Head of Private Sales, North America, Jewelry

HE ROLE

The Head of Private Sales, N America, Jewelry, will drive the North America private jewelry sales business at Sotheby’s, overseeing high-value transactions of exceptional gemstones, signed pieces, and rare collectibles. This senior executive will develop and execute strategies, and cultivate relationships with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, collectors, and industry leaders. The role requires a seasoned professional with deep market expertise, a strong industry network, and a track record of executing multimillion-dollar private jewelry sales.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Develop and implement a regional strategy for private jewelry sales, aligning with Sotheby’s broader business objectives.
• Identify emerging trends, investment opportunities, and client demand in the high jewelry and rare gemstone markets.
• Expand Sotheby’s network of UHNW collectors, jewelry maisons, dealers, and institutional buyers to drive private transactions.

Client Relationship Management & Deal Execution

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with top-tier collectors, private clients, jewelry houses, and industry stakeholders.
• Provide bespoke advisory services, curating tailored buying and selling opportunities for private clients.
• Oversee negotiations and ensure seamless execution of private sales transactions, ensuring discretion and confidentiality.
• Source and place exceptional pieces, including rare diamonds, colored gemstones, vintage and signed jewelry from prestigious houses.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Expertise

• Partner with jewelry specialists, regional teams, and external experts to source and place high-value pieces for private sale.
• Work closely with marketing, legal, and finance teams to ensure compliance, risk management, and innovative sales strategies.
• Develop strategic partnerships with jewelry houses, estate dealers, and gemological institutions to strengthen Sotheby’s private sales presence.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relationship managers, Chairmen and Fiduciary teams to accelerate Sotheby’s private sales transaction velocity.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Provide regular market insights, valuation trends, and sales reports to senior leadership.
• Ensure operational efficiency, optimizing internal processes for a seamless client experience.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Foster a high-performance culture, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing across regions and departments.
• Establish and manage best in class private sale processes and tools, ensuring those are shared and applied consistently across the global Jewelry team
• Partner with the Salon team to enhance performance of retail sales, assortment and sales skills.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 12+ years of experience in high-value jewelry private sales, luxury asset transactions, or jewelry advisory.
• Proven track record of executing multimillion-dollar private jewelry sales with UHNW clientele.
• Extensive network of collectors, jewelry houses, gem dealers, and institutional buyers.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing an international sales team.
• Deep understanding of the global jewelry market, including historical and contemporary valuation, authentication, and provenance.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Gemological expertise (GIA or equivalent certification) is a plus.
• Multilingual skills are an advantage

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 - $240,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.