Temporary Head of Sale, Fine Jewels

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THE ROLE

The objective of this role is to source, generate and drive profitable, well curated Fine Jewels sales. To oversee and coordinate through-out the sale process, from business-getting and assembling the auction through to the completion of sale assets and sale outreach to successfully sell the sale.

JEWELLERY SPECIALIST

• Responsible for proactively sourcing and generating business opportunities, including consignment and buyer activities in the UK and the EMEA region for global Jewellery auctions and the London Salon.
• Generating private sales in line with plan revenue targets.
• Leveraging and developing strong client relationships, with private collectors, institutions, the trade community, brands and restorers.
• Prepare proposals and carrying out valuations, working closely with the Valuations department.
• Arrange and attend sweeps to source property, in coordination with the Head of Business and Specialists/Liaison colleagues.
• Oversee the day-to-day client enquiries by email, telephone etc.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the Company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.
• Attend relevant events, exhibitions, etc. to develop your profile both internally and externally

HEAD OF SALE

• Responsible for the curation and overseeing consignments for the London Fine Jewels sales.
• Partner with the Head of Important and Fine Jewellery and the Head of Business to meet and exceed annual sales and revenue targets for London sales.
• In concert with the cataloguer, oversee and support the sale cataloguing and photography, ensuring it is completed to the highest standard and in accordance with the scheduled deadlines. Lead the sale layout, proofreading and final sign-off of the sale.
• Ensure close team work with the local sale administration, Business Manager and Regional Director team, ensuring a smooth running of all administration, logistics, commercials, legal and compliance matters.
• Preparation of marketing strategies in conjunction with the Marketing department to sell sales.
• Oversee and approve the sale collateral including marketing assets, the website sale page content and any selling documents.
• Collaborate with the Press department on all press related matters for the sale, including approving the press release.
• Work with the Head of Fine & Important Jewellery and other Head of sale to ensure consistencies, learnings and opportunities within the Fine Jewels sales EMEA.
• Collaborate with the Business Development Manager, Head of Important and Fine Jewellery and the Head of Business to develop the strategic plan to sell the top lots of the sale to a global audience of potential new buyers.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• First class level of expertise in the field.
• Excellent research skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – both spoken and written.
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service.
• Good time keeping, the ability to use time efficiently and to prioritize.
• A proven ability to meet deadlines and the possession of good organizational skills.
• Good level of numeracy and computer literacy.
• An understanding of Sotheby’s, its culture and services as well as of auction principles and practice.
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn.