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- Tasks: Lead and innovate Sotheby's retail operations across Europe and the Middle East.
- Company: Join Sotheby's, the world's premier destination for art and luxury since 1744.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the luxury client experience and drive impactful change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in luxury retail with strong leadership and analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team committed to inclusivity and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About Sotheby's 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 The VP of Europe and Middle East Retail Operations is responsible for leading the development and execution of Sotheby's omnichannel retail strategy, including oversight and coordination of salon experience, staff, and operations; pre- and post-sale logistics; sales reporting; and partnership across multiple corporate functions and categories to grow the omnichannel retail business and create a seamless and best-in-class luxury client journey. You will design, lead, and oversee initiatives to acquire new clients and increase retention and value of existing clients, grounded in data and enabled by a variety of client engagement tactics. You will oversee the delivery of services and experiences virtually and in person, and ensure visibility and traffic flow from our digital properties to our salons. You will work internally and externally to be the voice of retail and work to connect the dots between retail and the full Sotheby's ecosystem, regionally and globally.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, develop, and motivate the teams in the retail salon, creating a culture of luxury, performance, and client-centricity.
- Define, implement, and continually improve retail operations and technology across salons in London, Paris, Zurich, and any future salon locations within the region.
- Collaborate with luxury marketplace teams globally to ensure visibility of salon merchandise across our digital platforms to drive traffic to salon locations.
- Standardize operational processes and apply continuous improvement methodologies to grow and improve the business results and elevate the client experience.
- Enable quick and seamless pre- and post-sale logistics processes.
- Use data to make decisions and form business cases, centered around a strong understanding of unit economics, tying back to the balance sheet and overall P&L.
- Work with internal analytics and marketing functions to pursue performance marketing initiatives that drive traffic and sales to salon properties.
- Alongside internal partners, develop community and vendor relationships that drive business growth.
Ideal Experience & Competencies
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA is desired.
- 10+ years in luxury and/or omnichannel retail with experience in clienteling, digital engagement, hospitality and/or client experience a plus.
- Proven track record in driving scalable change and business transformations.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and change – retail is an emergent function within Sotheby's and an entrepreneurial mindset is preferred.
- Willingness to continuously improve, develop, and understand industry best practices and a desire to stay ahead of the curve and at the forefront of innovation.
- Have experience managing teams; experience managing retail teams a plus.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team (local and global).
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Be proactive/motivated/confident/forward thinking and efficient, with a good eye for detail and ability to prioritise tasks and to meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
- Fluent in English essential, other languages beneficial.
Locations
VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations employer: Sotheby's
Contact Detail:
Sotheby's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that VP role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements in luxury retail and omnichannel strategies. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the unexpected! Retail is always evolving, so be prepared to discuss how you can adapt and innovate in response to changes in the market. Show them you're not just a follower but a leader in the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Sotheby’s team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace VP Europe and Middle East Salon Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP role. Highlight your experience in luxury retail and omnichannel strategies, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve client experiences. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. Sotheby’s values creativity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for art and luxury in a way that feels true to you.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sotheby's
✨Know Your Art and Luxury
Familiarise yourself with Sotheby’s history and its role in the art and luxury market. Understand the different categories they deal with, from Contemporary Art to collectible cars. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a retail or luxury environment. Highlight your ability to create a client-centric culture and drive performance. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented that resulted in measurable improvements.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves using data to inform business decisions, come prepared with examples of how you've used analytics in past roles. Discuss how you’ve tied data insights back to business outcomes, especially in terms of client engagement and sales growth.
✨Be Ready for Change
Sotheby’s is looking for someone comfortable with ambiguity and change. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated challenges in fast-paced environments. Share your entrepreneurial mindset and how it has helped you adapt and thrive in previous roles.
