About this Seller Operations Manager role at Sotheby's
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
THE ROLE
The Seller Operations 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 Seller Operations 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
People & Operational Leadership
- Directly manage a group of Pre-Sale Coordinators and provide day-to-day support and guidance
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Pre-Sale Coordinators
- Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and manage performance outcomes
- Partner with Head of Sales Operations to set goals and perform annual performance reviews
- Maintain a team budget and tracker
- Serve as a subject matter expert for Pre-Sale workflows and assist Coordinators with complex issues
Pre-Sale Execution & Specialist Department Support
- Ensure adequate Pre-Sale Coordinators coverage for specialist departments (holidays, sick leave) and take on full sale coordination if needed
- Act as a senior escalation point, resolving matters through to completion. Collaborate with specialist department stakeholders on issue resolution
- Update auction calendars in accordance with sale date and time changes
- Manage compliance, risk, and escalations appropriately
- Oversee and support Coordinators with entering complex consignment terms correctly into SAP (graduated VC, Share, Guarantees, IBs) and ensure Non-Standard Terms spreadsheet is completed
- Execute sale conversions in the auction platform
- Assist Coordinators with movement of property (inbound shipping, imports/exports, return shipping)
- Partner closely with Client Experience, Shipping, and Account Receivable to ensure appropriate handoffs are complete following all sales
- Ensure financial transactions amongst teams comply with corporate governance
- Work with key department stakeholders to ensure outputs are delivered to the highest quality
- Oversee coordination of after-sale transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and canceled sales
- Assist with staffing for handcarries, shipping oversees, client viewings, exhibition support.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Improvement
- Work alongside Head of Sales Operations and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Pre-Sale function and the wider Pre-Sale Operations team
- Collaborate with the Product & Technology teams for projects, system development, testing scenarios, improvements, etc.
- Partner with legal, compliance, and the commercial office
- Special project management
- Contribute to broader operational and transformation initiatives aligned with Operations priorities
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
- 3–5 years of experience in management, operations, logistics, or related fields
- Previous Pre Sale Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is desired but not a pre-requisite
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Calm, professional demeanor with excellent judgment under pressure
- Excellent organizational skills including the ability to multitask and prioritize
- Ability to communicate at all levels, to present information and influence behaviors/culture
- Empathetic, energetic, persistent, and proactive with a flexible, forward-thinking approach
- Working knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, procedures and sale administration is an advantage
- Proficiency in Excel; experience with SAP or similar systems preferred
- Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$75,000. 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.
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