Associate Specialist, Contemporary London

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

Source and sell works for the Contemporary Art Sales, demonstrating extensive knowledge, passion and commitment to the field.

Responsibilities

• Cataloguing and researching items for Contemporary Art Sales.
• Providing expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines.
• Writing scholarly catalogue entries and condition reports.
• Assisting and co-ordinating research, both internally and with external experts.
• Assisting with paste-ups and layouts.
• Liaising with the necessary support departments.
• Sourcing works for sale, including overseas travel as appropriate.
• Aid in meeting sales and net profit targets for particular sales.
• Contributing to strategic long-term business development.
• Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally.
• Maintaining high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities.
• Contributing towards authentication and all aspects of pre- and post-sale processes.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate governance.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• In-depth art market knowledge and awareness, with a focus on Contemporary Art.
• Degree holder or equivalent (Art-related masters preferable).
• Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process, procedures & systems.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team and to 'pitch in' when required.
• Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks.
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service, strong client relationship management skills and a sensitive approach to problem solving.
• Possess high levels of integrity and be able to operate within corporate governance and legal framework.
• Good organisational skills with proven ability to work to deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in spoken and written English, ideally with an additional European language.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.