VP, Director of Real Estate

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 position serves as the Company's senior real estate executive, responsible for developing and executing Sotheby's corporate real estate strategy across its portfolio of owned and leased assets. The VP, Director of Real Estate will oversee the planning, evaluation, and optimization of the Company's real estate footprint to ensure alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, and financial goals. This individual will be responsible for preparing department budgets, establishing strategic priorities, setting goals and objectives for their team, monitoring adherence to operating and service standards, implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring facilities remain compliant with all applicable regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will lead enterprise-wide real estate planning initiatives, including portfolio strategy, leasing and subleasing transactions, space utilization, site selection, lease negotiations, capital planning, and real estate financial analysis. The successful candidate will partner closely with Executive Leadership, Finance, Legal, and external partners to evaluate real estate opportunities, optimize occupancy costs, and provide strategic recommendations regarding owned and leased assets. This is a highly visible leadership role offering the opportunity to build and shape the future structure of Sotheby's real estate and facilities function while driving long-term value across the Company's portfolio. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate real estate strategy aligned with the Company's business objectives, growth plans, and operational requirements. Lead all aspects of portfolio planning, including lease renewals, consolidations, relocations, space optimization initiatives, and disposition strategies for owned and leased assets. Evaluate owned and leased properties and provide strategic recommendations regarding acquisition, disposition, lease, sublease, renewal, and occupancy decisions. Direct strategic capital planning, design and construction projects while ensuring coordination with day-to-day operations, events, sales activities, and exhibition requirements. Develop, maintain, and monitor complex operating and capital budgets, making adjustments as required to achieve financial and operational objectives. Partner closely with Finance to develop real estate forecasts, occupancy cost analyses, business cases, and long-term capital plans. Lead sophisticated financial modeling and scenario analysis related to leasing, subleasing, renewals, relocations, dispositions, and other strategic real estate initiatives. Manage and direct all aspects associated with building and office maintenance, office furniture and equipment, facilities renovation and construction activities, including planning, cost estimating, budgeting, documentation, contract negotiations, and project oversight. Lead all regional office leasing, subleasing, and transaction management activities, including market assessments, site selection, and contract negotiations. Manage and maintain relationships with landlords, real estate brokers, owners…