Head of Auction Sales, Wine, Americas

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.

You will be an experienced and independent, self-starter, tasked with engaging potential and current clients to further grow our business.   

The role will cultivate new clients, maintain strong relationships with existing clients, provide clients with auction estimates and negotiate profitable consignments to build a series of sales in Americas. He or she will provide advice to buyers both for drinking and investment, attend wine events, and provide general administration on all levels. This role also acts secondary support in inspecting and cataloging property. The areas of focus are: 

• Business get
• Manage sales
• Sell property
• Maintain client relationship 

• →Secure profitable consignments for auction, meeting individual revenue targets and the department’s annual plan 
• →Provide advice to buyers across both auction & retail 
• →Events management/participation to include client development and entertaining 
• →Conduct property inspection for auction wines at warehouse and on-site at client’s premises to support the wine property team 
• →Provide a high level of customer service to all clients to “sell the sales” 
• →Manage with sale administration 
• →In collaboration with marketing and sales management, host clients at wine auctions, tastings, dinners and related events 
• →Cross-selling the retail business to auction buyers  
• →Lead and guide other auction wine specialists 
• →Provide valuation to underpin the pipeline and for insurance purpose via research to support the wine property team 
• →Catalogue and proof wines to the highest standard to support the wine property team 
• →Provide elements needed for marketing content as requested by Marketing team including photos to support the wine property team 
• →Liaising with Catalogue Production and Sale Creation teams as appropriate to prepare sales 
• →Participate in local, regional and global Sotheby’s Wine projects as required 
• →Provide support to other parts of the Sotheby’s Wine business as and when required  
• →Demonstrate a consistent client first approach to business, ensuring active and timely communication with clients and ensuring that their needs are at the center of our decisions and actions while remaining compliant with Sotheby’s policies and code of conduct 

• Undergraduate degree relevant field or equivalent business experience 
• Strong understanding and experience in auction process and business model 
• WSET Diploma preferred 
• Exceptional knowledge of fine and rare wines and vintages relevant to the auction market with experience in valuation 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service 
• High level of attention to detail is a must 
• Self-starter with an ability to make commercial decisions independently  
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities 
• Experience networking and selling to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals 
• Professional, discreet and commercial client service skills 
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and SAP preferred 
• Please note this role requires a significant amount of physical work moving cases of wine in our warehouse and private cellars 
• Domestic and potentially international travel will be required 
• Be a team player with a co-operative attitude and a willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks 
• Be able to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines 
• Flexible and receptive to change