Head of Department, Watches

About the role

The Head of Department, Watches, will lead the strategic direction for Watches in the Americas, with a focus on driving sales and market growth. Working closely with senior specialists and leadership, this role is responsible for delivering strong business performance, with an emphasis on expertise, client relationships, and commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary business-getter for the department, with a focus on high value timepieces
• Collaborate with the GMD to develop the long-term business strategy for Christie’s Americas Watch Department, with a focus on growth and innovation
• Focus on domestic client development in collaboration with the Client Strategy and Client Advisory teams, including cross-category client targeting, public speaking, marketing initiatives, touring, and appraisals on behalf of private collectors, estates, and institutional clients
• Lead commercial negotiation and proactively advise on competitive proposals, taking part in client discussions and presentations to win business
• Advise and mentor Specialists on watch expertise, pricing, cataloguing, research, client relationships and standards of client service; complete performance management of specialists in department
• Lead by example, demonstrating the highest values of integrity and proactivity for growth in a fast-paced category
• Work with regional Business Director to manage and review staffing, and to develop budgets, control costs, and maintain profitability
• Participate in relevant public relations activities including interviews, writing articles and lecturing as appropriate, seeking out opportunities to develop Christie’s brand
• Maintain positive and effective communication and collaboration with senior colleagues in other departments and locations
• Work with Marketing and Business Management to ensure category is effectively marketed and branded, ensuring sales channels and/or opportunities are maximized

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years professional experience in the Watch industry, with in-depth understanding of secondary watch market, USPAP qualification preferred
• In-depth knowledge of UHNW client relationship management, as well as discretion with confidential information
• Demonstrated expertise in both vintage and contemporary watches, as well as the ability to share this knowledge with junior staff
• Experience leading commercial negotiations, auction deal experience advantageous
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, and work cross-functionally in a large organization
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written and spoken communication
• Superior client service and problem-solving skills, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail
• Knowledge Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and Christie’s system, or the ability to learn

Qualifications

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)

401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)

Life Insurance - 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie’s)

Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)

Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks

Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year

Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan

Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month

Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice

Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits

Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.