Director of Spirits Auction

Description

About K&L Wine Merchants

K&L Wine Merchants is a leading fine wine and spirits retailer, recognized for our exceptional selection, deep industry expertise, and commitment to outstanding customer service. With an established presence in California and New York, our business extends beyond retail to include fine wine and spirits auctions, Private Client Services, and premium collection storage.

We are passionate about connecting collectors and enthusiasts with exceptional wines and spirits while building lasting relationships rooted in expertise, trust, and service.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an accomplished and entrepreneurial Director of Spirits Auction to lead the continued growth and development of our rare and collectible spirits auction business.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced spirits professional with deep market expertise, strong collector relationships, and a proven ability to source and acquire exceptional collections.

The Director will be responsible for expanding our spirits consignment business, cultivating relationships with collectors and industry partners, and driving revenue growth through strategic acquisitions and business development.

Working collaboratively with our Wine Auctions, Private Client Services, and RareStorage teams, this individual will play an important role in strengthening our auction platform and delivering an exceptional experience to clients across the country.

This California-based position offers a hybrid work arrangement with regular domestic travel to support our bicoastal auction business.

What You'll Do

Spirits Acquisition & Business Development

• Identify, source, evaluate, and secure rare and collectible spirits collections for auction.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand consignment opportunities, grow auction revenue, and increase market presence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with collectors, consignors, storage facilities, and industry partners.
• Leverage market intelligence, auction trends, and valuation expertise to identify compelling acquisition opportunities.
• Negotiate consignment opportunities while balancing client relationships, commercial objectives, and profitability.
• Support fine wine collection acquisitions and cross-category business opportunities as needed.

Client Relationships & Strategic Partnerships

• Cultivate long‑term relationships with high‑value collectors and consignors through personalized service and trusted expertise.
• Partner with Private Client Services and RareStorage to identify opportunities within shared client relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver a seamless experience for clients buying, selling, and storing collectible wines and spirits.
• Represent K&L at industry events, tastings, collector engagements, and other business development opportunities.
• Develop innovative approaches to expanding our collector network and strengthening client loyalty.

Auction Leadership & Operations

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to support the growth and performance of the auction acquisition function.
• Establish and maintain exceptional standards for authentication, inspection, appraisal, and collection quality.
• Partner with auction operations, accounting, customer service, and other departments to ensure accurate and efficient consignment processes.
• Develop and improve procedures that strengthen operational effectiveness, data accuracy, and the client experience.
• Monitor acquisition activity, revenue opportunities, and departmental performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results‑oriented team environment.

Why Join K&L?

At K&L Wine Merchants, you’ll have the opportunity to combine your passion for exceptional spirits with the resources, relationships, and reputation of an established industry leader.

You’ll work alongside knowledgeable professionals, engage with collectors across the country, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future growth of our spirits auction business.

We value expertise, initiative, collaboration, and individuals who take ownership of their work and are motivated to make a lasting impact.

Additional Information

This is a full‑time, exempt position based in California with a hybrid work arrangement. Local and national travel is required for collection inspections, client meetings and industry events.

The role may occasionally require lifting and carrying collections weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals.

Compensation

In addition to base salary, this position offers a competitive, performance‑based commission structure designed to reward business growth, successful acquisitions and departmental profitability.

Equal Employment Opportunity

K&L Wine Merchants is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of relevant professional experience, ideally in fine spirits, auctions, luxury collectibles, or a related industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in auction acquisitions, consignment development, or high‑value collection sourcing.
• Deep knowledge of the global fine spirits market, including rare whiskies, collectible spirits, market trends, and valuation.
• Established relationships within the spirits collector, consignor, or auction community.
• Proven success in developing new business, cultivating client relationships, and driving revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of spirits authentication, inspection, appraisal, and auction practices.
• Leadership experience with the ability to collaborate across departments and support team development.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial judgment and a results‑driven approach.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and client service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to learn internal auction management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically for client meetings, collection inspections, and industry events.