Pre Sale Experience Manager

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.

Job Summary

The Pre-Sale Manager is responsible for core management, people and transformation priorities as well as maintaining oversight of the pre-sale responsibilities for their team. As part of the Service Operations management team, the Pre-Sale Manager will collaborate across Service Operations globally to ensure delivery of standardization of process and the day-to-day delivery of the operation to a high standard of quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Line manage a group of Pre Sale Coordinators and provide day-to-day support and guidance
• Support recruitment of Pre Sale Coordinators for roles as required
• Partner with Head of Client Experience as appropriate to set goals and perform annual performance reviews
• Oversee training programme for new Pre Sale Coordinators
• Manage risk and escalation appropriately
• Ensure adequate Pre Sale Coordinators coverage for specialist departments (holidays, sick leave)
• Work with key department stakeholders to ensure outputs are delivered to the highest quality
• Partner closely with post-sale managers to ensure appropriate handoff and completion of the client journey
• Work alongside Head of Client Experience and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Pre-Sale function and the wider Service Operation team
• Collaborate as a team across Client Experience teams to manage workloads
• Oversee and support new Coordinators with entering complex consignment terms correctly into SAP (graduated VC, Share, Guarantees, IBs) and ensure Non-Standard Terms spreadsheet is completed and lots are blocked in SAP
• Assist Coordinators with complex post-sale client issues e.g. canceled sales
• Ensure financial transactions amongst team comply with corporate governance
• Assist Coordinators with movement of property via NY for other sale locations (export for sale and return shipments)
• Oversee coordination of post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and canceled sales

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• Previous Pre Sale Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is desired
• Experience in managing a team is an advantage but not a pre-requisite