Sotheby's Transport Coordinator

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

• Provide logistics and transportation expertise and service to internal and external clients for artworks consigned for sale, ensuring timely delivery, cost control, and compliance with internal rules and applicable legislation.
• Respond to pre-sale transportation requests, including imports to France, international transfers for sale, and traveling exhibitions, delivering timely and cost-effective solutions in line with company procedures.
• Assess transportation requirements, request supplier quotes, select the best option for internal and external clients, and record and validate the information in the computer system.
• Organize group shipments where possible to improve efficiency and reduce costs for Sotheby's and its clients.
• Instruct service providers on packaging, pickup, transportation, and security for accepted quotes.
• Oversee local and international shipments, proactively resolve carrier issues, and keep relevant parties informed.
• Provide the Manager with information to evaluate supplier performance and service levels.
• Ensure artworks are imported and exported in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Request required documentation, including licenses and CITES documents, within required timeframes and follow up with relevant agencies, including SMF/SLL/DRIEE.
• Regularize fixed tax and/or temporary admission procedures with customs and freight forwarders.
• Obtain and maintain transportation and customs data and documents.
• Primarily manage pre-sale transportation while supporting post-sale transport management during peak periods and staff absences to ensure continuity of customer service.

Qualifications

• Higher education diploma in logistics and transport management and/or at least two years of professional experience in an international transport company, ideally specializing in luxury goods or art.
• Knowledge of transportation and the logistics chain, packaging standards, means of transport, national and international regulations, and customs procedures.
• Excellent customer service skills and proficiency in written and spoken communication.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Responsiveness and ability to solve multiple problems simultaneously.
• Fluent English is essential.
• Comfort with computer tools; familiarity with SAP software is a plus.

Skills

Experience

At least two years of professional experience in an international transport company, ideally specializing in luxury goods or art; alternatively, a higher education diploma in logistics and transport management.

Education

Higher education diploma in logistics and transport management.

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.