- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Senior
- 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 Senior Partnerships Manager in New York to develop brand partnerships across industries, with a primary focus on automotive, and lead proposals, negotiations, and end-to-end partner activations. The role requires 10+ years of relevant experience; the proposed annual base salary is $100,000–$130,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Generate deal flow and source and acquire new best-in-class brand partners.
- Lead partnership pitches and outreach, developing compelling proposals based on Sotheby’s omnichannel partnership model and strategic insights.
- Develop creative scenarios to engage potential partners.
- Negotiate and close partnership deals, including contract drafting and invoicing.
- Own partnership execution end to end as account manager, tracking marketing deadlines, overseeing delivery, and managing the operational aspects of partner activations.
- Identify, secure, and obtain pre-approval for partnership rights and benefits with internal local stakeholders.
- Monitor partnership performance, analyze key metrics, and provide strategic insights for continuous optimization.
- Compile partnership reports and lead partner debriefs to measure ROI.
- Proactively nurture and support each partnership client and expert throughout contract details, serving as a key member of the client team across relationships.
- Liaise with RM Sotheby’s Senior Management, local and international offices, Business/Client Development, Specialist departments, Legal, Special Events, and Marketing.
- Maintain organization and independently arrange travel and meetings.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in automotive partnership marketing, sales, and business development, with a strong track record of closing high-value deals and driving revenue growth.
- Strong relationships across the automotive industry and relevant sectors, such as luxury goods and financial services.
- Creative and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative, forward-thinking partnerships that enhance brand engagement and visibility.
- Strong sales and negotiation skills, including experience leading pitches and securing complex agreements.
- Project and account management expertise, including overseeing large-scale activations, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering best-in-class execution.
- Results-driven approach, with skill in setting performance metrics, tracking ROI, and optimizing partnerships for long-term success.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive, solution-oriented approach to driving growth and identifying opportunities.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines.
- Proven ability to build and sustain professional relationships, deliver exceptional service, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
- Travel required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Skills
Experience
10+ years in automotive partnership marketing, sales, and business development.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
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
Successful candidates are eligible for a discretionary bonus 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.