Bids Manager at Sotheby’s

New York, New York, United States

Sotheby’s Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Art, Luxury Goods, AuctionsIndustries

Requirements

  • 3+ years of relevant professional experience; previous Bids Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is strongly desired
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Comfortable communicating with senior staff, auctioneers, and VIP clients
  • Positive and proactive approach to challenges. Proven experience employing problem solving skills when dealing with internal and external clients
  • Experience managing a team is advantageous but not a pre-requisite
  • Comfortable coordinating and managing a team, working under pressure at a fast pace, and able to juggle multiple priorities at once
  • Process driven, a creative problem solver, and forward thinking in all elements of their work
  • Must adhere to required front of house attire on live sale days

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day operation of the bids function including management of ticketing system; bidding and account escalations; live & online auction operations; sale creation and management support
  • Line manage a group of Bids Coordinators and any temporary bids support staff. Provide day-to-day support and guidance. Manage recruitment of bids staff as necessary in partnership with Head of Bids & Client Services and Human Resources
  • Partner with Head of Bids & Client Services to set goals and conduct annual performance reviews
  • Responsible for developing and implementing training for new bids support staff. Provide ongoing training for Bids & Client Services teams on compliance procedures, operational processes, and system enhancements
  • Uphold and abide by Sotheby’s KYC & AML procedure; ensure all required legal and compliance documentation relevant to bid activity is gathered, reviewed, and stored appropriately
  • Work alongside Head of Bids & Client Services and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Bids function and the wider Client Service Operations Team
  • Establish, gather, and analyze KPIs, SLAs, and metrics to measure team performance and inform the bidder experience
  • Collaborate with Product & Technology to improve auction platform functionality and enhance bidding workflows
  • Liaise closely with Global Bids & Client Services Departments to operate globally as a team, align on process, and ensure adequate coverage and support
  • Represent the Bids department during any sale outage or operational escalations; manage client communications as necessary
  • Support Head of Bids & Client Services with managing sale calendar additions and adjustments in conjunction with Sale Directors and Logistics
  • Work closely with Client Services Manager to ensure alignment in department initiatives and service provision

Skills

Team Management
Staff Recruitment
Ticketing System
Auction Operations
Process Management
Problem Solving
Escalation Handling
Live Auction
Online Auction
Sale Management

Sotheby’s

Auction house for fine art

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby's is a global auction house that specializes in selling fine art, luxury items, and collectibles through live and online auctions, as well as private sales. The company provides online estimates to help sellers determine the value of their items, which is a key differentiator from competitors. Sotheby's holds auctions in major cities worldwide, attracting a diverse audience and ensuring a competitive market for high-end items. The goal is to connect buyers and sellers in the luxury market while offering a personalized and discreet experience.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters
1744Year Founded
$4MTotal Funding
POST_IPO_EQUITYCompany Stage
Real Estate, Consumer GoodsIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
401(k) Company Match
Professional Development Budget

Risks

NFT market volatility poses financial risks for Sotheby's digital collectibles sales.
Recent staff layoffs indicate potential financial instability or auction performance downturn.
The $100 million Breuer building acquisition could strain financial resources if unprofitable.

Differentiation

Sotheby's offers both live and online auctions, catering to diverse client preferences.
The company provides private sales for clients seeking privacy and exclusivity in transactions.
Sotheby's expertise in valuing rare items attracts high-end collectors and investors.

Upsides

Sotheby's collaboration with The Luxury Group offers unique luxury auction experiences.
The acquisition of the Breuer building enhances Sotheby's brand and auction venue prestige.
Sotheby's acceptance of cryptocurrency payments attracts crypto-wealthy buyers.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI