Head of Department, Handbags & Fashion

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 This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, including people management and recruitment, process and procedure, budget control and setting the sales strategy for the department. The Head of Department will be responsible for new business generation and the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags. The Head of Department will be required to build close co-operation and maintain strong communications with other America departments (support and specialist), as well as the regional representatives. Ideally, they will bridges and effective-working relationships between the US and international colleagues in worldwide departments, especially cross-departmental with Luxury teams. Responsibilities : Overall responsibility for the management of the Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA Work in conjunction with the Global Head and Business Director to identify the client development, marketing and business getting strategy for Handbags and Fashion in USA Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance Manage the department P&L, ensuring the department observes agreed budgets and delivery of annual financial plans and forecast in timely fashion Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Handbags and Fashion and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Handbags and Fashion auctions, and potentially in other auction categories Responsible for consignment getting for sales in USA. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Global head on a regular basis Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services Direct line management responsibility for department Specialists and Cataloguers. To improve the overall quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business and setting an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues. Mentoring and helping to train less experienced colleagues. Ensure that teamwork is supported within the department. Monitor and set work priorities/deadline and address HR matters (including recruitment, performance management and overview of compensation) Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients. Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international Handbags and Fashion sales Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities Increase Buy Now revenue by growing the assortment and maintain a regular flow of listing Pre…