Business Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION/:
The Business Manager works closely with the Heads of Department and Specialist teams and is responsible for the financial, strategic and administrative integrity of Asian and World Art live auctions, online sales and private sales.

Strategy and Business Planning

Participate in, make recommendations for, and lead where appropriate, strategic initiatives for Asian and World Art as directed by the GMD, including areas for opportunity and growth.

Partner with HODs and GMD in identifying and executing business development opportunities for Asian and World Art, including liaising with regional offices and representatives as needed.

Support effective collaboration of International Specialists based in London with Paris team and global Asian team to deliver strategic and financial objectives.

Work with GMD on delivering internal and external communications for significant events, including policy, staffing, best practices and strategic changes.

Financial & Client Management

Review all non-standard financial deals and approve with GMD and Commercial Office as needed.

Provide insight and information to Finance Partner to enable weekly pipeline updates, annual budgeting, forecasting, sale P&L and other reporting as directed by GMD.

Work with Finance Business Partner to ensure that all market share, financial KPIs and competitive analyses are available pre
- and post-sale.

Provide insight and data for strategic and periodic financial reporting.

Manage departmental profitability, including monitoring deal and sale related costs and identifying possible areas for increased margin.

Manage indirect sale costs, including T&E, and liaise with Marketing, Events, Publishing and Tours to manage and optimize below-the-line costs.

Review and approve private sales, ensuring budgets and profitability targets are met.

Risk/ Legal Management

Oversee and manage disputes, risk, legal challenges and issues, and insurance claims in conjunction with Paris Legal team and GMD.

Review, analyze and report to GMD any legislative or regulatory changes impacting business in Paris / EMEA.

People Management

Partner with Head of Department, GMD and the HR team to identify staffing needs (long term development plans and succession planning).

Effectively and regularly communicate to ensure organizational clarity around key dates, strategic direction, deadlines, deliverables, roles and responsibilities.

Lead, supervise and communicate any cultural or management changes necessary to implement the strategic and business plan for the Departments.

Oversee management of department consultants.

Qualifications / Requirements

Undergraduate degree with minimum 4 years work experience.

Strong project management skills including ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage multiple processes.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Exceptional client service skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills in French and English.

Strong and proven strategic vision, commercial awareness and business judgment.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Strong management expertise and record of successful implementation of change.

Understanding of the International Art Business and an interest in African and Asian Art preferred.

Knowledge of E-mail, Spreadsheet, Word Processing and Presentation software (Microsoft Office).