At a Glance
- Tasks: Create compelling proposals and pitch materials while managing projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join Sotheby’s, a leader in the luxury arts and auction industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities to mentor junior writers.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-stakes projects that shape the future of luxury sales.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of writing experience and a passion for the arts and luxury industries.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Proposals department, situated within the Global marketing division, encompasses new business development projects such as bespoke proposals, presentations, Invitations to Consign and other pitch materials. These projects help secure the company’s most important sale consignments, corporate ventures and creative collaborations. The team also provides a breadth of templates, resources and insights to the global salesforce, to support broader pitching and client communications.
The Senior Writer & Project Manager will be responsible for managing projects from start to finish with a high level of autonomy – attending briefs with internal clients, writing the majority of document copy, editing contributed copy, coordinating with an assigned Designer, and managing sign-off processes with our internal clients. The Senior Writer & Project Manager will also act as an editor for more junior members of the team, supporting and coaching them on their projects. An unwavering attention to detail, rigor in execution and a proven ability to think creatively, strategically and analytically about new business pitches are fundamental to the success of this role.
Responsibilities- Plan, write and manage production of compelling, persuasive and highly bespoke proposal documents and pitch materials to tight deadlines – working closely with client teams, colleagues across marketing, creative and press divisions, and Manager/HoD.
- Work on further Marketing, Business Development and Client Development project proposals and materials as required.
- Collaborate closely with an assigned Designer on each respective project – selecting a base template, agreeing creative approach, production schedules and design work required.
- Research clients and contexts to tailor proposal content accordingly for each respective target consignment.
- Coordinate with a breadth of other departments as required to collate information and content required for each respective project, editing text supplied by other departments when required.
- Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business‑getters and colleagues across the marketing division. Maintain a thorough ongoing knowledge of their business goals, customer priorities, and competitive environment and in turn, help them to understand and embrace new business pitching approaches, moving from a regional to a global mindset.
- Provide advice and support to colleagues in the global salesforce working on their own proposals and pitches.
- Keep abreast of Sotheby’s and market developments, and help maintain, update and improve team systems and resource libraries (core text, media quotes, images, etc.).
- Identify gaps in research and market information, and opportunities for innovation.
- Assist with proof‑reading of other documents produced by colleagues.
- Support other global team members on urgent projects when necessary.
- Help maintain, update and improve base content used regularly in multiple proposals.
- Coordinate translation of project documents where necessary.
- Comfortable working flexibly, including outside core hours, to meet business deadlines.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- 5+ years’ experience as a writer in a professional capacity
- An interest in history, the arts and luxury industries and/or previous editorial experience in one of these industries preferred
- Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills
- A creative eye for page layouts, desktop publishing and design
- Solution‑oriented with strong process and project management skills
- A balance of strategic, analytical and creative thinking
- An unwavering attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as work independently
- Able to prioritize in complex, fast‑paced environment while working on a number of different and varied projects at one time to tight deadlines
- Highly motivated, organized, proactive, enthusiastic and resourceful
- Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
- Native written fluency in English essential; other languages would be beneficial but not essential
Temporary Senior Proposals Writer employer: Sotheby's
Sotheby’s offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about the arts and luxury industries. As a Temporary Senior Proposals Writer, you will enjoy the autonomy to manage impactful projects while receiving support for your professional growth through mentorship and training opportunities. Located within a prestigious global marketing division, Sotheby’s fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring that every team member contributes to the company's success in securing high-profile consignments and collaborations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Senior Proposals Writer
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Senior Proposals Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Sotheby's from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Sotheby's specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sotheby's
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Sotheby's, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show Sotheby's you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Sotheby's that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Sotheby's, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
