Temporary Business Director, New York Luxury

sothebys

New York, United States · New York · United States

Posted Mar 24, 2026

Contract
Finance

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Job description

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.

THE ROLE:

You will be a core member of Sotheby’s New York specialist departments, driving financial results, growth, and profitability for this key business area. You will act as a business partner to the department specialists focused on P&L management and reporting (live and online auction and private sales), pipeline management, deal making, and sale execution. You can think analytically, synthesize quantitative and qualitative information, and are excited by proactive problem solving.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the pipeline of business opportunities and deals to drive sales and accountability, in active collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Lead, manage, and track all New York auction consignments; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate
Support the development of financial models (revenue and expense) for auction consignments; approve/escalate where appropriate.
Prepare client facing deal communication and take a client facing role for commercial terms, when required.
Serve as the first business point of contact for negotiations for consignments, vendors, consultants, or other third parties, including corresponding legal agreements with Legal team; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
Support annual budget planning and regular forecasting in partnership with senior Business Management.
Translate financial results and KPIs into operational recommendations to optimize the business.
Manage all sale and department expenses; with oversight from senior Business Management where appropriate.
Regularly review and develop plans for Sotheby’s inventory, in partnership with Operations and Finance teams.
Act in a client-facing capacity and as an internal conduit to troubleshoot escalated pre- and post- sale issues
Work with Pre and Post sale on Sale settlement to maintain a high-level oversight, Extended Payments approval and accountability and billing for non-standard transactions.
Act as a strategic partner for senior management by reviewing competitive analysis, maintaining market share reporting, and analyzing trends in deal making.
Research potential additional revenue streams and partner with key internal stakeholders to develop business plans.
Work collaboratively to propose, manage, and implement efficiencies, integration, and adoption for new IT and digital improvements aligned to overall responsibilities.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Bachelor's degree required.
5+ years of professional experience in a business management, banking, financial or consulting role.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to succinctly present to stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
Prior deal or contract negotiation experience preferred.
Advanced Excel skills.
Highly organized, detail oriented, multi-tasker.
Creative problem solver, energetic and persistent.
Confident team player, capable of working well independently in ambiguous situations.
Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged.

The expected hourly rate for this position ranges from $48/hour - $58/hour. Employees in this role may be expected to work overtime, and will receive additional pay at the applicable overtime rate. In addition to hourly wages and overtime, successful candidates will be eligible for benefits as required by law. Our 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.

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, 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.