Head of Department, Handbags & Fashion

About the role

This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, including people management and recruitment, process and procedure, budget control and setting the sales strategy for the department. The Head of Department will be responsible for new business generation and the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags. The Head of Department will be required to build close co-operation and maintain strong communications with other America departments (support and specialist), as well as the regional representatives. Ideally, they will bridges and effective-working relationships between the US and international colleagues in worldwide departments, especially cross-departmental with Luxury teams.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the management of the Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA
• Work in conjunction with the Global Head and Business Director to identify the client development, marketing and business getting strategy for Handbags and Fashion in USA
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Manage the department P&L, ensuring the department observes agreed budgets and delivery of annual financial plans and forecast in timely fashion
• Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Handbags and Fashion and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Handbags and Fashion auctions, and potentially in other auction categories
• Responsible for consignment getting for sales in USA. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Global head on a regular basis
• Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA
• Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services
• Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients. Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies
• Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets
• Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers
• Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby's international Handbags and Fashion sales
• Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities
• Increase Buy Now revenue by growing the assortment and maintain a regular flow of listing
• Prepare proposals and valuations
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
• Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services
• Required Experience :
• Degree educated or equivalent
• Proven skills in authentication for handbags and fashion
• Proven experience with business getting and Handbags and Fashion expertise
• Expert knowledge of specialty should include:
• Current in-depth market knowledge and awareness
• Archives and Reference sources
• Network of contacts within the Handbags and Fashion market
• Proven business acumen
• Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service, professional and discreet
• Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to lead a busy team and to develop others
• A proven ability to

Additional Information

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby's promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby's and Concierge. Sotheby's Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby's new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

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