Sotheby's Handbags Specialist

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

• Develop business for auctions in Dubai and across the region, contribute to major European selling locations, and support the Buy-Now Marketplace.
• Drive regional Private Sale activity, including organizing Private Sale exhibitions in the Middle East.
• Inspect and authenticate properties in the Middle East.
• Work with the Head of Department and Marketing teams to promote auctions and Marketplace initiatives.
• Build relationships through outreach to auction bidders and buyers.
• Reach out to 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 Middle East clientele.
• Provide consignors with pricing, consignment terms, and other deal-specific information.
• Ensure product photography is executed properly.
• Work with team Administrators and Coordinators to ensure smooth information handoffs and positive client experiences.
• Participate in regular pipeline meetings to update the Head of Department on progress across Auction and Marketplace channels.
• Travel regularly throughout the Middle East and Europe.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing client portfolios and driving sales.
• Experience as a handbag authenticator and valuer.
• Experience in an auction house, ecommerce business, or second-hand luxury shop.
• At least five years of professional experience within the GCC region.
• Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories.
• Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful client relationships.
• A problem-solving mindset, with the ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a demanding environment.
• 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.
• Arabic language skills are highly valued.
• French language skills are highly advantageous; other European language skills are highly valued.

Skills

Experience

At least five years of professional experience within the GCC region; experience managing client portfolios and driving sales, authenticating and valuing handbags, and working in an auction house, ecommerce business, or second-hand luxury shop.

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.