Specialist, West Coast - Post War & Contemporary Art

Specialist, West Coast – Post War & Contemporary Art

Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this over 250-year-old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age-old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.

Why This Role Matters

Leveraging specialist expertise, the role is responsible for leading regional Post-War & Contemporary business development and sales efforts, with a focus on supporting international sales through sourcing and selling for auction, private sales, and tours/exhibitions. This role will necessitate new and existing client development, strategy & team building to develop an expanded client network in LA and across the west coast. Level will be commensurate with experience.

How You'll Make An Impact

Sales Leadership

• Work with senior Post-War and Contemporary, and Impressionist and Modern teams on key projects and client management as assigned
• Participate in targeted marketing efforts and work with new and existing clients to drive bidding activity, for all relevant international sales.
• Meet consignment targets by both leading independent consignments in specialist areas of expertise and in assigned geographical areas, as well as partnering within and across departments on larger business, for both auction and private sales
• Partner with business management team to follow appropriate processes and approval matrix for structuring and negotiating all deals.
• Support regional tours and exhibitions, providing a key point of contact for clients and colleagues and working to coordinate and execute events in collaborations with the regional office, sales team, and client strategy
• Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction. Actively track competitors' auctions, regional activities, local fairs and other related events to understand the broader competitive landscapes.
• Other duties as determined by Management team.

Client Development

• Lead regional appraisals and valuations for the category, working with the EAV Department and other key 20/21 colleagues.
• Build and sustain relationships with key clients, artists and lead team members in active management of their clients with focus on the west coast, primarily Los Angeles
• Ensure that new business opportunities are acted on in communication with the Regional Managing Director and Head of Department
• Coordinate approach with NY colleagues and client strategy team

Marketing

• Be a role model as ambassador for Christie's brand externally, continually raising own and others' profiles to maintain a presence in the market
• Lead and develop relationships with key market-makers attending regional Christie's events, supporting Christie's exhibitions and participating in key external openings and other events to build and maintain a network of new and existing clients
• Continually build and communicate an understanding of the current market and oversee analysis of competitors' activities
• Identify and develop new market opportunities and promotion of Christie's on the west coast, including periodic gallery programming

What You'll Bring To The Team

• Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the field including clients, market dynamics & estimation of art works
• Proven experience of business-getting at an international level
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead projects
• Ability to think strategically on long term growth areas and opportunities in the market

What's Great About Working For Us

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie's pays 80% of total premiums)
• 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie's provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)
• Life Insurance - 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie's)
• Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie's)
• Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.
• Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year
• Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie's contribution of $21 per month
• Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.
• Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits

Christie's, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie's Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

Closing Date: June 29th, 2026

*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.