Client Liaison, Bids and Client Services London, England
Job description
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby's promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
The initial contact for clients wishing to bid in sales in London, and occasionally Milan, Cologne, Zurich and Geneva. This role is expected to consistently deliver the highest standards of service, being able to answer all types of registration and bidding related client queries or connect clients to the correct department in a swift and efficient manner.
The Client Liaison should have a passionate approach with a desire exceed client needs and expectations whilst promoting a highly professional and positive image for Sotheby's. The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following activities:
RESPONSIBLITIES
- Delivering seamless and high-level service for clients bidding at Sotheby's
- Taking instructions from clients and Sotheby's staff for commission and telephone bids
- Inputting commission and telephone bids into Sotheby's internal systems
- Allocation of telephone bids to Sotheby's telephone bidders
- Present in saleroom as telephone bidder, sales clerk and online clerk
- Dealing with any post sale follow up, as appropriate and as directed
- Providing the highest level of service throughout the bidding process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the client
- Working closely with various other departments e.g. Specialists, Relationship Managers, Post-Sale Services, Digital Client Services, Auction Operations and Client Development - both before and after the sale
- Ensuring that the information held for clients on the Client System is accurate and current
- Ensuring that Sotheby's Compliance guidelines and the Live and Online Auction Rules are adhered to
- Preparation of the Auctioneer's book in conjunction with the Specialist department
- Responsible for escalations and resolutions during technical or operational outages
- Clerking and supporting the auctioneer throughout sales (SAP)
- Operating the Admin application (Live Online Bidding)
- Assisting with the Bidding aspects of digital initiatives
- Assisting in general department administration where necessary
- Assisting in training Auctioneers and other Sales Clerks where necessary
- Providing assistance where necessary for the Client Services team, including Front Counter support
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
- Able to demonstrate excellent client service
- High level of computer literacy and able to display dexterity working across multiple systems
- Ability and willingness to be flexible with working hours
- Excellent communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills
- Ability to priorities, good organization skills, excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work to strict deadlines
- Enthusiastic and calm under pressure, with a common sense approach
- Proactive and pre-emptive approach
- Committed, reliable and capable of working well as part of a team
- Discretion vital
- Knowledge of Sotheby's or the art industry; its culture and service
- Willingness to travel when required
- Fluency in English required, with additional languages being advantageous
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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
