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- Tasks: Lead and innovate Sotheby’s retail operations across Europe and the Middle East.
- Company: Join Sotheby’s, the world’s leading destination for art and luxury since 1744.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that values art, culture, and client experience.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in luxury retail; MBA preferred; strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Sotheby’s is committed to inclusivity and sustainability in the art world.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
THE ROLE The VP of Europe and Middle East Retail Operations is responsible for leading the development and execution of Sotheby’s omnichannel retail strategy, including oversight and coordination of salon experience, staff, and operations; pre- and post-sale logistics; sales reporting; and partnership across multiple corporate functions and categories to grow the omnichannel retail business and create a seamless and best-in-class luxury client journey. You will design, lead, and oversee initiatives to acquire new clients and increase retention and value of existing clients, grounded in data and enabled by a variety of client engagement tactics. You will oversee the delivery of services and experiences virtually and in person, and ensure visibility and traffic flow from our digital properties to our salons. You will work internally and externally to be the voice of retail and work to connect the dots between retail and the full Sotheby’s ecosystem, regionally and globally.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, develop, and motivate the teams in the retail salon, creating a culture of luxury, performance, and client-centricity.
- Define, implement, and continually improve retail operations and technology across salons in London, Paris, Zurich, and any future salon locations within the region.
- Collaborate with luxury marketplace teams globally to ensure visibility of salon merchandise across our digital platforms to drive traffic to salon locations.
- Standardize operational processes and apply continuous improvement methodologies to grow and improve the business results and elevate the client experience.
- Enable quick and seamless pre- and post-sale logistics processes.
- Use data to make decisions and form business cases, centered around a strong understanding of unit economics, tying back to the balance sheet and overall P&L.
- Work with internal analytics and marketing functions to pursue performance marketing initiatives that drive traffic and sales to salon properties.
- Alongside internal partners, develop community and vendor relationships that drive business growth.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA is desired.
- 10+ years in luxury and/or omnichannel retail with experience in clienteling, digital engagement, hospitality and/or client experience a plus.
- Proven track record in driving scalable change and business transformations.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and change – retail is an emergent function within Sotheby’s and an entrepreneurial mindset is preferred.
- Willingness to continuously improve, develop, and understand industry best practices and a desire to stay ahead of the curve and at the forefront of innovation.
- Have experience managing teams; experience managing retail teams a plus.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team (local and global).
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Be proactive/motivated/confident/forward thinking and efficient, with a good eye for detail and ability to prioritise tasks and to meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
- Fluent in English essential, other languages beneficial.
VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations employer: Sotheby's
Contact Detail:
Sotheby's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sotheby’s unique culture and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability will help you align your approach during interviews, showcasing how your experience can contribute to these goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Sotheby’s employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company’s operations and culture, which you can leverage in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends in luxury retail and omnichannel strategies. Being knowledgeable about the latest innovations and challenges in the industry will allow you to speak confidently about how you can drive change at Sotheby’s.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved client experiences in previous roles. Tailoring your stories to reflect the responsibilities outlined in the job description will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in luxury and omnichannel retail. Focus on your achievements in client engagement, team management, and operational improvements that align with the responsibilities of the VP role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for art and luxury, and explain how your background and skills make you the ideal candidate for leading Sotheby’s retail operations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive change and enhance client experiences.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership skills and experience managing teams. Provide examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve high performance and foster a culture of client-centricity in previous roles.
Highlight Data-Driven Decision Making: Discuss your experience using data to inform business decisions. Mention any specific tools or methodologies you've used to analyse performance metrics and improve operational processes, as this is crucial for the role at Sotheby’s.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sotheby's
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a VP, you'll be expected to lead and motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on creating a culture of luxury and client-centricity.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Omnichannel Retail
Familiarise yourself with omnichannel strategies and be ready to discuss how you would implement and improve these at Sotheby’s. Highlight any relevant experience in luxury retail and digital engagement.
✨Be Data-Driven
Sotheby’s values data-driven decision-making. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform business strategies and improve client experiences in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Retail is constantly evolving, especially in a luxury context. Be prepared to share examples of how you've navigated change and ambiguity in your career, showcasing your entrepreneurial mindset.
