Full-Time

Business Director

Gfa

Posted on 8/2/2024

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s

1,001-5,000 employees

Auction house for fine art

Real Estate
Consumer Goods

Mid

London, UK

Category
Strategy Development
Business Development
Business & Strategy
Required Skills
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 4+ years of professional experience in a business management, banking, financial or consulting role.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to succinctly present to stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Prior deal or contract negotiation experience preferred.
  • Advanced Excel skills.
  • Highly organized, detail oriented, multi-tasker.
  • Creative problem solver, energetic and persistent.
  • Confident team player, capable of working well independently in ambiguous situations.
  • Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.
Responsibilities
  • Own the pipeline of business opportunities and deals to drive sales and accountability, in active collaboration with internal stakeholders
  • Lead, manage, and track all auction and private sale (as required) consignments and annual goals. Responsible for Pipeline presentation and discussion with CFO, Heads of Departments, Specialists, and RMs
  • Develop financial models (revenue and expense) to support consignments for all revenue streams; approve/escalate where appropriate.
  • Prepare client facing deal communication and take a client facing role for commercial terms, when required.
  • Serve as the first business point of contact for negotiations for consignments, vendors, consultants, or other third parties, including corresponding legal agreements with Legal team; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
  • Serve as point person for the legal department on settlement of claims and goodwill gestures.
  • Lead annual budget planning and regular forecasting in partnership with Head of Sale, Head of Department, Finance, and other members of management; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
  • Translate financial results and KPIs into operational recommendations to optimize the business.
  • Manage all sale and department expenses; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
  • Regularly review and develop plans for Sotheby’s inventory, in partnership with Operations and Finance teams.
  • Act in a client-facing capacity and as an internal conduit to troubleshoot escalated pre- and post- sale issues
  • Work with Pre and Post sale on Sale settlement to maintain a high-level oversight, Extended Payments approval and accountability and billing for non-standard transactions.
  • Act as a strategic partner for senior management by reviewing competitive analysis, maintaining market share reporting, and analyzing trends in deal making.
  • Research potential additional revenue streams and partner with key internal stakeholders to develop business plans.
  • Work collaboratively to propose, manage, and implement efficiencies, integration, and adoption for new IT and digital improvements aligned to overall responsibilities.

Sotheby's is a global auction house that specializes in selling fine art, luxury items, and collectibles through live and online auctions, as well as private sales. The company provides online estimates to help sellers determine the value of their items, which is a key differentiator from competitors. Sotheby's holds auctions in major cities worldwide, attracting a diverse audience and ensuring a competitive market for high-end items. The goal is to connect buyers and sellers in the luxury market while offering a personalized and discreet experience.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$4M

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1744

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Sotheby's collaboration with The Luxury Group offers unique luxury auction experiences.
  • The acquisition of the Breuer building enhances Sotheby's brand and auction venue prestige.
  • Sotheby's acceptance of cryptocurrency payments attracts crypto-wealthy buyers.

What critics are saying

  • NFT market volatility poses financial risks for Sotheby's digital collectibles sales.
  • Recent staff layoffs indicate potential financial instability or auction performance downturn.
  • The $100 million Breuer building acquisition could strain financial resources if unprofitable.

What makes Sotheby’s unique

  • Sotheby's offers both live and online auctions, catering to diverse client preferences.
  • The company provides private sales for clients seeking privacy and exclusivity in transactions.
  • Sotheby's expertise in valuing rare items attracts high-end collectors and investors.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Professional Development Budget

INACTIVE