International Head of Department, Sculpture

Christie's•New York, NY

2d•$140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Christie’s is seeking a global leader to head its Sculpture department. The role leads the global Sculpture team and helps shape sales strategy, grow business opportunities, secure consignments, stimulate buying activity, and cultivate relationships with top-tier clients across Auction and Private Sales. Working closely with the Global Managing Director, Regional Managing Directors, and specialists in London, Paris, and New York, the role is accountable for maximizing revenue and supporting sales, revenue, and profit targets worldwide. The position also leads the department’s global Private Sales efforts, including sourcing, negotiation, and deal execution. It combines deep Sculpture market expertise with strategic and commercial judgment, leadership, and client relationship skills. The role requires international travel and collaboration with teams across Christie’s, while ensuring that activities meet legal, ethical, and regulatory standards and that provenance and reputational risks are carefully managed.

Requirements

Extensive, demonstrable experience in the international sculpture market, with authoritative knowledge of major artists, periods, materials, and scholarship, and deep familiarity with key collectors, institutions, and advisors.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.
Strong record of delivering exceptional sales results and driving market leadership.
Ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives with sound financial and commercial judgment.
Exceptional negotiation skills and a history of structuring and closing complex, high-value deals.
Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with collectors, institutions, and stakeholders at all levels.
Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable approach to working across functions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally for business development, client engagement, and industry events.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree (MA or higher) in Art History or a closely related field, with a recognized Sculpture specialism, including Medieval, Renaissance, Early Modern, and/or Modern Sculpture, is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Help devise and lead global department strategy with the Business Management team, implement growth strategies, and align teams in London, Paris, and New York around sales, revenue, and profit targets.
Act as a global business getter for Sculpture by identifying and securing high-value works and masterpieces for auction and Private Sales; participate in hilling sessions and pricing meetings led by the Head of Sales.
Lead the department’s global Private Sales strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and deal execution as required.
Win business for sale and participate in structuring and negotiating commercially viable deals that increase profitability.
Develop and nurture relationships with top-tier clients, dealers, and collectors globally; lead client relationships and collaborate with Client Strategy to build dedicated teams around key clients.
Balance client relationship allocation across the department, managing workloads and creating development opportunities for junior team members.
Partner with Regional Managing Directors to lead, mentor, and develop the global team of specialists and support staff.
Ensure departmental activities comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, particularly regarding cultural property and international trade; uphold provenance research and identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
Identify new opportunities and clients, collaborating with business getters and other groups to expand client relationships and revenue.
Work with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations to use appraisals to generate long-term business, re-engage inactive clients, and secure major private collections.
Identify and cultivate productive networks with external and internal stakeholders, dealers, academics, and other contacts.
Collaborate with Heads of Sales in New York, London, and Paris, Business Management, the Commercial Office, other Specialists, and the Proposals department on pitches and business development; lead discussions in the Significant Business Forum to approve terms when required.
Represent the department through lectures, publications, and participation in academic or cultural forums.
Collaborate with Marketing and Digital teams to strengthen the department’s online presence, develop sales strategies, and engage new audiences through digital channels.
Travel internationally for business development, department management, client visits, events, exhibitions, and art fairs.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and dependents; Christie’s pays an average of 80% of total premiums.
401(k) Savings Plan with matching contribution up to 5%, subject to IRS limits.
Life insurance of 3x base salary up to $400,000, fully paid by Christie’s.
Disability insurance, fully paid by Christie’s.
Generous time-off and leave policies, including 100% paid family leave up to 16 weeks.
Fitness reimbursement for eligible fees and memberships up to $600 per year.
Annual discretionary performance bonus plan.
Commuter benefits, including pre-tax money toward daily commuting and a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month.
Up to 10 days of back-up child or elder care through Bright Horizons.
One paid Corporate Social Responsibility day per year to dedicate to a charity of the employee’s choice.
Perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.