At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the coordination of sales operations, marketing, and event management.
- Company: Join Christie's, the world's largest Art Business with a rich 250-year history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible fitness funds, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, driving innovation in the art world while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of industry experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in charity projects.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
The Head of Sale Management is a key role to the European 20/21 cluster to plan and manage the programming and operations for PWC, IMP, MTB, PRINTS, ME. The Head of Sale Management is responsible for coordination of Calendar, Catalogue production, Marketing, Events & Event committee submissions, Tours, Pre Sale set up and viewing. Office Management and liaison with Operations. Allocation Disputes & Stock management and will be responsible for the project management of Collections, Single Owner & Charity sales, and cluster collaborations and partnerships. The role is focused on operations and logistics partnering internally with departments who support the sales.
How You’ll Make an Impact
- Lead the coordination of tours and exhibitions for sale highlights and liaise with centralized tour coordinator, including monitoring spend against budget.
- Responsible for communicating sale, tour, marketing and viewing deadlines within departments.
- Lead the relationship with marketing for lot specific marketing and general sale marketing.
- Oversee the sale calendar and viewing schedules for the departments, working closely with Operations, Heads of Department and Business Management.
- Liaise with client strategy and events to compile the Events calendar for the departments, including tracking the proposed spend against budget.
- Partner with the European offices to support engagement and projects.
- Responsible for overseeing Catalogue production in collaboration with the publishing team manage catalogue elements to budget.
- Approve all catalogue elements related to compliance and general sale information.
- Support the pre-sale view set up arrangements with Operations, including baize/painting/plinths needed for galleries as well as install of oversized and heavy sculptures.
- Inventory control: proactively work with Specialists, Sale Coordinators and Logistics to clear old inventory and action property in breach of Inventory Policy.
- Oversee the apprenticeship program and support sale teams with management of internship and work experience program and allocate resource to ensure sales can be delivered effectively and on time.
- Further development scope may include taking on further team management in the coordination group.
- Maintain relationships with critical auction business partners to ensure all functions run smoothly.
- Support BM and RMD during sale week, including preparing sale week communications and logistics, including supporting extended payment terms.
- Collaborate with Business Manager and internal Subject Matter Experts (i.e. Art Transport, Business Support, Client Accounting, Client Team Leads and Legal) to resolve issues and define new process.
- Support Charity Projects including cross collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, overseeing the objectives, enhanced due diligence, and the impact of these projects.
- Monitor with the business team how we market charity consignments in line with the rules and regulations in the Middle East.
- Implement best practice across sales and make recommendations to Business Manager and implement continuous improvement initiatives, including drafting and communicating process changes.
- Purchase orders approval process, property movement.
- Support Department Coordination, including office management, preparation of cluster and department presentation materials and support sale week tasks where necessary.
- Support any other cluster or sale management tasks as designated by management.
What you’ll bring to the team
- Relevant bachelor’s degree and three plus years industry experience.
- Be a highly organized individual, who can think outside of the box and readily adapt to changes.
- Be able to effectively lead and develop a team and build strong working relationships across departments.
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong Project management skills including ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage multiple processes.
- Strong ability to monitor task progress and ensure consistency in approach.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple groups and sites.
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to creatively problem solve.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong knowledge of JDE, COS, Canvas and Page-Proof software.
What’s great about working for us
- 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave.
- Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in additional to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family.
- Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on.
- Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you.
- Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about.
- Flexible Fitness Fund – £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable).
- Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues.
- Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year).
- Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s).
- Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members.
- Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost).
- Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months.
- Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day.
- Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling.
- Eyecare vouchers (once a year).
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops.
- Robust family first policy: 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave.
- Four-day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave.
- Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year.
- The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time.
Head of Sale Management employer: Theartgorgeous
Contact Detail:
Theartgorgeous Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sale Management
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Christie's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to integrity, excellence, innovation, responsibility, and relationships will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the art industry and connect with professionals who have experience in auction houses or similar environments. Attend art events, exhibitions, and seminars to build relationships that could lead to valuable insights or referrals for the Head of Sale Management position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples where you've successfully coordinated complex operations or events. Highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively across departments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in the art market and be prepared to discuss how these could impact Christie's operations. Demonstrating your knowledge of current industry developments will show your passion for the role and your proactive approach to staying informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sale Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sales management and project coordination. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage multiple processes effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the art industry and how your skills align with Christie's values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, and Relationships. Mention specific achievements that showcase your project management and client service skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Mention your familiarity with software like JDE, COS, Canvas, and Page-Proof, as these are important for the role.
Showcase Team Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you have successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build strong working relationships across departments, which is crucial for the Head of Sale Management position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Theartgorgeous
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Sale Management role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as project management, inventory control, and collaboration with various departments. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Given the emphasis on organisation in this role, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects or tasks simultaneously. Highlight your ability to prioritise and adapt to changing circumstances, as these are crucial skills for the position.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role, so be ready to showcase your verbal and written communication skills. You might want to prepare a few anecdotes that illustrate how you've successfully communicated with different stakeholders in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare Questions About Company Culture
Christie’s values integrity, excellence, innovation, responsibility, and relationships. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in their company culture and how you can contribute to it. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in being a part of their team and upholding their values.