VP, Business Development, Texas

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.

 THE ROLE 

The role of VP, Business Development, Texas is expected to be very visible within the local arts and collector community, focusing on identifying high priority clients and new or underdeveloped relationships, and participating in the planning and execution of strategies around these clients and around business development in the region. The candidate must be able to translate social and business connections into business opportunities and transactions with buyers and sellers. 

The candidate will be responsible for the performance, impact, and image of an important region within the Sotheby’s worldwide organization and will work closely with teams in North America. An understanding of the arts, comprehensive knowledge of collectors along with initiative and influence will be necessary to succeed in this position 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Act as a representative and ambassador for Sotheby’s in the region 
• Work effectively with existing employees in Texas, along with colleagues in New York, London, and specialists worldwide 
• Create visibility for Sotheby’s within the local community and cultivate relationships with UHNWI, bankers, lawyers, dealers, galleries, museums, local auction houses and relevant philanthropic organizations 
• Participate in defining the annual strategy and plan for Sotheby’s activities in Texas 
• Introduce new clients to Sotheby’s, building a portfolio and developing a thorough understanding of their collecting interests and servicing needs to drive profitable transactions through all Sotheby’s channels including auction, private sale, and Marketplace 
• With Client Strategy team, build a strategy around each client to advance client relationships and identify prospective clients building loyalty and retention 
• Identify and execute introductions to specialists from all categories, the FCG team, the Valuations team, the Chairmen, The Private sales team, SFS, RM Sothebys, Sotheby’s International Realty and Concierge and others to ensure engagement and coverage across all aspects of the business 
• Build a detailed understanding of clients, including their interests, residences, and key relationships, their existing collections, historic valuations, and loans, utilizing this information to inform suggestions for future purchases 
• Monitor all upcoming auctions and identify purchase opportunities, strategically deploy outreach, arrange viewings, provide condition reports, and lot information, negotiate terms where relevant, attend pre-sale meetings, give bidding advice, and execute bids. 
• Develop private sale prospects, building a wish list for each client, and partnering with the private sale and specialist teams to offer opportunities for purchase. 
• Develop buyers into consignors, offering services proactively such as visits, proposals, valuations, and pitches, partnering with specialist colleagues on consignment opportunities to discuss approach, strategy, and negotiation 
• Coordinate appraisals in the region with clients, specialists, and the Valuations department 
• Strategize and execute regional events including highlight exhibitions, lectures, cocktails, lunches and dinners, tours, preferred events, sponsorships and partnerships and expert visits, working in partnership with the
• Marketing and Client Strategy to grow our brand presence in the region 
• Attend relevant social and art world events such as art fairs, exhibitions, charity galas, private parties, and other events in the local community as a representative of Sotheby’s and as an opportunity to source new clients 
• Support regional clients with an exceptional bespoke service, managing all elements of their experience including valuations, proposals, pitches, consigning, shipping, restoration, obtaining all necessary documentation, confirming reserves, distributing pre-sale and post-sale paperwork 
• Conduct client service activities on behalf of colleagues, overseeing onsite pickups, condition witnessing and deliveries and installation for clients in the region 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES 

• Bachelors Degree required 
• 12+ years of professional experience preferably in in sales,