Sotheby's Head of Private Sales, Watches

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

• Drive growth in private sale transactions within Watches.
• Originate, negotiate and execute private sale transactions, using Sotheby's global network and client base to identify opportunities.
• Lead sourcing and origination of exceptional watch property for private sale and auction through personal networks, market intelligence and Sotheby's global platform.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of private sale opportunities through proactive client engagement and business development.
• Work with Private Sales Strategy, Client Development and Specialist teams to identify client priorities, create action plans and generate transaction opportunities.
• Provide exceptional service and build relationships with new and existing ultra-high-net-worth clients, collectors, dealers, advisors and other market participants.
• Source property for private sale and identify opportunities to place property with current and prospective buyers.
• Participate in pricing, valuation and transaction discussions relating to private sale property.
• Collaborate across departments and categories to maximise cross-selling and client engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions and opportunities in Sotheby's systems.
• Identify opportunities to move property and clients between auction and private channels to maximise commercial outcomes for clients and Sotheby's.
• Partner with auction teams to leverage opportunities across auction and private sale channels.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies to grow Watches private sales revenue.
• Identify new business opportunities, emerging market trends and collecting behaviours to support commercial growth.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of Watches market dynamics and competitive activity, applying insights to identify opportunities and inform strategy.
• Work with leadership and specialist teams on initiatives to attract new clients and deepen existing relationships.
• Support Watches events, exhibitions, partnerships, private selling initiatives and other activities that generate opportunities and raise market visibility.
• Represent client interests and market intelligence in business planning and growth discussions.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key collectors, buyers, consignors, advisors and industry contacts.
• Manage strategic client and market-participant relationships within Watches, developing tailored approaches to acquisition, retention and transaction activity.
• Deliver a highly personalised, consultative client experience.
• Advise clients by providing market insight, collecting expertise and transaction guidance.
• Collaborate with Client Development colleagues to identify and engage priority clients globally.
• Represent Sotheby's and Watches as an ambassador internally and externally.
• Maintain a visible presence in the Watches market by attending fairs, exhibitions, industry events, client functions and other relevant activities.
• Build relationships with key industry stakeholders to enhance Sotheby's visibility and access to commercial opportunities.
• Support departmental initiatives to engage new audiences and grow awareness of Watches.
• Contribute to media, content, social media and thought-leadership opportunities where appropriate.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in luxury goods, art, collectibles or related markets.
• Demonstrated success originating and executing high-value transactions and developing strong client relationships.
• Deep understanding of the luxury market and its participants.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to identify opportunities and convert them into revenue.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Proven ability to build credibility and trust with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across departments and regions.
• Numerate and detail-oriented.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and relevant business systems.
• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Additional language skills are advantageous.

Skills

Experience

At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in luxury goods, art, collectibles or related markets.

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.

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.