THE ROLE

Sotheby’s is looking for an experienced Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator to own the administration of sales in accordance with company policies and best practices while delivering high-quality client service. This dynamic role is ideal for a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys multi-tasking and organizational tasks whilst coordinating all key processes leading up to the sales. The role holder will support sales across departments.

This is a 9-month temporary maternity leave cover. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with other business areas to respond to client enquiries, resolve client issues and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction
• Liaising with clients and managing their property throughout the sale cycle
• Communicating with clients, shipping coordinators and Sotheby’s Regional Offices to facilitate inbound shipments, obtain export licenses and arrange customs clearance in line with sale deadlines
• Managing consignment terms and issuing contracts in preparation for live, online sales and private sales
• Working closely with the Legal department and Business Manager/Director on sale agreements with complex, highly managed terms.
• Acting as a liaison between the Specialist department and support departments such as Legal, Compliance, Risk, Tax, Payments and Post Sales
• Coordinating Travelling exhibitions in partnership with the Departments, Pre-Sale Shipping team and Business Managers/Directors
• Working with Specialists, Compliance and Shipping to track all outstanding compliance issues and ensure they are resolved according to catalogue and sale deadlines
• Collaborating with Business Manager/Director with regards to guarantees and irrevocable bids, making sure all due diligence requirements are met
• Arranging for the property to be authenticated, where necessary, in line with the various committee deadlines
• Working with Regional Offices to coordinate the movement of property via London for other sale locations (export for sale and return shipments)
• Coordinating extended payment terms being offered in conjunction with Post Sale Manager and Business Manager/Director
• Work on non-systematic terms following the auction and managing complex settlement requirements
• Facilitating financial transactions in compliance with Sotheby’s Corporate Governance
• Coordinating post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and cancelled sales
• Obtaining and actioning recommendations for unsold property and facilitating the handover for shipment and/or collection to the Post-Sale team
• Coordinating the movement of the property internally and externally for third-party services (such as restorers, external experts, authentication committees, photographers)
• Processing Purchase Orders (completing forms and obtaining authorisation before ordering goods and services
• Monitoring and processing House Property and Temporary Admission (TA) property quarterly.
• Managing Aged Inventory by coordinating bi-annual reviews of department aged inventory

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Degree holder in business administration or equivalent field preferred
• At least 1+ years’ experience in business administration and/or client service
• Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines
• A pragmatic approach to problems, with excellent resourcefulness
• Enthusiastic with an ability to think on your feet and remain clam under pressure
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Prior experience with SAP is an advantage
• Strong knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, Outlook.

This role supports the delivery of Sotheby’s Shipping function, ensuring the provision of high-quality logistics services to both clients and internal stakeholders. The position is responsible for providing integrated expertise across all pre-sale logistics activities, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant movement of property in line with all applicable laws and regulations.

The role involves liaising with external vendors to procure and coordinate logistics services for the movement of fine art and rare objects. This includes inbound shipments (domestic and international), inter-office transfers, domestic movements, travelling exhibitions, and RTC (Return to Consignor) shipping quotes and coordination.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Inbound, Domestic and Transfer Shipments

• Arrange all inbound shipments and associated logistics requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner
• Manage and resolve all enquiries relating to inbound and domestic shipments through to successful conclusion
• Monitor and action shipping quote requests within agreed timeframes
• Support the management of the Shipping Imports inbox, ensuring all communications are actioned appropriately
• Obtain and evaluate quotes from approved shipping partners and service providers, selecting the most suitable option based on cost, service, and compliance
• Assess shipment requirements (including packing specifications) and ensure accurate system entry and validation
• Classify goods appropriately, including the allocation of tariff and customs procedure codes
• Ensure the correct import methodology is applied for all international shipments
• Prepare and submit CITES licence applications, where applicable
• Prepare and submit Cultural Export applications, where applicable
• Advise clients on retrospective customs entry requirements, ensuring risks and obligations are clearly communicated and managed
• Liaise with HM Revenue and Customs and customs brokers, issuing clearance instructions where required
• For accepted pre-sale consignments shipped under Sotheby’s account, coordinate with vendors to arrange packing, transport, security, and shipping instructions
• Proactively monitor shipment progress, identifying and resolving issues while keeping all stakeholders informed
• Ensure all shipments comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and internal requirements
• Coordinate with Shipping teams across global selling locations to facilitate efficient transfers
• Identify opportunities for shipment consolidation to optimise cost and efficiency
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all inbound and transfer activity
• Conduct pre-sale VAT checks for allocated sales

RTC (Request to Collect) Support

• Manage and respond to RTC shipping quote requests, ensuring accurate and timely pricing is provided to clients and internal stakeholders
• Liaise with shipping partners to obtain competitive and compliant quotations for collection, packing, and transport
• Assess logistical requirements, including regulatory, customs, and licensing considerations, prior to issuing quotes
• Ensure all RTC quotes are clearly communicated, commercially accurate, and aligned with client expectations
• Submit Cultural Export Licence applications and follow up as required
• Monitor the status of RTC requests through to acceptance, ensuring smooth transition into execution where applicable
• Collaborate with Pre-Sale Coordinators and Client Accounts Receivable to ensure consistency and efficiency in the RTC process

Travelling Exhibitions (TRAVEX)

• Partner with Pre-Sale Administrators to manage exhibition timelines and ensure all deadlines are met
• Prepare and maintain exhibition property lists, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution
• Liaise with Risk teams to ensure appropriate security and insurance measures are in place
• Coordinate logistics planning, including schedules, transport arrangements, and documentation pre-alerts
• Prepare ATA Carnets and track documentation to meet exhibition deadlines
• Submit Cultural Export Licence applications and follow up as required
• Prepare all export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, letters of instruction and relevant licences
• Coordinate with Galleries & Logistics teams regarding packing, installation, storage, and technical requirements

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the wider Service Operations team to deliver a consistent and high-quality client experience
• Arrange hand-carry shipments, including customs support, security escorts, and documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely document management (scanning, filing, and record keeping)
• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring invoices are processed efficiently
• Provide input on vendor performance, supporting service level management and KPI tracking
• Ensure full compliance with all import/export regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of international logistics, including packing methods, transportation, customs procedures, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated understanding of import/export controls, licensing (e.g. CITES), and VAT/duty considerations
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation and time management skills
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Excellent client service skills, with the ability to remain composed under pressure
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Quick learner with the ability to apply knowledge effectively
• Experience in fine art logistics is highly desirable
• Experience with SAP (including customs or logistics modules) is advantageous
• Additional language skills are beneficial

The Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All employment decisions and personnel actions at the Company are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, national origin, age, disability, genetic predisposition, natural hair or hairstyle, reproductive health, partnership status, sexual orientation or alienage or citizenship status, transgender status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Sotheby’s, the oldest and largest internationally recognised firm of fine art auctioneers in the world, has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744.

We will be looking for exceptional candidates at graduate-level or equivalent to participate in our unique 14-week paid Internship Programme this Autumn.

The objective of the Sotheby’s Internship Programme is to provide practical training experience to candidates interested in pursuing a career in the auction world. Placements are available across both Specialist and Business areas at Sotheby’s. 

Interns will be assigned a department based on their academic interests and professional goals, and will work under the supervision of a designated staff member. Over the course of the autumn auction season, our interns will have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a renowned auction house, see great rarities and works of art, and discover potential industry careers. Interns will also attend seminars led by senior staff members on a regular basis and will be assigned a group project to present to a panel of programme sponsors during the final week of the internship.

Our Autumn 2026 Internship Programme will run from Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Friday 11th December 2026.

Candidate Profile

• A curiosity and passion for learning
• Teamwork experience
• A positive attitude and self-motivation
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A strong academic record

Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates must be graduate level or equivalent
• Must be able to commit to the entirety of the 14-week program, Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm
  
• Candidates must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without visa sponsorship

Deadline

• Applications for our internship will be open from 12pm UK Time on Friday 1st May 2026 and close at 12pm UK Time on Thursday 14th May 2026.
• Incomplete or unsubmitted applications will not be considered.
• Once your application has been submitted, please note you may not receive any communication in response to your application until 20th June 2026.

Departments

Please use the list below to indicate in your application up to 3 departments (in order of preference) your areas of interest for the autumn internship. Sotheby’s will strive to match each candidate with an appropriate department based on interest and background. We cannot guarantee you will be placed in the department of your choosing and not all departments offer internships every programme cycle.

• Arts and Objects 
• Marketing
• Books & Manuscripts
• Contemporary Art
• Communications/Press
• Impressionist & Modern Art
• Jewellery
• Old Master Paintings
• Watches
• Wine 
• Business Management (Global Fine Art or Luxury)
• Finance (Tax)
• Valuations 
• Restitution 

 THE ROLE

Source and sell works for the Contemporary Art Sales, demonstrating extensive knowledge, passion and commitment to the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cataloguing and researching items for Contemporary Art Sales.
• Providing expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines.
• Writing scholarly catalogue entries and condition reports.
• Assisting and co-ordinating research, both internally and with external experts.
• Assisting with paste-ups and layouts.
• Liaising with the necessary support departments.
• Sourcing works for sale, including overseas travel as appropriate.
• Aid in meeting sales and net profit targets for particular sales.
• Contributing to strategic long-term business development.
• Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally.
• Preparing proposals, valuations, estimates.
• Maintaining high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities.
• Contributing towards authentication and all aspects of pre- and post-sale processes.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• In-depth art market knowledge and awareness, with a focus on Contemporary Art.
• Degree holder or equivalent (Art-related masters preferable).
• Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process, procedures & systems
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team and to 'pitch in' when required.
• Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks.
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service, strong client relationship management skills and a sensitive approach to problem solving
• Possess high levels of integrity and be able to operate within corporate governance and legal framework.
• Good organisational skills with proven ability to work to deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in spoken and written English, ideally with an additional European language.

Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services.  We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can't wait to make it happen together.

THE ROLE 

You will be a core member of the SFS team responsible for loans originated in the UK and EMEA, promoting the SFS value proposition internally with colleagues and externally with clients. As a driven team player, you will serve in a priority growth area for Sotheby’s, expanding clients’ relationship with Sotheby’s and offering clients a key value-added financing service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Growth

• Proactively source new lending opportunities by partnering with Sotheby’s relationship managers and other internal stakeholders
• Analyze client’s needs and objectives through the review of qualitative and quantitative data, synthesizing an engagement strategy and initiating internal discussions about the opportunity
• Develop pitch book presentations and proposals to explain industry trends, discuss client options and recommend innovative strategies to meet client goals
• Tailor lending solutions to ensure that client’s needs are optimized for while meeting return and risk requirements
• Participate in structuring and negotiating transactions, coordinating the preparation of lending documentation and transaction execution
• As you progress in this role, you will build on a base of expertise to assume responsibility for client relationships and serve as the primary client liaison within SFS
• Work collaboratively with executive management to identify and execute new growth initiatives

Deal Management

• Partner with senior lending specialists to guide clients through the financing process
• Participate in client negotiations from initial lead stage through final deal terms negotiation
• Facilitate the creation of origination proposals and supporting financial analytics
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sotheby’s and SFS teams to ensure smooth processing and servicing of loans

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA a plus
• 5+ years of professional experience in a client-facing lending, wealth management, or similar role with a focus on sales and relationship building and management
• Individuals with prior experience as relationship managers at major auction houses and galleries is a plus
• Charisma, professional demeanor, and a natural ability to connect with others internally and externally
• Solution-oriented and self-directed mindset and work approach with a bias towards action.
• Strong logical and analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication abilities
• Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged

THE ROLE

​​To provide support to the Chief Marketing Officer and Global Head of Media Relations and, as needed, the Marketing & European Press Teams.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

• Email/Diary management:
• Continuous review of incoming emails and calls, to ensure both CMO & Global Head of Media Relations is immediately aware of everything needing urgent response & attention
• Appropriately delegate, escalate and manage email, requests & diary on behalf of CMO & Global Head of Media Relations
• Implement and maintain effecting filing system for CMO & Global Head of Media Relations
• Conducting research to help shape communications aspects of proposals & pitches
• Preparing PowerPoint presentations for internal meetings/communications
• Managing press monitoring service & data analysis - analysing and evaluating PR coverage
• Management of global calendar of art world and Sotheby’s events and  communications activities for departmental planning and reference
• Assist with travel itineraries, expenses and scheduling meetings for the CMO & Global Head of Media Relations, as well as help with other projects as needed
• Organising and minuting team meetings
• Attending meetings in CMO / Global Head of Media Relations or others’ stead as needed
• Assisting with marketing, communications and social campaigns
• Assisting with organising marketing/ PR events
• Monitoring industry news and competitor brands

 IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 3+ years of relevant professional experience
• Excellent communication skills (both written and spoken)
• High level of thoroughness and organisation, with a good eye for detail and the ability to prioritise tasks
• Competence in variety of programmes (word, excel, powerpoint, photoshop)
• Discretion with confidential information
• Reliable team player, calm under pressure

THE ROLE

To catalogue, research and co-ordinate for the CWOA sales and to assist in the general day-to-day functioning of the department.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Cataloguing and researching items for CWOA sales:

• • Providing expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines.
  • Assisting and co-ordinating research, both internally and with external experts.
  • Assisting with paste-ups and layouts.
  • Liaising with the necessary support departments.

• Writing scholarly catalogue entries.
• Writing and producing proposals for new business.
• Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email and on the telephone.
• Writing condition reports and responding to estimate enquiries and general correspondence.
• Assisting with the maintenance of departmental archives and the library.
• Work with the Administrator, providing accurate information on all consignments and assisting them with the Inventory review.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance, maintaining high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities.
• Provide administrative support to the department specialists, including: typing correspondence and valuations maintaining files

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Education to degree level in History of Art ideally with some knowledge and experience of CWOA
• First class research skills
• Fluent in Chinese Language
• The ability to work effectively individually and in a team and to ‘pitch in’ when required
• An eye for detail and a methodical approach
• Ability to work well under pressure and a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn
• Strong organisational skills with proven ability of meeting deadlines
• Some understanding of Sotheby’s and its culture and services, and of the auction process in general
• Knowledge of at least one other European language, preferably German, would be advantageous.

THE ROLE

The Specialist, Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, plays an integral role in sourcing, cataloguing, and selling works across Sotheby’s London and New York Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art sales, inclusive of live auctions, online auctions, and private sales. The role combines deep subject-matter expertise, rigorous scholarship, and strong client-facing skills with proactive business development and operational excellence. The Specialist will work closely with colleagues across EMEA, US and globally to cultivate consignments, steward clients, and contribute to the strategic growth and visibility of the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art category, becoming an active member of Sotheby’s global specialist community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively identify, source, and secure works forModern and Contemporary South Asian Art sales, developing coherent and dynamic business-getting strategies in partnership with colleagues across London, EMEA, and global teams.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions, fiduciaries, and key market stakeholders, ensuring exceptional client service and loyalty.
• Participate in valuation projects and proposal development, evaluating property at Sotheby’s and at client locations, including international travel as appropriate.
• Help drive private-sale opportunities alongside auction consignments, identifying key selling points and supporting targeted, proactive outreach.
• Meet individual consignment and revenue goals, contributing meaningfully to annual sales, private-sale targets, and departmental strategic objectives.
• Provide high-level expertise in Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art, ensuring the highest scholarly standards in cataloguing, research, and contextualization of works.
• Oversee or contribute to the cataloguing process, including research, catalogue entries, essays, provenance work, condition reporting, and catalog production and layout.
• Partner with internal and external scholars to strengthen expertise and accuracy; uphold rigorous research and editorial standards that align with Sotheby’s global criteria.
• Support full sale execution, including exhibition oversight, pre-sale client walkthroughs, client communication, and competitive bidding support during live auctions.
• Help track client interest, communicate activity to the wider specialist team, and actively “sell the sale” during exhibition and preview periods.
• Ensure proactive and accurate management of consignment-related costs, including terms, deal margins, marketing, logistics, loans, and other financial elements.
• Liaise with Photography, Marketing, Press, Proposals, Registrations, and Operations to ensure seamless sale preparation from intake through settlement.
• Maintain departmental archives, research materials, and library resources, ensuring their continued accuracy, accessibility, and strategic use.
• Support the Heads of Department with coordination of departmental priorities, internal communication, and implementation of new initiatives.
• Coordinate information flow between the department, internal partners, and the Head of Department, ensuring clarity and smooth execution of daily operations.
• Prepare estimate requests, NSVs, and client correspondence at a professional standard
• Liaise with Marketing and Press teams to support social media, digital visibility, and audience engagement for the category.
• Assist with highlight exhibition organization, promotional activity, and the movement and tracking of property in collaboration with the Department Coordinator and Administrator.
• Serve as a collaborative partner to colleagues in adjacent departments, contributing to the broader regional and global ecosystem of specialists.
• Serve as a role model of scholarship, client service, and professional conduct within the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art department.
• Support the development and mentorship of cataloguers, coordinators, and junior colleagues, offering guidance in research practices, cataloguing methods, and sale process management.
• Uphold the highest standards of Sotheby’s corporate governance, compliance, ethics, and client confidentiality in every interaction.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 8+ years of experience in Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art through an auction house, gallery, museum, or private dealership.
• Scholarly training in Art History or a related field, with demonstrated expertise and a sustained engagement in Modern and Contemporary Indian & South Asian Art.
• Proven ability to evaluate works, produce polished research, and manage cataloguing assignments with precision and authority.
• Strong working knowledge of the full auction cycle, including valuations, consignments, catalogue production, sale execution, and private sales.
• Demonstrated success in building and servicing high-level client relationships.
• Strong business acumen with a track record in business-getting or a demonstrable aptitude for developing new business.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey scholarly insight clearly and persuasively to clients and colleagues.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and composed under pressure, with the ability to prioritize effectively across multiple workstreams.
• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented, with a willingness to “pitch in” as needed.
• Fluent English required; additional European languages are beneficial.
• Unquestionable integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to high professional standards.

THE ROLE

As a Treasury Analyst within the Sotheby’s Treasury team, you will support the accounts receivable and treasury functions with detailed reporting and financial analysis.

The Treasury Analyst will prepare routine journal entries relating to accounts receivable and financing activities, as well as contribute to the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations for review.  Additionally, this role will support the daily treasury operations. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting, cash flows, and data management.

The ideal candidate can think analytically, autonomously, and has advanced Excel skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily incoming cash reconciliations, reporting and analysis of accounts receivable data, activity, roll forwards and ageing
• In conjunction with a third party, produce regular borrowing base reports for the review and approval
• Liaising with the accounts receivable team to support with cash application, invoicing requirements and cashflow movement
• Prepare and record monthly journal entries in relation to financing transactions
• Collate and consolidate client payment data to support cashflow management
• Responsibility for some treasury month end tasks like FX rates report, market data feeds, bank reconciliations
• Support the treasury manager on the multiple corporate cards’ programs
• Support daily treasury operations around intra-group funding and payment release
• Make recommendations for process improvements, automation, reporting and analysis
• Support audit activities and help ensure timely delivery of required documentation

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or similar
• Excellent communicator and team player
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• 1+ years of accounting or finance experience
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in other core applications
• Prior knowledge and experience in SAP a plus

THE ROLE

This role is a critical part of the European Private Sales leadership team, helping grow the profitability, performance and strategic initiatives for the London Private Sale business.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the private sale leadership team, articulate, develop and execute key strategic initiatives to grow the business in UK: private sale exhibitions, new private sale formats, digital initiatives, key client focus, key artists focus
• Generate revenue growth by sourcing and selling blue-chip Modern and Ctp Art, focusing on works above $1M. Together with Client Development identify specific client priorities, key business strategies and action plans for existing or newly identified clients.
• Managing the European Private Sales Manager and Client Liaison.
• Work collaboratively with peers in the Global Private Sales team to deliver against the strategic plan 2022 and beyond.
• Participate in major auctions by bringing clients through Sotheby’s galleries, producing bids and executing bids in the saleroom on behalf of your clients, attending interest meetings, providing post sale service to successful buyers
• Maintain a high profile within the wider external communities by attending major art fairs, exhibition and museum openings 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 12+ years of experience needed
• First class level of expertise in the contemporary art field
• Ability to work well under pressure and with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – both spoken and written.
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service.
• A seasoned and inspirational team leader
• Have a balance of strategic and creative thinking with strong communication skills
• Energetic, outgoing and curious, with the ability to reach out and engage with a broad range of colleagues and external partners