Specialist, Watches

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

As a Specialist you will be an experienced watches expert tasked with maximizing the growth of the category business across Europe, with an emphasis on driving sales from the region to auction, and private sales. As a deep expert and relationship manager in the category, you will function as a strong business getter focused on sourcing from private collections and your trade network, negotiating profitable sales and complex deals, price and authentication of watches to help meet our P&L plan and margin targets across the business.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source and secure profitable consignments for auction and direct selling opportunities through private sale, meeting individual revenue targets and driving results to meet local and regional financial revenue budgets
• Responsible for proactively generating business opportunities to secure consignments to the Americas Magnificent Jewels and Fine & Important Jewels sales, focusing on private client business, collections and select trade relationships
• Grow Sotheby’s watches private client network and pipeline to exceed assigned sales goals
• Drive a long-term client development strategy across private, trade and jewelry clients by partnering with Client Strategy to develop short, mid, and long term private client leads with the goal of consignment generation for auction or private sale
• Value property to provide auction/fixed price/fair market/insurance estimates as required by the client
• Work with the Head of Department Watches in Geneva and Europe on target criteria, proposals and proactive pitch documents and communications
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the wider business as well as the global Sotheby’s Watches team to compose, produce and execute interesting, innovative and profitable sale formats and concepts across the Sotheby’s sales channels
• Act as an ambassador for the Watches business internally and externally for Sotheby’s, promoting its services, products and expertise to internal stakeholders, cross selling the Sotheby’s Watches business to all Sotheby’s clients
• Attend and participate in networking events and or conferences to build expertise and client development skills

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 8+ years of professional experience as an expert in Watches and the Global market
• Experience in auction and or high-end retail preferred
• Capable of identifying and overcoming obstacles to growth and success, and translating expertise into results
• Proven manager, inspirational and dynamic leader, with experience of global teams
• Commit to uphold ethical standards at the highest level, consistent with Sotheby’s reputation.
• Understand and demonstrate a “no compromise” attitude towards luxury: protecting the Sotheby’s Watches vision and brand equity while achieving short term sales goals
• Experience in developing ultra high networth and trade network and converting relationships into revenue
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities High level of attention to detail
• Professional, discreet and commercial client service skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and SAP 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.