Head of Department, Jewelry, North America

Sotheby's•New York, NY

2d•$175,000 - $240,000

About The Position

Lead the Jewelry Department in North America, responsible for the day to day operations of and deliverables from the department, including people management, cost management, sales and client strategy. Responsible for new business generation and for the sourcing, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Jewelry. Ensure close co-operation and good communications with international and senior colleagues in worldwide Jewelry and across other North America departments and regional offices.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for Jewelry sales held in North America
Develop and lead departmental business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets
Continue to develop and nurture client relationships. Focus on strategic long-term business development focusing on appropriate business and clients for the New York sales, while also being proactive for global Jewelry sales.
Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Jewelry, and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Jewelry auctions, and potentially in other auction categories
Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA
Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients. Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies
Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers
Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international Jewelry sales
Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities
Work in conjunction with Global Head of Jewelry Business and Business Director to identify the marketing and business getting strategy for the New York sales and team.
With the Global Head of Jewelry Business and Business Director ensure accurate management of all sale related costs
Set an example of scholarship – providing expertise, researching and cataloging objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines.
Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally.
Direct line management responsibility for specialist and cataloging staff, working with the Global Head of Jewellery Business and Managing Director, Global Jewelry and HR on recruitment, performance management, development, year-end processes and ad hoc support for the team.
Provide mentoring and help to train less experienced colleagues (whether in New York or other North America locations), developing the team as individuals and as a whole to maximize the quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business.
Ensure that teamwork is supported within the department. Monitor work priorities, vacation, and well-being within the Department.
Take an active role in partnering with the Marketplace and Salon teams to support the performance of the presentation and sales of Jewelry via those channels.
Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance, working closely with the Business Director as the point people for problem solving, client service level, and general legal matters.
Facilitate high level private treaties where appropriate.
Prepare proposals and valuations.
Attend global Jewelry auctions where necessary