(Senior) Specialist, Watches
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury 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 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Position Overview:
With primary focus on business getting, you will continue to grow your personal profile within Sotheby’s and cultivate key client relationships, to raise Sotheby’s profile within the jewellery community and to introduce first tier clients to Sotheby’s. It is expected this role will translate social and business connections into business opportunities.
Responsible for driving jewellery auction and private-sale transactions by leveraging opportunities to engage new and existing clients in buying and selling jewellery at Sotheby’s in Asia. This role will primarily focus on Hong Kong based sales opportunities however it has the potential of developing China based client opportunities also.
Responsibilities:
- Operating at all times in accordance with the Company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
- Identify private clients in Hong Kong and China interested in collecting jewellery and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide jewellery auctions, and potentially in other auction categories
- Responsible for consignment getting for main and mid-season sales in Asia. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Chairmen and HoD on a regular basis
- Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in Hong Kong and regional Asian locations with occasional travel to cover specific China opportunities
- Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services
- Setting an example of scholarship providing expertise with particular focus on….
- As a senior member of staff, use each available opportunity to coach and mentor the more junior team members, ensuring that knowledge transfer and continuous development occurs
- Align with jewellery team, Client Development and Private Client Group to ensure coordinated execution of client outreach through your role as KCM, meeting all KCM goals as set subject to annual review
- Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients. Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies
- Actively sell the sales by working with clients at the Hong Kong jewellery exhibitions and at both internal and external events throughout Hong Kong
- Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers
- Maintain high profile within jewellery and wider arts communities by attending major art fairs, exhibition and museum openings
- Work with other Specialist within the team to continue to develop your general appraisal and pricing skills across all types of gemstones and jewels
- Maintain strong relationships with international colleagues and continue to work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international jewellery sales
- Study contents and results of international sales and competitors’ sales to expand knowledge of global market trends
- Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities and Sotheby’s Diamonds inventory
- Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services
Skills / Competencies / Experience:
- Degree educated or equivalent
- GIA qualified, with multiple years of experience in the gemological field
- Proven experience with business getting and jewellery expertise
- Expert knowledge of specialty should include:
- Current in-depth market knowledge and awareness
- Archives and Reference sources
- Understanding of the appropriate craft and restoration techniques
- Network of contacts within the jewellery market
- Proven business acumen
- Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service, professional and discreet
- Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
- Excellent communication skills – fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese required (spoken and written)
- Able to work independently and as part of a busy team
- Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
- Flexible to travel at certain times of the year to support sales, traveling exhibitions and client visits if required
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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.
