Specialist, Sculpture

THE ROLE

Lead specialist in sculpture at Sotheby’s France, coordinating business getting for Paris and global sales, deciding regional strategy in conjunction with Worldwide Head and European Head, providing a high level of academic expertise in the field, representing Sotheby’s both on confidential client valuations (appraisals) and in public events from receptions to talks and lectures. A senior level expert and high ranking member of Sotheby’s renowned global sculpture team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee the organisation of Sculpture sales in Paris, in line with the company's strategy in France and across Europe.
• Supervise the expertise and valuation of works of art within the department and provide specialist guidance on consignments, sales, and collections in which the department is involved.
• Oversee and conduct cataloguing and research, including high quality research catalogue notes and sale-related documentation in both French and English.
• Direct the preparation of inventories, proposals and business-winning opportunities.
• Supervise the physical management of property, including receipt processes and object tracking, working closely with department administration and operational teams.
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day management and operation of the department.
• Lead the promotion of property offered for sale, respond to client enquiries and support auction activities, including telephone bidding when required.
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with Sotheby's clients in Paris and across France and Europe..
• Oversee the organisation of events and initiatives designed to develop departmental business and promote works offered for sale.
• Ensure compliance with all Sotheby's policies, procedures and legal requirements in all client interactions and business activities.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Achievement of the financial objectives established for the department.
• Maximisation of departmental profitability.
• Development and retention of a high-quality client base.
• Delivery of a high standard of client service, including professionalism, responsiveness and efficient execution.
• Key role in the organisation of the department, ensuring adherence to company procedures and the successful execution of auctions and sales.
• Strong collaboration and effective working relationships with immediate team members and with other departments in the wider company..
  
  

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Academic training in art history to postgraduate level including proven interest in European sculpture.
• Experience in the marketplace at a high level with particular focus on European sculpture.
• Proven client facing track record.
• Working fluency in English and French languages,  reading ability in Italian and/or German preferred.