- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Manager
- Compensation
- $100,000–130,000/year
- Department
- Wholesale, Commercial & B2B Sales
- 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 Partnership Development Manager to develop revenue-generating partnerships and lead brand activations, proposals, partner accounts, and operational delivery across digital, physical, and content channels. The role requires 7+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree; proposed base salary is $100,000–$130,000, with discretionary bonus eligibility and a competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop partnership formats and strategies focused on revenue generation and business development.
- Drive the strategic development of immersive brand activations across digital, physical, and content partnerships.
- Support partner acquisition through outreach and prospecting.
- Lead pitches.
- Conceptualize, develop, and present partnership proposals with compelling storylines, research, and strategic insights.
- Execute partnership deals end to end, serving as the primary account manager from inception through completion.
- Nurture and support partners, advising on processes, market opportunities, and strategic collaboration.
- Manage activation operations, including logistics, regulations, buildout, permitting, and on-site execution.
- Oversee contract management, benefit fulfillment, financial control, invoicing, and reporting.
- Monitor partnership performance, analyze key metrics, and provide insights for continuous improvement.
- Prepare partnership reports, post-event feedback, and debriefs to measure ROI and optimize future partnerships.
- Oversee partner collateral across print, digital, and on-site signage.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Communications, Specialist Departments, Legal, Business Development, and Special Events to ensure communication and alignment.
- Identify the partnership package being offered and secure approved or pre-approved rights and benefits with internal local stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Creative and strategic thinker able to develop innovative partnerships that drive brand engagement and revenue.
- Strong sales and negotiation skills, with experience leading pitches and closing high-value deals.
- Project and account management expertise, including oversight of complex activations and coordination of cross-functional teams.
- Results-driven, with the ability to set performance metrics, track ROI, and optimize partnerships for long-term success.
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solution-oriented approach to growth and identifying new opportunities.
- Detail-oriented and committed to best-in-class execution.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Passion for the art world and luxury industry is a plus.
Skills
Experience
7+ years of experience in partnership marketing, business development, or account management, with a proven ability to secure and execute high-impact brand collaborations.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
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 100,000 to USD 130,000 per annum.
Benefits
Discretionary bonus eligibility 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.