Sotheby's Private Sales 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

• Build lasting relationships and act as a trusted advisor to Swiss and international clients buying or selling collector cars privately and at auction.
• Help clients pursue their passion, build or divest their collections, and make financial or portfolio decisions.
• Own and develop a personal client book, managing the Swiss private sales pipeline from first contact through completion.
• Work with the Managing Director, Private Sales, to grow RM Sotheby's Private Sales revenue and market share in Switzerland.
• Generate revenue through consignments for private sales and Sealed, including identifying collector cars for future inventory and selling cars in inventory.
• Generate revenue by providing appraisals for estate planning, financing, insurance, and other client needs.
• Promote existing private sale consignments, Sealed sales, and events to current and prospective clients.
• Represent RM Sotheby's as a brand ambassador at events in Switzerland, across Europe, and at key international events.
• Generate and develop new clients through networking, referrals, and follow-up on assigned leads.
• Work with the research department to communicate the history, provenance, and unique selling features of private sale consignments.
• Handle client information with complete discretion and maintain timely, up-to-date records of sales calls, client contacts, and meeting details.
• Carry out other activities assigned by the employer related to generating revenue through motor car transactions.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in collector car sales, auctions, dealing, or a closely related luxury or alternative-assets field, with a track record of closing transactions.
• Strong knowledge of the collector car market and an established or growing network within the Swiss collector community.
• Fluent English, plus fluent German and/or French; Italian is a plus.
• Right to work in Switzerland.
• Absolute discretion and sound judgement when dealing with UHNW clients and confidential information.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Switzerland and Europe, and to key international events.
• Highly organised and self-motivated, comfortable working autonomously and using a CRM.

Skills

Experience

Several years in collector car sales, auctions, dealing, or a closely related luxury or alternative-assets field, with a track record of closing transactions.

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.