Client Liaison and Gallery Associate

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 including 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 Client Liaison and Gallery Associate ensures a seamless and welcoming experience for clients visiting Sotheby’s Zurich gallery. The role also focuses on client liaison, supporting pre- and post-sale activities, assisting specialists, and contributing to gallery operations and events. The position may also include occasional administrative or operational support as needed, helping to maintain consistent standards across Sotheby’s European offices.

Responsibilities

• Organize pipeline management meetings with the GFA team to review sourcing initiatives and ongoing activity.
• Support client requests related to property management, including consignments, pre- and post-sale administration, bid registration and execution, loan requests, transactional history, accounts, and valuations.
• Coordinate and execute the pre-sale targeting strategy for global auctions.
• Track and maintain pre-sale target lists, current and potential consignment lists, buyer and under-bidder results, and artist sourcing projects in collaboration with relevant specialists.
• Monitor the consignment process before and after sales to ensure a seamless selling experience and high sell-through rates.
• Maintain communication with departments such as Shipping, Client Accounts, Events, preferred other specialist departments, and European and global salerooms to guarantee a smooth process and consistently high client service.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction processes, as well as Private Sales, to communicate effectively with existing and potential clients.
• Assist Specialists during client visits, valuations, and proposals. Maintain and update accurate client lists for mailings, invitations, and general engagement.
• Assist with the setting up of the gallery for exhibitions and events and with the organization of events in the gallery and off site as required.
• Serve as the first point of contact for clients visiting Sotheby’s gallery, providing high-level information on exhibitions and ensuring exceptional service.
• Represent the Company as a Brand Ambassador, creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for current and prospective clients.
• Facilitate and enhance the in-person experience across all front-of-house spaces at Sotheby’s gallery.
• Answer and direct incoming and outgoing communications, including phone calls, emails, and mail.
• Assist clients with general inquiries using up-to-date knowledge of the Company’s international sale and exhibition calendars, special events, and departments.
• Manage administrative procedures related to consignments destined for auction or private sales and set up new client accounts when necessary, coordinating with relevant parties to generate contracts.
• Ensure timely opening and closing of the gallery and coordinate with Specialist and Non-Specialist departments to meet client needs effectively.
• Maintain accurate records of ongoing consignments, liaise with the selling office on dates, lot numbers, and prices, and keep sellers informed.
• Ensure the gallery is well presented at all times, keep the master file, inventory, and events calendar consistently updated, and follow front-of-house attire standards during working hours.
• Post and park invoices using Concur.
• Provide support to the Head of Offices in Switzerland with general office management tasks, including supplies, internal coordination, and ad hoc administrative requests.
• Support occasional projects or initiatives as requested by the Head of Offices and assist with shipping and logistics as needed.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge, passion, and commitment to the Art and Luxury fields locally and internationally.
• Degree holder or equivalent (Art or Luxury-related master’s/bachelor’s preferable).
• Fluent in English and German mandatory; French would be a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service.
• Ability to work effectively individually and in a team, and in a cross-department organization.
• Flexible approach to a wide range of tasks and proven ability to meet deadlines.

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, sexual orientation, 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.