Business Manager, Old Master Group (Maternity Cover)

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.

• Review all non-standard financial deals and approve as necessary, escalating considerations to Global Managing Director as required.
• Ensure auction consignments conform to the agreed terms and conditions of sale and policies of ‘what we sell’.
• Preparation of financial packs for Significant Business Forum (SBF), ensuring a precise and timely approach ahead of submission.
• Partner with ICO on requests relating to guarantees, third party guarantees and advances.
• Provide insight and information to Finance Business Partner to enable pipeline updates, annual budgeting, forecasting, sale P&L and other reporting.
• Work with Finance Business Partner to ensure that all statistics are available for each sale to enable adequate and accurate debriefings post-sale.
• Maintain profitability through monitoring deal and sale related costs and identifying possible areas for increased margin.
• Track touring budget for London Auction property.
• Participate in the implementation of the Old Master Group’s global business plan.
• Deliver internal communications for significant events, including policy, staffing, best practices and strategic changes.
• Implement improvements to operational systems for the cluster, working closely with regional management to ensure consistent approach.
• Provide financial information and analysis in the form of reports or ad hoc statistics, looking at key performance indicators such as sales performance, and market share and market trends, for department or Global Managing Director use as appropriate, in order to support business getting and strategy development.
• Prepare and complete Specialist Tracker information for all sales on seller / consignment side.
• Work with Heads of Sale and Legal team to review and action ongoing disputes.
• Liaise with counterparts in New York and Paris to ensure best practice across roles and processes.
• Work with the Global Managing Director to support the development and delivery of offsites and department reviews.
• Act as an ambassador for the cluster, being a visible supporter of the overall strategy direction.
• Partner with Global Managing Director to identify staffing needs, long term development plans and succession planning across all areas of the team.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, objective setting; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Review and approve travel and expenses in alignment with corporate policies.
• Conduct performance reviews and set objectives and development plans in line with overall cluster and corporate objectives.
• Oversee consultants and ensure agreements and invoices are communicated in a timely manner.
• Manage overtime effectively.

Honours degree or equivalent. 3-5 years relevant work experience, with solid commercial and business experience. Highly numerate with good financial skills and the ability to manage cost activities across multiple cost centres. Commercially aware with a clear sense of business priority. Demonstrated proactive, collaborative approach. Experience in delivering strong management and leadership to stakeholders. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from colleagues and clients. Problem solving skills. Negotiation skills. Proven influencing skills (written and verbal). Calm and positive manner. Excellent client service skills. Knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Word Processing and Presentation software. Ability to create and analyse Excel spreadsheets, bar graphs, reports and business correspondence. European languages beneficial (but not essential).

• 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave.
• Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition 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.
• Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution.

Christie’s is the world’s leading art business. Since 1766, we are known for our extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Every year, we offer around 350 live and online auctions in over 80 specialist categories – including all areas of fine and decorative arts, Asian art and luxury collectables – as well as a long and successful history of private sales. Contact us in 46 countries, or visit one of our 10 international salerooms in London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich and Shanghai.