- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Compensation
- $70,000–90,000/year
- Department
- Merchandising, Buying & Planning
- Posted
- Nov 10, 2026
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.
Sotheby's seeks a Handbag Specialist to source, authenticate, and value luxury bags and accessories for auctions and its Buy Now Marketplace, while developing client relationships and partnering with internal teams. The role includes regional business development, Private Sale activity, client pricing and consignment advice, auction analysis, and regular travel throughout the U.S. Proposed base salary is $70,000–$90,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Source luxury bags and accessories for auctions and the Buy Now Marketplace.
- Generate auction business in New York and across the region, contribute to major U.S. selling locations, and support the Buy Now Marketplace.
- Drive Private Sale activity in the region, including organizing Private Sale exhibitions in U.S. markets.
- Inspect and authenticate properties in the U.S.
- Work with the Head of Department and Marketing teams to promote auctions and Marketplace initiatives.
- Reach out to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships.
- Engage with Sotheby’s Relationship Managers to ensure internal awareness of sales in the category.
- Provide regular auction data analysis to the Head of Department.
- Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for U.S. clientele.
- Provide consignors with pricing, consignment terms, and other deal-specific information.
- Ensure product photography is executed properly.
- Collaborate with team Administrators and Coordinators to facilitate smooth information handoffs and positive client experiences.
- Participate in regular pipeline meetings to keep the Head of Department informed of progress across Auction and Marketplace channels.
- Travel regularly throughout the U.S.
Qualifications
- Proven experience managing client portfolios and driving sales.
- Experience authenticating and valuing handbags.
- Experience in an auction house, ecommerce business, or second-hand luxury shop.
- Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories.
- Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses.
- Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful client relationships.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a busy, global team.
- Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion.
- Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite; tech-savvy.
Skills
Workplace
This position is based in New York, New York, USA.
Explore jobs in New York or in the USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 70,000 to USD 90,000 per annum.
Benefits
Eligible candidates may receive a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
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.