Seller Operations Manager

Sotheby's•New York, NY

About The Position

Sotheby's, established in 1744, is a renowned institution for art and luxury objects, operating through auctions, private sales, and retail. With expertise across 70 selling categories and a global network, Sotheby's offers a leading technology platform and specialist knowledge. The company's offerings span various art forms, collectibles, and real estate, supported by Sotheby's Financial Services. Sotheby's global headquarters is located at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
3–5 years of experience in management, operations, logistics, or related fields
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
Calm, professional demeanor with excellent judgment under pressure
Excellent organizational skills including the ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to communicate at all levels, to present information and influence behaviors/culture
Empathetic, energetic, persistent, and proactive with a flexible, forward-thinking approach
Proficiency in Excel
Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion

Nice To Haves

Previous Pre Sale Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is desired but not a pre-requisite
Working knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, procedures and sale administration is an advantage
experience with SAP or similar systems preferred

Responsibilities

Directly manage a group of Pre-Sale Coordinators and provide day-to-day support and guidance.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Pre-Sale Coordinators.
Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and manage performance outcomes.
Partner with Head of Sales Operations to set goals and perform annual performance reviews.
Maintain a team budget and tracker.
Serve as a subject matter expert for Pre-Sale workflows and assist Coordinators with complex issues.
Ensure adequate Pre-Sale Coordinators coverage for specialist departments (holidays, sick leave) and take on full sale coordination if needed.
Act as a senior escalation point, resolving matters through to completion. Collaborate with specialist department stakeholders on issue resolution.
Update auction calendars in accordance with sale date and time changes.
Manage compliance, risk, and escalations appropriately.
Oversee and support Coordinators with entering complex consignment terms correctly into SAP (graduated VC, Share, Guarantees, IBs) and ensure Non-Standard Terms spreadsheet is completed.
Execute sale conversions in the auction platform.
Assist Coordinators with movement of property (inbound shipping, imports/exports, return shipping).
Partner closely with Client Experience, Shipping, and Account Receivable to ensure appropriate handoffs are complete following all sales.
Ensure financial transactions amongst teams comply with corporate governance.
Work with key department stakeholders to ensure outputs are delivered to the highest quality.
Oversee coordination of after-sale transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and canceled sales.
Assist with staffing for handcarries, shipping oversees, client viewings, exhibition support.
Work alongside Head of Sales Operations and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Pre-Sale function and the wider Pre-Sale Operations team.
Collaborate with the Product & Technology teams for projects, system development, testing scenarios, improvements, etc.
Partner with legal, compliance, and the commercial office.
Special project management.
Contribute to broader operational and transformation initiatives aligned with Operations priorities.