THE ROLE

The Handbags Specialist is responsible for sourcing luxury bags and accessories for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The Specialist will provide pricing and valuation services to clients and authenticate bags. Additionally, the Specialist will be responsible for building buyer relationships and partnering with internal teams including Catalogers, Account Managers, Coordinators and Relationship Managers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business-getting for Auctions in New York and across the region as well as contributing to major selling US locations and Buy-Now Marketplace.
• Drive Private Sale activity within the region including the organization of Private Sale exhibitions within the US markets.
• Inspect and authenticate properties in the US.
• Work with Head of department and Marketing teams to promote all Auctions and Marketplace initiatives
• Outreach to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships
• Outreach to Sotheby’s Relationship Managers to ensure internal awareness of all sales happening in this category
• Provide regular analysis of auction data to the Head of Department
• Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele
• Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors
• Ensure that product photography is executed properly
• Work collaboratively with team Administrators and Coordinators to facilitate smooth handoff of information and positive client experiences
• Participate in regular pipeline meetings to keep Head of Department aware of progress for Auction and Marketplace channels
• Regular travel throughout the US will be required as part of the role

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Proven experience of managing client portfolios and driving sales
• Experience as a handbag’s authenticator and valuer
• Experience in auction house, ecommerce or second-hand luxury shop
• Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories
• Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; capable of building meaningful client relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a busy, global team
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, tech savvy

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$90,000. 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. 

THE ROLE

The Handbags Specialist is responsible for sourcing luxury bags and accessories for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The Specialist will provide pricing and valuation services to clients and authenticate bags. Additionally, the Specialist will be responsible for building buyer relationships and partnering with internal teams including Catalogers, Account Managers, Coordinators and Relationship Managers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business-getting for Auctions in New York and across the region as well as contributing to major selling US locations and Buy-Now Marketplace.
• Drive Private Sale activity within the region including the organization of Private Sale exhibitions within the US markets.
• Inspect and authenticate properties in the US.
• Work with Head of department and Marketing teams to promote all Auctions and Marketplace initiatives
• Outreach to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships
• Outreach to Sotheby’s Relationship Managers to ensure internal awareness of all sales happening in this category
• Provide regular analysis of auction data to the Head of Department
• Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele
• Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors
• Ensure that product photography is executed properly
• Work collaboratively with team Administrators and Coordinators to facilitate smooth handoff of information and positive client experiences
• Participate in regular pipeline meetings to keep Head of Department aware of progress for Auction and Marketplace channels
• Regular travel throughout the US will be required as part of the role

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Proven experience of managing client portfolios and driving sales
• Experience as a handbag’s authenticator and valuer
• Experience in auction house, ecommerce or second-hand luxury shop
• Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories
• Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; capable of building meaningful client relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a busy, global team
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, tech savvy

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$90,000. 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. 

THE ROLE

The Head of Retail Salon, Hong Kong is responsible for working together with the Global Head of Retail to set the regional Salon business strategy to achieve key KPIs around client journeys, engagement and loyalty, and creating an ultra-luxury environment; leading from the front through consistent presence on the floor and enabling the Client Advisor teams to achieve the sales targets; and working together with regional corporate functions to bring an ultra-luxury, cross-category experience to life across product assortment, marketing and events, services implementation, and seamless operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Boutique Growth & Performance Management (including Business Development)

• Fully responsible for achieving the sales targets defined for the year
• Propose, define, and oversee the implementation of a strategic and dynamic action plan to achieve the Boutique sales targets & relevant KPIs
• Proactively identify new business opportunities, aiming at generating additional traffic to drive results
• Maximize the potential of the cross-category products environment in the store, capitalizing on all available resources (visual merchandising, training, CRM tool, events …)
• Lead by example on the floor and act as a Sotheby’s Ambassador, understanding the clients’ needs, and identifying potential areas of improvements
• Be aware of the surrounding luxury competitive environment, its dynamics and market trends
• Build a solid database of local and international HNWI

Luxury Hospitality & Retail Excellence

• Maintain a consistent, uncompromising high level of presentation while providing ultra-luxury hospitality services to clients
• Manage the customer flow on the shop floor ensuring a smooth handling of the traffic and exceptional retail experience
• Promote a client-centric mindset within the team, always exceeding clients’ expectations and fulfilling their needs with outstanding retail experience
• Perform daily, weekly and monthly reports in order to track key metrics: sales achievement, customer service, CRM analysis and client retention, staff commission

Operations & Inventory Management

• Guide and supervise the team in the correct execution of all operating procedures and policies (security, compliance, opening and closing of the store)
• Work with corporate partners to ensure consistent sourcing of most-desired product merchandise in each category
• Responsible for all inventory management and documentation: ensure that the stock is properly secured, complete and accurate at all times
• Monitor the Boutique expenses within budget guidelines
• Ensure that the store respects high standards of cleanliness and presentation
• Plan monthly roster/shifts and resources allocation; advocate for additional resources as needed

Marketing, Events & Visual Merchandising

• As part of the strategic and dynamic action plan, propose and assist in execution of marketing activities to maximize the use of the space and enhance the Boutique awareness
• Work on a programming event scheme with regular and diversified content
• Collaborate with Sotheby’s peers (marketing, store design & local office teams) in the execution of the marketing and Visual Merchandising activities
• Responsible for implementing and updating the Visual Merchandising of Sotheby’s: display of products, windows and signage exposure, ad-hoc thematic, digital content

Team Management & People Development

• Promote a positive, cooperative, and professional work environment that foster trust, integrity and respect
• Coach, train, motivate and lead the team by example with high performance standards
• Drives growth and people development plan: set performance targets for team and individuals with relevant KPIs, perform regular follow up and one-to-one meeting, as well as annual performance review
• Conduct daily briefing and develop a client-oriented approach with regular role plays
• Identify and plan team’s training requirements

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• Minimum 7 years of sales experience in the field of Luxury Retail and/or Store Management
• Required experience in managing direct reports within a Retail/Luxury/Hospitality environment
• High standards of client services and luxury hospitality
• Ability to motivate and lead a team in achieving company goals
• At ease in engaging, networking and selling to HNWI and UHNWI; Existing local client base a plus
• General knowledge on luxury products and industry trends is a must
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy
• Customer oriented, strong collaborative spirit, and excellent communication skills
• Able to work retail hours including weekends and to travel for events or client meetings
• MS office and Computer literacy
• Fluent in Cantonese and English; proficiency in Mandarin and other language skills a plus

THE ROLE 

This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, including people management and recruitment, process and procedure, budget control and setting the sales strategy for the department. The Head of Department will be responsible for new business generation and the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags. The Head of Department will be required to build close co-operation and maintain strong communications with other America departments (support and specialist), as well as the regional representatives. Ideally, they will bridges and effective-working relationships between the US and international colleagues in worldwide departments, especially cross-departmental with Luxury teams. 

Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the management of the Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA
• Work in conjunction with the Global Head and Business Director to identify the client development, marketing and business getting strategy for Handbags and Fashion in USA
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Manage the department P&L, ensuring the department observes agreed budgets and delivery of annual financial plans and forecast in timely fashion
• Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Handbags and Fashion and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Handbags and Fashion auctions, and potentially in other auction categories
• Responsible for consignment getting for sales in USA. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Global head on a regular basis
• Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA
• Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services
• Direct line management responsibility for department Specialists and Cataloguers.  To improve the overall quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business and setting an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues.  Mentoring and helping to train less experienced colleagues.  Ensure that teamwork is supported within the department.   Monitor and set work priorities/deadline and address HR matters (including recruitment, performance management and overview of compensation)
• Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients.  Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies
• Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets
• Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers
• Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international Handbags and Fashion sales
• Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities
• Increase Buy Now revenue by growing the assortment and maintain a regular flow of listing
• Prepare proposals and valuations
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
• Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services 

Required Experience:

• Degree educated or equivalent
• Proven skills in authentication for handbags and fashion
• Proven experience with business getting and Handbags and Fashion expertise
• Expert knowledge of specialty should include:
• Current in-depth market knowledge and awareness
• Archives and Reference sources
• Network of contacts within the Handbags and Fashion market
• Proven business acumen
• Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service, professional and discreet
• Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to lead a busy team and to develop others
• A proven ability to meet deadlines and the possession of strong organisational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks and ability to navigate ambiguity at times
• Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Flexible to travel at certain times of the year to support sales, traveling exhibitions and client visits if required

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$150,000. 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.