Sotheby's Associate Business Manager

About Sotheby's

Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support the deal pipeline to drive sales and accountability, collaborating actively with internal stakeholders.
• Support, manage, and track auction consignments, including related legal agreements with the Legal team, with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Support annual budget planning and regular forecasting in partnership with Paris Business Management.
• Develop revenue and expense financial models to support consignments across all revenue streams, approving or escalating where appropriate.
• Prepare client-facing deal communications and engage with clients on commercial terms when required.
• Serve as the first business point of contact for negotiations involving consignments, vendors, consultants, or other third parties, including related legal agreements with the Legal team, with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Translate financial results and KPIs into operational recommendations to optimize the business.
• Manage sale and department expenses, with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
• Regularly review and develop plans for Sotheby's inventory in partnership with Operations and Finance teams.
• Act in a client-facing capacity and as an internal conduit to troubleshoot pre- and post-sale issues.
• Support senior management as a strategic partner by reviewing competitive analysis, maintaining market share reporting, and analyzing deal-making trends.
• Research potential additional revenue streams and partner with key internal stakeholders to develop business plans.
• Collaborate to propose, manage, and implement efficiencies, integration, and adoption of new IT and digital improvements aligned with the role's responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in business management, banking, finance, or consulting.
• Written and spoken French and English.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to present succinctly to stakeholders from varied backgrounds.
• Prior deal or contract negotiation experience preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask.
• Creative problem-solving ability, energy, and persistence.
• Confident team player able to work effectively independently in ambiguous situations.
• Prior art experience is not required; an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.

Skills

Experience

At least 4 years of professional experience in business management, banking, finance, or consulting.

Education

Bachelor's degree required.

Culture

Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.

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.