Senior Risk Manager

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.

The Senior Risk Manager, Americas plays a key role in risk governance, reporting and operational oversight, by providing strategic oversight and technical expertise to ensure the effective operation of the risk management framework. The Senior Risk Manager, Americas is responsible for assuring the safety, security and reputation of Sotheby’s assets, employees, clients, visitors and others.

Reporting to the Global Insurance and Risk Management, Director, the role will support the placement and day to day oversight of Sotheby’s insurance programs and lead the best Risk Management practices in the Americas.  This role will require collaboration with key cross-functional teams and stakeholders across the company including Security, Human Resources, Finance, Compliance, Communications, Legal, Property & Facilities Management and other groups, to identify and implement risk initiatives and drive standards.

The Senior Risk Manager, Americas will identify factors that can put Sotheby’s at risk and will be accountable to find ways of managing that risk through technical, operational or procedural safeguards and the provision of insurance in line with corporate requirements and risk appetite. 

• →​Evaluation of Sotheby’s insurance needs, identifying protection goals and objectives consistent with the organization's needs and strategic plan.
• →Monitor on going risk performance, maintaining incident records and responses to continually assess and improve effectiveness.
• →Support the renewal of annual insurance policies. Evaluate, recommend and renew global and regional insurance policies based on the collection and analysis of internal data and markets.
• →Provide subject matter expertise to senior management, staff and in-house legal counsel.
• →Draft insurance wording for contracts, including consignment agreements, leases, special events and vendor contracts.
• →Maintain strong relationship with insurance brokers.
• →Lead the preparation of the organization's emergency management and contingency plans. Ensure appropriate testing and training is completed to maintain emergency preparedness.
• →Work in collaboration with the London Risk department to evaluate and standardize risk and related procedures and risk initiatives.
• →Support Risk P&L and capital budgets, including annual budget planning and monitoring to ensure budget requirements are achieved. Oversee the payment of related invoices.
• →Claims management, including the investigation, negotiation and settlement of claims and the interpretation of policy and contract wording, preparation of correspondence and releases
• →Work with Legal to negotiate settlements of large or contentious claims and pursue recoveries from liable third parties.
• →Overall accountability for the handling of damaged or missing property, ensuring proper steps are taken in the investigation and reporting procedures.
• →Conduct risk surveys at the company’s regional offices, outside shippers’ warehouses and locations with potential exposure for loss to ensure maintenance of adequate protection and care.
• →Evaluate training needs, plan and deliver relevant training to enhance the safety of employees, visitors and assets.
• →Direct staff results by training and mentoring employees in risk related matters, and planning, monitoring and appraising job performance for Risk employees in the Americas.

• Degree and / or certification qualification and proven interest in insurance / risk management. 5 – 8 years of proven experience in the risk management / insurance industry
• Proven ability to maintain strong relationship with insurance brokers
• Solid understanding of risk management techniques and practices and risk assessment
• Licensed Claims adjuster
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with crisis management and business continuity planning
• Contract and vendor negotiation required
• Proven experience in loss prevention, planning and investigation

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $90,000-$100,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.