Christie's Business Manager

About Christie's

Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.

Role & Responsibilities

• Directly manage Sale Coordinators, Department Coordinators, and temporary staff, including hiring and training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, setting development plans, and resolving challenges.
• Partner with the Business Director and Department Heads on staffing needs, workload management, and succession planning.
• Allocate coordinator and temporary resources across sales and projects.
• Provide operational support and guidance to sale teams and coordinators.
• Communicate regularly to clarify priorities, deliverables, deadlines, and departmental initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with business partners in operations, publishing, finance, marketing, and legal to support sales.
• Coordinate with external support teams, troubleshoot issues, and define and implement process improvements.
• Work with Sale Coordinators to manage information flow, deadlines, deliverables, and the accuracy of sale-related information and commitments.
• Resolve operational issues and escalate them where necessary.
• Work with sale teams, marketing, publishing, and other stakeholders to meet key sale deadlines.
• Oversee sale execution to ensure deadlines, compliance requirements, and operational milestones are met.
• Oversee and approve consignment agreements within the role’s level of authority.
• Assist the Regional Managing Director and Business Director in providing the Finance Business Partner with information for financial reporting, including sale forecast updates, budgeting, and quarterly forecasts.
• Support the Business Director in preparing documentation for deals requiring elevated approvals.
• Work with Sale Coordinators to review and approve lot withdrawals and associated fees and charges, cancelled sales below a certain threshold, post-sale settlement amendments, client settlements, and damage claim costs.
• Manage the catalogue to the budget provided by Content.
• Approve purchase orders.
• Approve property movement and associated costs.
• Approve catalogue elements relating to compliance and general sale information.
• Review client charges to ensure costs are correctly captured and entered, and act as an escalation point for over-budget spending.
• Control inventory by working proactively with Specialists, Sale Coordinators, and Logistics to clear old inventory and address property in breach of the Inventory Policy.
• Manage and resolve client concerns in coordination with client contacts and internal departments.
• Work with the sale team and credit to monitor payment terms and other sale financials.
• Participate in and recommend strategic initiatives, and lead them where appropriate, as directed by the Regional Managing Director or Business Director, including opportunities for growth.
• Work with the Regional Managing Director, Business Director, and Heads of Department to prepare and deliver internal and external communications for significant events, covering policy, staffing, best practices, and strategic changes.
• Develop and implement departmental operational-system improvements with support departments and the international team to maintain a consistent global approach.
• Work with the Business Director to monitor and mitigate outstanding risk and identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with external departments to ensure appropriate support and implementation of the business plan.
• Provide competitive analysis and insight on market segments.
• Undertake other duties as defined by the manager.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of work experience, preferably in auctions or an equivalent field.
• A proactive, collaborative approach.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to solve practical problems and handle varied concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
• Knowledge of Outlook, Excel, word-processing, and presentation software.
• Ability to create and analyze Excel spreadsheets, bar graphs, and reports, and prepare business correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from colleagues and clients.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years of work experience, preferably in auctions or an equivalent field.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 80,000 to USD 90,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and dependents, with Christie’s paying an average of 80% of total premiums; 401(k) matching contributions up to 5%, subject to IRS limits; life insurance equal to 3 times base salary up to $400,000, paid entirely by Christie’s; disability insurance paid entirely by Christie’s; generous time-off and leave policies, including up to 16 weeks of 100% paid family leave; fitness-fee and membership reimbursement up to $600 per year; annual discretionary performance bonus plan; pre-tax commuter benefits with a $21 monthly Christie’s contribution; up to 10 days of backup child or elder care through Bright Horizons; one paid CSR day per year for charity work; perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.

Culture

Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.