- Employment
- Full-time
- Seniority
- Senior
- Compensation
- $120,000–170,000/year
- Department
- Heritage, Patrimony & Archives
- 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 Senior Specialist in its Books and Manuscripts department in New York to manage auction and private sales, including sourcing, estimating, cataloguing, client development, and coordination of sales in New York and London, with Paris as needed. The role also supports global sale-calendar alignment and oversees major trade, private, and institutional consignments. Proposed base salary is $120,000–$170,000 annually, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Work with the Head of Americas, Business Managers, and colleagues in London and Paris to meet the Americas annual operating plan.
- Ensure property is added to the sale running list and consult the Head of Department and Business Manager about any promises made to clients.
- Participate in proposal meetings and develop strategies for competitive business getting.
- Coordinate with Press and Marketing on relevant property and create unified marketing campaigns as appropriate.
- Manage Books and Manuscripts sales in New York, working with department colleagues to ensure property is researched, catalogued, and estimated; oversee print and digital catalogue layout and design, draft catalogue entries, and provide accurate condition reports.
- Negotiate sale terms, explain processes and procedures, and provide client service throughout auction and private sale processes.
- Help ensure compliance policies are followed throughout sale processes.
- Work with Operations to conceptualize and execute exhibitions and installations.
- Produce proposal copy and coordinate proposal design.
- Conduct insurance and fair market value appraisals.
- Assist in resolving post-sale issues.
- Develop new and manage existing client contacts and strategic opportunities in Books and Manuscripts, focusing on business getting as part of a coordinated international department effort.
- Identify and maintain relationships with clients, dealers, and collectors.
- Develop key consignor and buyer relationships.
- Build strong running lists for live sale series and cultivate complementary lists for parallel online sales without conflicting or competing property.
- Meet sale cataloguing and deadline requirements while optimizing the effectiveness of Marketing video, editorial, and social media, and Press campaigns.
- Oversee sale outreach, including liaising with Client Strategy, following up with existing clients, and engaging new bidders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
- At least five years of experience with an auction house or major dealer.
- Experience and expertise in Books and Manuscripts, with an emphasis on managing various and single-owner sales.
- Self-starter with a proven ability to initiate business.
- Team player with excellent communication skills.
- Organized, thorough, and focused, with passion and commitment to the field.
- Professional and discreet client service skills.
- Excellent writing and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment and meet constant deadlines.
- Strong multitasking ability.
- Knowledge of the auction business in the US, UK, and Europe.
Skills
Experience
At least five years of experience with an auction house or major dealer.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
Workplace
The role is situated 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 120,000 to USD 170,000 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.