VP – Originations

Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services.  We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can’t wait to make it happen together.

THE ROLE

As a business getter within the SFS team, you will be responsible for loans originated in the United Kingdom and Europe, promoting the SFS value proposition internally with colleagues and externally with clients. As a driven team player, you will serve in a priority growth area for Sotheby’s, expanding clients’ relationship with Sotheby’s and offering clients a key value-added financing service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Growth

• Proactively source new lending opportunities by partnering with Sotheby’s relationship managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Build trust and foster working partnerships with external channels including private banks, art galleries, dealers and storage facilities in order to drive new client acquisition.
• Work with existing borrowers to deepen and grow lending relationships with SFS. 
• Manage reactive inbound lead conversion, including consignor advances.
• Work collaboratively with relationship managers to identify and execute new growth initiatives.

Deal Management

• Guide clients through the financing process, partnering to propose solutions for individual client needs.
• Manage client negotiations from initial lead stage through final deal terms negotiation.  Serve as a relationship point of contact during the life of the loan.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sotheby’s and SFS teams to ensure smooth processing and servicing of loans.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of professional experience in a client-facing lending, wealth management, or similar role with a focus on sales and relationship building. 
• Individuals with prior experience as relationship managers at major auction houses and galleries will also be considered.
• Charisma, professional demeanor, and a natural ability to connect with others internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed targets.
• Solution-oriented and self-directed mindset and work approach with a bias towards action.
• Strong logical and analytical skills.
• Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.