- Location
- Geneva Geneva Switzerland
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Department
- Supply Chain, Logistics & Inventory
- 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 Shipping Coordinator provides shipping expertise and service across Pre-Sale and Post-Sale operations, coordinating secure, timely and cost-effective logistics for luxury goods and rarities in compliance with applicable regulations. The role manages shipments from quotation through final delivery and requires flexibility to work overtime and weekends when necessary.
Role & Responsibilities
- Arrange shipping and associated logistics for all property.
- Work closely with Pre-Sale and Post-Sale colleagues to deliver an integrated, consistent and exceptional client experience.
- Monitor and execute quotation requests in a timely manner, in line with established service levels.
- Serve as a direct point of contact for buyers after Sotheby’s auctions, handling Post-Sale shipping enquiries, requests and follow-ups by phone and email.
- Manage the end-to-end Post-Sale shipping process for purchased lots, from the initial client enquiry and quotation through collection, export, communication, tracking and final delivery.
- Respond to and resolve shipping and logistics enquiries and issues.
- Obtain quotations from shippers and related service providers, then select the most suitable option for internal and external clients.
- Assess and verify proposed shipment requirements, including transport method and packing, and enter or validate the information in the system.
- Apply for CITES licences and other applicable licences, as appropriate.
- For accepted client offers where Sotheby’s arranges shipping, and for approved transfers, contact vendors and issue instructions for packing, local transport, shipping and security.
- Determine and apply appropriate customs tariff classifications for internationally traded property.
- Monitor shipment progress, liaise with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve problems promptly, and keep interested parties informed of shipment status.
- Liaise with the Manager to provide input on shipper performance and the maintenance of service-level requirements and KPIs.
- Ship in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate property and arrange consolidated shipments to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
- Maintain and scan all required shipment documentation in accordance with department procedures.
- Prepare customs documents and submit them to the appropriate regulatory bodies or shippers, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
- Coordinate and execute interoffice transfers to international offices, and send pre-alerts to Shipping Coordinators in those offices to support efficient delivery of property.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of international shipping experience.
- Fluency in English and French is mandatory.
- Strong knowledge of international shipping and logistics, including import/export procedures, customs regulations, transportation methods and current packing methods.
- Action-oriented, with the skills and aptitude to excel in a fast-paced, client-focused and deadline-driven environment.
- Proactive communication and a solution-oriented approach.
- Comfort speaking with clients and client-facing teams.
- Excellent client service skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate across all organizational levels.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned tasks.
- Strong organizational skills to set priorities, multitask and meet deadlines.
- Experience in fine art, luxury goods or high-value shipping is an advantage; additional language skills are also an advantage.
- Prior experience with SAP is an advantage.
- Flexibility to work overtime and weekends when necessary is required.
Skills
Experience
2–3 years of international shipping experience; experience in fine art, luxury goods or high-value shipping is an advantage. Prior experience with SAP is an advantage.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Workplace
The role is situated in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Explore jobs in Geneva or in Switzerland.
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.