VP, Private Sales, Contemporary

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.

Sotheby’s France has announced in October 2023 the creation of newly formed department Art Moderne et Contemporain grouping the best of artistic creation of the 20th and 21st centuries, under the co-directorship of Aurélie Vandevoorde and Thomas Bompard. In 2024 a new calendar of sales will be launched to regroup both specialties previously having separate auctions. 2024 will also celebrate the grand opening of Sotheby’s Paris new headquarters and salesroom in the fall.

THE ROLE

The Contemporary Art Senior Specialist will source and sell works for Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, France across live and online auctions, and private sales. Work closely with our network of colleagues globally to develop and win business for these sales and become a full and active member of the global Contemporary Department. Focusing on business and client development to deliver on the financial plan with successful sales.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Play a key role in sourcing works for both Contemporary as well as Modern France sales, actively seek consignment opportunities; business-get independently and/or with colleagues, to include overseas travel as appropriate, working particularly closely with EMEA business getters/specialists to build coherent and dynamic business getting & client relationship strategies.
2. Day to day management of the Contemporary sales in France, which include ensuring that the sales are properly researched and catalogued, helping as necessary with the cataloguing process including production and layout as well as writing or overseeing condition reports and exhibition set up. Additional support of Modern sales as needed.
3. Ensure accurate and proactive management of all consignment related costs – e.g. terms, margins, other deal elements such as marketing, guarantees, loans. Meet net profit and sales targets.
4. Setting an example of scholarship providing - expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines.
5. Working proactively on client development - actively managing client relationships in order to enhance client loyalty and generate business; supporting key client activity in particular focusing on generating new networks of clients/collectors to Sotheby’s.
6. Work with all Contemporary specialists to sell the sale by helping clients at the exhibition; speaking to clients about the property; develop, track and communicate client interest in lots; and execute bids at sale.
7. Mentor more junior specialists and cataloguers to aid in their development.
8. Evaluate client’s property at Sotheby’s and at client locations, including participation in full valuation projects and proposals.
9. Play a key role in sourcing and selling works from clients: identify key selling points for each sale and help coordinate proactive sale outreach activities.
10. Meet annual individual consignment targets as well as annual significant contributions and private sales targets.
11. Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public).
12. Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

1. 8+ years of experience as a specialist sourcing and selling contemporary art.
2. Ideally from an auction house, museum/gallery, or private dealership.
3. Positive track record in building and servicing high level client relationships, and a sensitive approach to problem solving.
4. Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process, procedures and systems.
5. The ability to work effectively individually and in a team and to ‘pitch in’ when required.
6. Ability to work well under pressure, and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks.
7. Exhibits strong organisational skills with a proven ability to work to deadlines.
8. Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both spoken and written English, with other European languages a benefit.
9. Possess high levels of integrity and be able to operate within corporate governance and legal framework.
10. Entrepreneurial and doer mindset to help achieve success for the global business.