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

To provide assistance and first-class research skills to the Modern and Contemporary Art Specialists in Germany

RESPONSIBLITIES

Researcher Responsibilities:

Support specialists by:

• Working on valuations and related projects
• Writing and preparing proposals for sale
• Coordinating and executing extensive valuation projects.
• Produce bespoke collection management and advisory documents for important clients.
• Write scholarly and commercial catalogue entries and in-depth text on works of art for proposals as required.
• Ad hoc projects as assigned.
• Operating always in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance, maintaining high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities.

Assistant and Client Liaison Responsibilities :

• Providing support to including:
  • Booking travel and managing complex schedules, and competing priorities
  • Proactive management of the Modern and Contemporary specialists attendance of art scene events e.g. gallery events, exhibition openings, art fairs.
  • Drafting correspondence, proposals, and valuations
  • Processing expenses, updating, and maintaining files, client information and internal systems.
• Effectively coordinating tasks and actions while specialists travelling.
• Confident and efficient handling of client contact and relationships.
• Proactive focus on client portfolio, to ensure effective client engagement.
• Working with Client Development to assist with business development and bespoke events.
• Effective liaison with other departments and international colleagues, coordinating with the New York, -> all offices and teams, the London and European Chairmen, and colleagues in other regional offices to ensure a seamless service to mutual clients and on contemporary-focused projects.
• Acting as liaison with; all levels of staff globally including C-suite level executives and senior experts, high profile clients, and external stakeholders from all aspects of the art business
• Acting as the “eyes and ears” for the executives and ensuring they are informed of key art fairs, events, news, internal updates and initiatives, upcoming sales and sale results
• Assisting VIP clients; scheduling viewings, registering bids, assisting with shipping, payments and online accounts and bidding, mailing catalogues, obtaining condition reports/ hi-res images/ selling points, tracking sales results
• Complete all expenses and ensure timely payment
• Dealing effectively with general queries, problem solving and managing specialists needs to ensure tasks are followed through to completion.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Fluent in both German and English. Another European language would also be advantageous
• Computer literate (excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Possess excellent communication skills (both written and spoken)
• Well organised, with a good eye for detail and the ability to prioritise tasks
• Enjoy troubleshooting
• Be a team player, capable of working well as part of a busy, highly pressurised team, with good interpersonal skills and a friendly and approachable manner towards both clients and staff.
• Enthusiastic with a flexible approach and the ability to think on their feet
• Adept at handling sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner, maintaining discretion at all times