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- Tasks: Coordinate pre-sale processes and deliver exceptional client service in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Sotheby’s, a prestigious auction house with a rich history since 1744.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in the art world while working in a dynamic team.
- Other info: This is a temporary role covering maternity leave, perfect for gaining industry insight.
- Why this job: Be part of a global network and contribute to high-profile sales in luxury art.
- Qualifications: Degree in business administration preferred; strong communication and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception.
THE ROLE Sotheby’s is looking for an experienced Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator to own the administration of sales in accordance with company policies and best practices while delivering high-quality client service. This dynamic role is ideal for a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys multi-tasking and organizational tasks whilst coordinating all key processes leading up to the sales. The role holder will support sales across departments. This is a 9-month temporary maternity leave cover.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working with other business areas to respond to client enquiries, resolve client issues and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
- Liaising with clients and managing their property throughout the sale cycle.
- Communicating with clients, shipping coordinators and Sotheby’s Regional Offices to facilitate inbound shipments, obtain export licenses and arrange customs clearance in line with sale deadlines.
- Managing consignment terms and issuing contracts in preparation for live, online sales and private sales.
- Working closely with the Legal department and Business Manager/Director on sale agreements with complex, highly managed terms.
- Acting as a liaison between the Specialist department and support departments such as Legal, Compliance, Risk, Tax, Payments and Post Sales.
- Coordinating Travelling exhibitions in partnership with the Departments, Pre-Sale Shipping team and Business Managers/Directors.
- Working with Specialists, Compliance and Shipping to track all outstanding compliance issues and ensure they are resolved according to catalogue and sale deadlines.
- Collaborating with Business Manager/Director with regards to guarantees and irrevocable bids, making sure all due diligence requirements are met.
- Arranging for the property to be authenticated, where necessary, in line with the various committee deadlines.
- Working with Regional Offices to coordinate the movement of property via London for other sale locations (export for sale and return shipments).
- Coordinating extended payment terms being offered in conjunction with Post Sale Manager and Business Manager/Director.
- Work on non-systematic terms following the auction and managing complex settlement requirements.
- Facilitating financial transactions in compliance with Sotheby’s Corporate Governance.
- Coordinating post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and cancelled sales.
- Obtaining and actioning recommendations for unsold property and facilitating the handover for shipment and/or collection to the Post-Sale team.
- Coordinating the movement of the property internally and externally for third-party services (such as restorers, external experts, authentication committees, photographers).
- Processing Purchase Orders (completing forms and obtaining authorisation before ordering goods and services).
- Monitoring and processing House Property and Temporary Admission (TA) property quarterly.
- Managing Aged Inventory by coordinating bi-annual reviews of department aged inventory.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Degree holder in business administration or equivalent field preferred.
- At least 1+ years’ experience in business administration and/or client service.
- Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage challenging deadlines.
- A pragmatic approach to problems, with excellent resourcefulness.
- Enthusiastic with an ability to think on your feet and remain calm under pressure.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Prior experience with SAP is an advantage.
- Strong knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, Outlook.
Temporary Pre-Sale Coordinator in London employer: Sotheby's
Contact Detail:
Sotheby's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Pre-Sale Coordinator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the art and luxury sectors. Attend events, exhibitions, or even online webinars where you can meet people from Sotheby’s or similar companies. You never know who might have a lead on a temporary role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sotheby’s and its sales processes. Familiarise yourself with their selling categories and recent auctions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the Pre-Sale Coordinator role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure, as this is key for the fast-paced environment at Sotheby’s.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sotheby’s team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Pre-Sale Coordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pre-Sale Coordinator role. Highlight your relevant experience in client service and business administration, and show us how you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with clients and various departments, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: We love candidates who are highly organised and detail-oriented. In your application, give examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects successfully, especially under tight deadlines.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sotheby's
✨Know Your Art and Luxury Market
Familiarise yourself with Sotheby’s selling categories, especially those relevant to the Pre-Sale Coordinator role. Brush up on current trends in contemporary art, jewellery, and collectibles. This knowledge will help you engage confidently during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Client Service Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your exceptional client service experience. Think of specific situations where you resolved client issues or enhanced their experience. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage client relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Use real-life examples to illustrate your organisational skills and how you prioritise tasks. This is crucial for the role, so showing you can keep everything on track will impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Systems and Tools
If you have experience with SAP or similar systems, make sure to mention it. Also, be prepared to discuss your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word. Highlighting your technical skills will show you’re ready to hit the ground running.