Head of Auction Sales, Wine, Americas

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.

About the role

You will be an experienced and independent self-starter tasked with engaging potential and current clients to further grow our business. The role cultivates new clients, maintains strong relationships with existing clients, provides clients with auction estimates, and negotiates profitable consignments to build a series of sales in the Americas. You will provide advice to buyers both for drinking and investment, attend wine events, and handle general administration at all levels. This role also acts as secondary support in inspecting and cataloging property.

Responsibilities

• Secure profitable consignments for auction, meeting individual revenue targets and the department’s annual plan.
• Provide advice to buyers across both auction and retail.
• Manage events, including client development and entertaining.
• Conduct property inspection for auction wines at the warehouse and on-site at clients’ premises to support the wine property team.
• Provide a high level of customer service to all clients to “sell the sales.”
• Manage sale administration.
• In collaboration with marketing and sales management, host clients at wine auctions, tastings, dinners, and related events.
• Cross-sell the retail business to auction buyers.
• Lead and guide other auction wine specialists.
• Provide valuations to underpin the pipeline and for insurance purposes via research to support the wine property team.
• Catalogue and proof wines to the highest standard to support the wine property team.
• Provide elements needed for marketing content as requested by the Marketing team, including photos.
• Liaise with Catalogue Production and Sale Creation teams to prepare sales.
• Participate in local, regional, and global Sotheby’s Wine projects as required.
• Provide support to other parts of the Sotheby’s Wine business as needed.
• Demonstrate a consistent client-first approach, ensuring active and timely communication while remaining compliant with Sotheby’s policies and code of conduct.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent business experience.
• Strong understanding and experience in the auction process and business model.
• WSET Diploma preferred.
• Exceptional knowledge of fine and rare wines and vintages relevant to the auction market, with experience in valuation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with a commitment to exemplary client service.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to make commercial decisions independently.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to convert social connections into business opportunities.
• Experience networking and selling to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Professional, discreet, and commercial client service skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and SAP (preferred).
• Ability to perform physical work, including moving cases of wine in warehouses and private cellars.
• Domestic and potentially international travel required.
• Team player with a cooperative attitude and willingness to take on a variety of tasks.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and receptive to change.

Pay

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $150,000–$170,000. Successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package.