Associate Specialist and Head of Content Strategy, Watches

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

As an Associate Specialist you will be an experienced watches expert tasked with maximizing the growth of the category business, with an emphasis on driving sales from the region to auction, and private sales. As a deep expert and relationship manager in the category, you will function as a strong business getter focused on sourcing from private collections and your trade network, negotiating profitable sales and complex deals,  price and authentication of watches to help meet our P&L plan and margin targets across the business.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source and secure profitable consignments for auction and direct selling opportunities through private sale, meeting individual revenue targets and driving results to meet local and regional financial revenue budgets
• Responsible for proactively generating business opportunities to secure consignments to the watches sales, focusing on private client business, collections and select trade relationships
• Grow Sotheby’s watches private client network and pipeline to exceed assigned sales goals 
• Drive a long-term client development strategy across private, trade and jewelry clients by partnering with Client Strategy to develop short, mid, and long term private client leads with the goal of consignment generation for auction or private sale
• Value property to provide auction/fixed price/fair market/insurance estimates as required by the client 
• Work with the Global Head of Watches in New York and the Global Heads of Departments based internationally on target criteria, proposals and proactive pitch documents and communications
• Devises the global content strategy for social media outlets considering best practices, trends and market demand
• Partners with the global content department, marketing and press to launch digital and physical initiatives to drive greater audience engagement
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the wider business as well as the global Sotheby’s Watches team to compose, produce and execute interesting, innovative and profitable sale formats and concepts across the Sotheby’s sales channels
• Act as an ambassador for the Watches business internally and externally for Sotheby’s, promoting its services, products and expertise to internal stakeholders, cross selling the Sotheby’s Watches business to all Sotheby’s clients
• Attend and participate in networking events and or conferences to build expertise and client development skills

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 8+ years of professional experience as an expert in Watches and the Global market
• Experience in auction and or high-end retail preferred
• Capable of identifying and overcoming obstacles to growth and success, and translating expertise into results
• Proven manager, inspirational and dynamic leader, with experience of global teams
• Commit to uphold ethical standards at the highest level, consistent with Sotheby’s reputation. 
• Understand and demonstrate a “no compromise” attitude towards luxury: protecting the Sotheby’s Watches vision and brand equity while achieving short term sales goals
• Experience in developing ultra high net worth and trade network and converting relationships into revenue
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities High level of attention to detail
• Professional, discreet and commercial client service skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and SAP preferred

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$140,000. 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. 

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