flagship hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva.
