Specialist, Chinese Works of Art

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
THE ROLE
Supporting both the main and mid-season CWOA sales, this role is responsible for new business generation and for the sourcing, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets.
Active role in general day-to-day functioning of the department and promotion of the department within the worldwide corporation.
RESPONSBILITIES
Business getting and negotiations, operating as part of a team to meet sales and net profit targets for main and mid-season sales. This will involve occasional sweeps across regional locations
Help organise the preview exhibitions in China and Hong Kong travelling exhibitions
Setting an example of scholarship providing - expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines
Involvement in all aspects of catalogue production including:
Research and cataloguing of items to the highest standard according to scheduled deadlines
Ensuring that all photography for catalogues are complete in a timely manner
Dealing with paste-ups and layouts
Liaising with Catalogue Production and other support departments
Writing condition reports and responding to photo forms, estimate enquiries and general correspondence
Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email and on the telephone
Ensure personal focus on continuous improvement of the overall quality of expertise and levels of client service offered and set an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues. Mentor and help train those less experienced colleagues
Provide proactive input into improvement of departmental systems/practices
Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international CWOA sales
Assist in preparation of proposals and of valuations as directed
Assist on site auctions as required, including but not limited to telephone bidding
Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public)
Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services
Participate in ad-hoc duties as requested, not limited to additional main and mid-season auction based duties which may include, but are not limited to, telephone bidding for multiple departments
Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
 
Degree educated or equivalent
8+ years of proven experience with business getting and CWOA expertise
Expert knowledge of specialty should include:
Current in-depth market knowledge and awareness
Archives and Reference sources
Understanding of the appropriate craft and restoration techniques
Network of contacts within the CWOA market
Strong research skills and exceptional attention to detail
Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service
Able to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion
Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese required (spoken and written)
Self-motivated; able to work independently and as part of a busy team
Able to work well under pressure, to multiple deadlines and be prepared to “pitch in” when required
Flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
Flexible to travel at certain times of the year to undertake sweeps, support sales, traveling exhibitions and client visits as and when required
 
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