Director, Private Sales, Contemporary

Join to apply for the Director, Private Sales, Contemporary role at Sotheby's. About Sotheby's Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. It promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy‑now channels, including private sales, e‑commerce, and retail. The company is supported by an industry‑leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories, such as Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, jewelry, watches, wine, spirits, design, collectible cars, and real estate. The Role The Contemporary Art Senior Specialist will source and sell works for Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department in France across live and online auctions, and private sales. This role works closely with a global network of colleagues to develop and win business, and reports to the Head of Private Sales for Continental Europe. The focus is on business‑getting and client development to meet regional sales targets and goals. Responsibilities Play a key role in sourcing works for Contemporary and Modern France sales, actively seeking consignment opportunities and working with EMEA specialists to build dynamic business‑getting and client‑relationship strategies. Day‑to‑day management of Contemporary sales in France, ensuring proper research, cataloguing, production, layout, writing or oversight of condition reports, and exhibition set‑up. Provide additional support to Modern sales as needed. Manage all consignment‑related costs accurately and proactively, including terms, margins, marketing, guarantees, and loans, while meeting net profit and sales targets. Demonstrate scholarship by researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard, meeting client service and sale deadlines. Develop client relationships to enhance loyalty and generate new business, focusing on building networks of collectors for Sotheby’s. Collaborate with all Contemporary specialists to support the sales process, including client interaction at exhibitions, bid execution, and interest tracking. Mentor junior specialists and cataloguers to aid their professional development. Evaluate client property at Sotheby’s and at client locations, including full valuation projects and proposals. Coordinate proactive sale outreach activities and identify key selling points for each sale. Meet annual consignment and private sales targets. Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service internally and externally. Operate in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance. Ideal Experience & Competencies 8+ years of experience as a specialist sourcing and selling contemporary art, ideally from an auction house, museum/gallery, or private dealership. Positive track record in building and servicing high‑level client relationships and a sensitive approach to problem solving. Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the entire auction process, procedures, and systems. Ability to work effectively individually and in a team, and to “pitch in” when required. Ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility across a wide range of tasks. Strong organisational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both spoken and written English; knowledge of other European languages is a benefit. High levels of integrity and ability to operate within corporate governance and legal frameworks. Entrepreneurial mindset and a doer attitude to help achieve success for the global business. Seniority level Director Employment type Temporary Job function Sales and Business Development Industries: Artists and Writers, Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry, Beverage Manufacturing The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates. #J-18808-Ljbffr