Christie's Head of Sculpture Department

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

• Lead the global Sculpture team and shape the department’s sales strategy in partnership with the Global Managing Director, Regional Managing Directors, and specialists in London, Paris, and New York.
• Work with Business Management to devise and lead the global department strategy, implement growth strategies, meet sales, revenue, and profit targets, and align teams across London, Paris, and New York.
• Act as a global business getter for Sculpture, identifying and securing high-value works and masterpieces for auction and Private Sales; participate in hilling sessions and pricing meetings led by the Head of Sales.
• Lead global Private Sales strategy, sourcing, negotiation, and deal execution as required to support departmental profitability and growth.
• Win sale mandates and structure and negotiate commercially viable deals that increase profitability.
• Develop and nurture relationships with top-tier clients, dealers, and collectors globally; lead key client relationships and work with Client Strategy to build dedicated client teams.
• Balance client relationship allocations across the department to maintain manageable workloads and create development opportunities for junior team members.
• Partner with Regional Managing Directors to lead, mentor, and develop the global team of specialists and support staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure departmental activities comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, particularly those concerning cultural property and international trade; uphold rigorous provenance research and identify, assess, and mitigate reputational and operational risks.
• Introduce new opportunities and clients to the department and collaborate with business getters and groups to expand client relationships and grow revenue.
• Liaise with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations to use appraisals to generate long-term business opportunities, re-engage inactive clients, and secure major private collections.
• Identify internal and external stakeholders, dealers, academics, and other contacts, and cultivate productive networks.
• Collaborate with Heads of Sales in New York, London, and Paris, Business Management, the Commercial Office, other specialists, and Proposals on pitches and business-getting initiatives; lead Significant Business Forum discussions to approve terms as required.
• Represent the department externally through lectures, publications, and academic or cultural forums.
• Work with Marketing and Digital teams to enhance the department’s online presence, develop sales strategies, and engage new audiences through digital channels.
• Travel internationally for business development, department management, client visits, events, exhibitions, and art fairs.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (MA or higher) in Art History or a closely related field, with a recognized specialism in Sculpture, including Medieval, Renaissance, Early Modern and/or Modern Sculpture, is strongly preferred.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience in the international sculpture market, with authoritative knowledge of major artists, periods, materials, and scholarship, and deep familiarity with key collectors, institutions, and advisors.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.
• A strong record of delivering exceptional sales results and driving market leadership; skill in developing and executing strategic initiatives, with sound financial and commercial judgment.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and a history of structuring and closing complex, high-value deals.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with collectors, institutions, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly motivated team player with a proactive, adaptable approach to cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for business development, client engagement, and industry events.
• Proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

Skills

Experience

Extensive and demonstrable experience within the international sculpture market.

Education

Advanced degree (MA or higher) in Art History or a closely related field; a recognized specialism in Sculpture is strongly preferred.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 140,000 to USD 170,000 per annum.

Benefits

Comprehensive 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 at three times base salary up to $400,000, fully paid by Christie’s; disability insurance, fully paid by Christie’s; generous time-off and leave policies, including 100% paid family leave for up to 16 weeks; fitness-fee and membership reimbursement up to $600 per year; annual discretionary performance bonus plan; pre-tax commuter benefits and 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; 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.

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