- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Director
- Department
- Finance, Accounting & Revenue Management
- 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.
The Lending Director is a core member of Sotheby’s Financial Services team, supporting loans originated in the UK and EMEA and promoting its financing services to internal colleagues and external clients. The role combines lending opportunity development, client relationship management, transaction structuring and execution, and collaboration on growth initiatives.
Role & Responsibilities
- Proactively source new lending opportunities in partnership with Sotheby’s relationship managers and other internal stakeholders.
- Analyze clients’ needs and objectives using qualitative and quantitative data; synthesize engagement strategies and initiate internal discussions about opportunities.
- Develop pitch book presentations and proposals that explain industry trends, discuss client options, and recommend innovative strategies to meet client goals.
- Tailor lending solutions to optimize for client needs while meeting return and risk requirements.
- Participate in structuring and negotiating transactions, coordinating lending documentation, and executing transactions.
- Build on existing expertise to assume responsibility for client relationships and act as the primary client liaison within SFS.
- Work with executive management to identify and execute new growth initiatives.
- Partner with senior lending specialists to guide clients through the financing process.
- Participate in client negotiations from the initial lead stage through negotiation of final deal terms.
- Facilitate the creation of origination proposals and supporting financial analytics.
- Collaborate with Sotheby’s and SFS teams to ensure the smooth processing and servicing of loans.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA is a plus.
- 5+ years of professional experience in a client-facing lending, wealth management, or similar role focused on sales and relationship building and management.
- Prior experience as a relationship manager at a major auction house or gallery is a plus.
- Charisma, a professional demeanor, and a natural ability to connect with people internally and externally.
- A solution-oriented, self-directed mindset and working approach, with a bias towards action.
- Strong logical and analytical skills.
- Strong written and oral communication abilities.
- Prior art experience is not required; an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.
Skills
Experience
5+ years of professional experience in a client-facing lending, wealth management, or similar role focused on sales and relationship building and management.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA is a plus.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in London, England, UK.
Explore jobs in England or in the UK.
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.