Specialist, Impressionist & Modern Art

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
To be responsible for new business generation in the Impressionist & Modern Art department, focused on the middle market, and for the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property in order to meet the total departmental sales and profit targets.

To catalogue, research and help co-ordinate the Impressionist & Modern Art Day sales, and assist in the general day-to-day functions of the department.

Close co-operation and good communications with colleagues in the department. Using national and international networks to ensure a consistent, client focused message, delivering a high standard of active client management.

Candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge, passion and commitment to the field, be willing to travel and will have in-depth experience of the art auction business.

Responsibilities

Play a key role in sourcing property, including overseas travel and client visits as appropriate

Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets for particular sales. Generating and nurturing strategic, long term-business development

Key role in selling works to global clients

Mentor junior members of the team, ensuring that skills and knowledge are passed on to and shared with all members of the department.

Cataloging and researching items for the Impressionist & Modern Day sales and working with other members of the department to ensure this is carried out to the highest standards according to scheduled deadlines

Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public)

Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance

Facilitating private treaty sales where appropriate

Preparation of proposals

Preparation of valuations for Insurance etc

Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities

Ideal Experience & Competencies

Degree holder or equivalent (Art related masters preferable)

6+ years of professional experience, ideally from the art world in an auction house, gallery, or museum.

2+ years in a client-facing sales position preferred

Preferred Specialist with knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art, contextual literature and authentication procedures

Foreign language skills required, minimum one European language, German preferred

Overall awareness of Sotheby’s services (e.g. Financial Services)

Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures

Proven business acumen and fully developed valuation skills

Flexible and receptive to change

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

High level of IT capability (i.e. ability to independently use Sotheby’s IT systems)

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.

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