Head OF Operations

THE ROLE This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, responsible for day‑to‑day operations, people management, recruitment, processes, budgeting, and sales strategy. The Head will generate new business, solicit, authenticate, evaluate, and sell property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags, and build strong relationships with other America departments and regional representatives. Responsibilities Overall responsibility for management of Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA Work with Global Head and Business Director to develop client development, marketing, and business acquisition strategy for Handbags & Fashion in USA Operate in accordance with company compliance and corporate governance rules Manage department P&L, ensuring budgets are observed and annual financial plans and forecasts are met on time Identify private clients in USA interested in collecting Handbags & Fashion and develop them to transact in Sotheby’s auctions Responsible for consignment acquisition for sales in USA; targets established annually and reviewed with the Global Head Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations in USA Cultivate long‑term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services Directly manage department specialists and cataloguers; mentor and train less experienced colleagues; support teamwork; set priorities and deadlines; address HR matters including recruitment, performance, and compensation Develop client priorities and action plans; set milestones and key objectives to execute these strategies Negotiate business deals and meet sales and net profit targets Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, provide post‑sale service to successful buyers Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to sell Sotheby’s international Handbags & Fashion sales Grow awareness of private‑sale capabilities to increase revenue Grow assortment and maintain regular listing flow to increase “Buy Now” revenue Prepare proposals and valuations Maintain high levels of client service, internally and externally Maintain knowledge of compliance, shipment, and post‑sale policies and procedures Required Experience Degree educated or equivalent Proven skills in authentication for handbags and fashion Proven experience with business acquisition and Handbags & Fashion expertise Expert knowledge of specialty, including current in‑depth market awareness, archives and reference sources, and network of contacts within the Handbags & Fashion market Additional qualifications include proven business acumen, commitment to excellence in client service, functional knowledge of the complete auction process, excellent communication skills, self‑motivation, strong organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and willingness to travel as required. Base salary range: $120,000–$150,000. Successful candidates are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on relevant skills, training, experience, education, licensure or certifications, and market and organizational factors. Equal Opportunity Employer – The Company is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr