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 a Temporary Seller Operations Coordinator to own the administration 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 role holder will support sales across departments.
This is a 9 - 12 month contract with the possibility of permanent conversion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working with other business areas to respond to client enquiries, resolve client issues and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction
- Liaising with clients and managing their property throughout the sale cycle
- Communicating with clients, shipping coordinators and Sotheby’s Regional Offices to facilitate inbound shipments, obtain export licenses and arrange customs clearance in line with sale deadlines
- Managing consignment terms and issuing contracts in preparation for live, online sales and private sales
- Working closely with the Legal department and Business Manager/Director on sale agreements with complex, highly managed terms.
- Acting as a liaison between the Specialist department and support departments such as Legal, Compliance, Risk, Tax, Payments and Client Experience
- Coordinating Travelling exhibitions in partnership with the Departments, Pre-Sale Shipping team and Business Managers/Directors
- Working with Specialists, Compliance and Shipping to track all outstanding compliance issues and ensure they are resolved according to catalogue and sale deadlines
- Collaborating with Business Manager/Director with regards to guarantees and irrevocable bids, making sure all due diligence requirements are met
- Arranging for the property to be authenticated, where necessary, in line with the various committee deadlines
- Working with Regional Offices to coordinate the movement of property via London for other sale locations (export for sale and return shipments)
- Coordinating extended payment terms being offered in conjunction with Client Experience Manager and Business Manager/Director
- Work on non-systematic terms following the auction and managing complex settlement requirements
- Facilitating financial transactions in compliance with Sotheby’s Corporate Governance
- Coordinating post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and cancelled sales
- Obtaining and actioning recommendations for unsold property and facilitating the handover for shipment and/or collection to the Client Experience team
- Coordinating the movement of the property internally and externally for third-party services (such as restorers, external experts, authentication committees, photographers)
- Processing Purchase Orders (completing forms and obtaining authorisation before ordering goods and services
- Monitoring and processing House Property and Temporary Admission (TA) property quarterly.
- Managing Aged Inventory by coordinating bi-annual reviews of department aged inventory
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Degree holder in business administration or equivalent field preferred
- At least 1+ years’ experience in business administration and/or client service
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines
- A pragmatic approach to problems, with excellent resourcefulness
- Enthusiastic with an ability to think on your feet and remain clam under pressure
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Prior experience with SAP is an advantage
- Strong knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, Outlook.
The proposed base hourly rate for this position ranges from $24.00 - $25.00 per hour. 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
- At least 1+ years' experience in business administration and/or client service
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines
- Pragmatic problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and think on your feet
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Prior experience with SAP
- Strong knowledge of Sotheby's systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
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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