VP, Senior Collection Sale Manager

THE ROLE

This role sits at the center of Sotheby’s most complex, high profile, multi-category engagements—acting as both a trusted client advisor and internal lead across strategy, execution, and stakeholder alignment. This role will serve as project lead managing the creation and execution of Proposals, Sale Schedules and Consignments for high profile for high profile clients with multi-category, high-value, and complex collections to ensure each collection is to ensure each collection is approached with rigor, creativity, and a deeply coordinated, client-first mindset, from initial engagement through final sale. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Streamline internal and external communication, serving as the single point of contact for various multi-departmental proposals and consignments.
• Organize and attend client visits to see property, coordinating notes and images to produce Sale Schedules.
• Work with the Specialists, Proposal Writer, Deal Lead, Marketing, Press, Sale Directors and Business Managers on the preparation of proposals and financial terms; participate in proposal pitches as required.
• Manage the consignment process from start to finish, overseeing all sale logistics: liaise with sale departments and Legal to create sale contracts and proof details to be sure all terms are accurate, work with department coordinators and Shipping to organize and oversee all shipping and tagging needs, organize on-site photography and video as needed, relay and get approvals for authentication and restoration, send all sale paperwork to the client (pre and post-sale), etc.
• Set internal deadlines to ensure timely execution of all business getting materials pre-sale, and once business is won, deadline tracking for all sale, marketing and exhibition promises, including any press release and catalogue layout review deadlines, obtaining client approvals as needed.
• Work with the specialist departments to relay and confirm reserves and interest levels to the client as needed.
• Keep the client closely informed during the post-sale process, including reporting results to and updating the client on payment status frequently and proactively, and updating master trackers simultaneously.
• Manage the process of re-offers and property returns with Specialist Departments and clients, including other third party auction houses if necessary.
• In partnership with the client team, create and maintain a trustworthy and strong professional relationship with the business’ most high profile advisors and clients, encourage repeat business by providing a seamless client experience and top level dedicated service.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 9+ years of art world and/or auction related experience needed
• Valuation system and excel experience preferred
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong ability to problem-solve
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and client service skills
• Strong team player, detail oriented, flexible, accurate, discreet, dependable, resourceful and able to multi-task gracefully
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work overtime and to travel as needed (approximately 15% of time is spent out of the office)
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel
• Significant experience in auction house business development, collection sales, or related fiduciary or advisory roles.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value, multi-stakeholder projects with precision and discretion.
• Strong understanding of the art market, estate dynamics, and collector relationships.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and execution.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, and client-facing presence.