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
Lead specialist in sculpture at Sotheby’s France, coordinating business getting for Paris and global sales, deciding regional strategy in conjunction with Worldwide Head and European Head, providing a high level of academic expertise in the field, representing Sotheby’s both on confidential client valuations (appraisals) and in public events from receptions to talks and lectures. A senior level expert and high ranking member of Sotheby’s renowned global sculpture team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and oversee the organisation of Sculpture sales in Paris, in line with the company's strategy in France and across Europe.
- Supervise the expertise and valuation of works of art within the department and provide specialist guidance on consignments, sales, and collections in which the department is involved.
- Oversee and conduct cataloguing and research, including high quality research catalogue notes and sale-related documentation in both French and English.
- Direct the preparation of inventories, proposals and business-winning opportunities.
- Supervise the physical management of property, including receipt processes and object tracking, working closely with department administration and operational teams.
- Ensure the smooth day-to-day management and operation of the department.
- Lead the promotion of property offered for sale, respond to client enquiries and support auction activities, including telephone bidding when required.
- Identify, develop and maintain relationships with Sotheby's clients in Paris and across France and Europe..
- Oversee the organisation of events and initiatives designed to develop departmental business and promote works offered for sale.
- Ensure compliance with all Sotheby's policies, procedures and legal requirements in all client interactions and business activities.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Achievement of the financial objectives established for the department.
- Maximisation of departmental profitability.
- Development and retention of a high-quality client base.
- Delivery of a high standard of client service, including professionalism, responsiveness and efficient execution.
- Key role in the organisation of the department, ensuring adherence to company procedures and the successful execution of auctions and sales.
- Strong collaboration and effective working relationships with immediate team members and with other departments in the wider company..
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Academic training in art history to postgraduate level including proven interest in European sculpture.
- Experience in the marketplace at a high level with particular focus on European sculpture.
- Proven client facing track record.
- Working fluency in English and French languages, reading ability in Italian and/or German preferred.
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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
- Postgraduate academic training in art history
- Proven interest and expertise in European sculpture
- High-level experience in the art marketplace, particularly European sculpture
- Proven client-facing track record
- Working fluency in English and French
- Reading ability in Italian and/or German
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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