Valuations Manager

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.

THE ROLE

Act as the main client liaison between clients and Sotheby’s specialists for all types of valuations. Involves the management and the production of multi-departmental valuations, for sale consignments and manage any resulting sale process through to completion, working particularly closely with key revenue generating departments, business getters, specialists and regional offices in the areas of greatest growth.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Oversee the entire valuation process: carry out pre-valuation visits, to assess the contents of properties, calculate fees, organize the correct team of specialists and valuers for client visits, write briefs, proofing and act as quality check before documents are sent to the client.

• Visiting clients in order to prepare draft and formal valuations for sale, insurance, tax and estate purposes.

• Preparing this work in the form of accurate and detailed cataloguing in a timely and efficient manner and to the highest technical standards.

• Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and trustworthiness and maintaining complete client confidentiality at all times.

• Liaising with the Expert Departments within Sotheby’s in order that valuations are produced to the highest standards of description and accuracy.

• Direct, manage and oversee the resulting multi-departmental consignments: supervise the labelling and shipment of property, liaise with specialists regarding sale dates, estimates, reserves, maintain all correspondence with clients and ensure correct payment is made.

• Act as the ‘glue’ holding together every aspect of the consignment pre- and post-sale process to ensure that all commitments and deadlines are met (both client and internal).

• Direct and manage the consignment team throughout the proposal and pitch process in conjunction with senior business generators and/or the relationship manager.

• Review the commercial potential and sale opportunities of each valuation, discussing the best approach to take with the Department Head of Valuation & Collections, whether the valuation should be carried out or not and the approach to charges.

• Possess detailed knowledge of the correct principles to Sotheby’s valuations.

• Work with Proposals team and specialists to generate proposals for potential property for sale.

• Act as the main contact for nominated departments or regions, overseeing their valuation processes, and act as the point of contact for their valuations.

• Deal with general enquiries and respond accordingly.

• Prepare summary reports and action points at the start, throughout and on completion of a valuation, identifying opportunities for sale and client relationship development and seeing through to successful sale consignments.

• Agreeing terms for sale with business managers and relevant departments.

• Pro-actively build the valuation work carried out through the maintenance and development of private, professional and institutional relationships.

• Hold line manager responsibilities for (training, mentoring, review and goal setting etc.)

• Other projects as assigned by Department Head of Valuations & Collections.

Summary

The role involves every aspect of Sotheby’s notably their clients and their works of art, sales, purchases and all the valuation services. It requires a combination of great attention to detail and exceptional client skills with highly developed commercial awareness and the ability to work as part of a team.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Auctioneer degree and art education skills

• At minimum 2 years of experience as generalist

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills

• Great client skills

• Fluency in English and an additional foreign language is a plus

• High sense of confidentiality

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills

• Numerical, analytical and detail skills

• High computer literacy

• Flexible approach to working hours and being prepared to travel extensively in France and Europe as and when required

• Able to work under pressure, keeping to tight deadlines

• Be self-motivated and able to works effectively alone using own initiative

• All-round knowledge of the arts

• Team player

• Highly motivated

• Outgoing

• Flexible and reliable

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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.