- Employment
- Full-time
- Seniority
- Director
- Compensation
- $175,000–240,000/year
- Department
- Merchandising, Buying & Planning
- Industry
- High Jewelry
- Posted
- Nov 10, 2026
About Sotheby's
Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.
Sotheby's seeks a Head of Jewelry Department to lead its North American department, overseeing operations, sales, client strategy, business development, valuations, and specialist teams. The role includes developing client relationships, delivering expertise and client service, and partnering across regional and global teams. Proposed base salary is $175,000–$240,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead the Jewelry Department in North America and oversee its day-to-day operations and deliverables, including people management, cost management, sales, and client strategy.
- Oversee Jewelry sales held in North America and develop and lead departmental business development and negotiations to meet sales and net profit targets.
- Generate new business and source, authenticate, evaluate, and sell property to meet Jewelry sales and profit targets.
- Develop and nurture client relationships, focusing on strategic long-term business development and appropriate clients and consignments for New York sales, while proactively supporting global Jewelry sales.
- Identify private clients in the United States with an interest in collecting Jewelry and develop them into active participants in worldwide Jewelry auctions and potentially other auction categories.
- Participate in consignment sweeps and appraisals or valuations in the United States.
- Work with Client Development to identify priorities and action plans for existing and newly identified clients, set milestones and objectives, and execute the strategies.
- Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post-sale service to successful buyers.
- Build relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to sell Sotheby's international Jewelry sales.
- Grow awareness of private-sale capabilities to increase private-sale revenue.
- Work with the Global Head of Jewelry Business and Business Director to define marketing and business-development strategy for New York sales and the team.
- Work with the Global Head of Jewelry Business and Business Director to ensure accurate management of all sale-related costs.
- Demonstrate scholarly expertise by researching and cataloging objects to the highest standard, in line with client-service expectations and sale deadlines.
- Maintain exceptionally high levels of internal and external client service.
- Manage specialist and cataloging staff directly, working with the Global Head of Jewellery Business, Managing Director, Global Jewelry, and Human Resources on recruitment, performance management, development, year-end processes, and ad hoc team support.
- Mentor and train less experienced colleagues in New York and other North America locations, developing individual and team expertise and client-service standards.
- Support teamwork within the department and monitor work priorities, vacation, and employee well-being.
- Partner with Marketplace and Salon teams to support the presentation and sale of Jewelry through those channels.
- Comply with company rules on compliance and corporate governance, working closely with the Business Director on problem-solving, client-service levels, and general legal matters.
- Facilitate high-level private treaties where appropriate.
- Prepare proposals and valuations.
- Attend global Jewelry auctions as necessary.
Workplace
This position is based in New York, New York, USA.
Explore jobs in New York or in the USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 175,000 to USD 240,000 per annum.
Benefits
Eligible candidates may receive a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Culture
Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.