Head of Sale, American Furniture & Decorative Arts

About the role

The Head of Sale role is a fixed-term parental cover opportunity responsible for managing the sale process for Christie’s online Americana sale and supporting the Classic Art Cluster with other tasks or sales as needed. Working closely with the Coordinator/Cataloguer, this position manages and oversees photography, research and cataloguing of property, exhibition, sale production, and provides guidance and mentorship to the sale’s support team. The role requires knowledge of client relationship management, category expertise, relevant markets, and project management processes related to producing a sale.

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate the sale in collaboration with the Coordinator/Cataloguer.
• Business-get and proactively drive the sale pipeline.
• Follow existing processes and deal approval matrix for structuring and negotiating consignment deals.
• Review incoming photo inquiries to determine sale potential, partnering with specialists and consultants on expertise, pricing, cataloguing, research, client relationships, and service standards.
• Provide pricing and sale venue recommendations.
• Identify proactive sourcing initiatives and drive proposals for property for upcoming sales.
• Participate in departmental vetting sessions to determine value, condition, and marketability of property.
• Manage the preparation of all lot descriptions and essays for the sale.
• Oversee pre-sale exhibition set-up, effectively leading department members and Operations teams.
• Participate in targeted marketing efforts and work with buyers prior to and during sale week to pre-sell the sale.
• Liaise with the Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department to generate business opportunities and reconnect with clients.
• Support adjacent teams as needed.
• Other duties as determined by the Management team.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability in appraising property, sale composition, and business-getting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
• Superior client service skills.
• Effective process management and team leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative and matrixed organization with proven experience working inter-departmentally.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

Compensation Range Hourly: $24.00 - $40.00 (does not include discretionary bonus compensation and/or overtime pay).