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
Provide integrated Shipping expertise and exceptional service to both clients and members of staff across Pre-Sale and Post-Sale operations, ensuring the timely, secure and cost-effective movement of luxury goods and rarities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Liaise with vendors to procure and coordinate domestic and international logistics services, managing incoming consignments, outgoing shipments and Post-Sale client requirements to ensure a seamless client experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Arrange shipping and associated logistics requirements for all property.
- Work closely with the Pre Sale and Post Sale colleagues to deliver an integrated, consistent and exceptional client experience.
- Monitor and execute quote requests in a timely manner in line with established service levels.
- Act as a direct point of contact for buyers following Sotheby’s auctions, handling Post-Sale shipping enquiries, requests and follow-ups by phone and email.
- Manage the end-to-end Post-Sale shipping process for purchased lots, from the initial client enquiry and quotation through collection, export, communication, tracking and final delivery.
- Respond to and resolve to successful conclusion shipping and logistics enquiries and issues.
- Obtain quotes from shippers and other related service providers for shipments and select the most suitable option for our internal and external clients.
- Assess and verify the requirements of a proposed shipment, including method of transport, packing, etc., and enter or validate this information in the system.
- Apply for CITES license applications or other license applicable, as appropriate.
- For all accepted client offers, where the shipment is arranged by Sotheby’s, and approved transfers contact vendors and issue instructions for packing, local transportation, shipping and security.
- Determine and apply appropriate customs tariff classifications for internationally traded property.
- Monitor the progress of shipments, conferring with vendors to troubleshoot and rectify problems in a timely manner and ensuring that interested parties are apprised of the status of the shipment.
- Liaise with Manager to provide input on shippers’ performance and maintenance of service level requirements and KPIs.
- Ship in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Determine where consolidation of property can occur and arrange consolidated shipments to maximize efficiency and minimize cost.
- Maintain and scan all required documentation associated with shipments in accordance with department procedures.
- Prepare customs documents and submit to the appropriate regulatory bodies or shippers, ensuring the accuracy of the information and its timely submission.
- Coordinate and execute interoffice transfers to international offices and generate pre-alerts to Shipping Coordinators in those offices to ensure an efficient delivery of property
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s degree with 2-3 years in international shipping
- Fluency in English and French is mandatory
- Strong knowledge of international shipping and logistics, including import/export procedures, customs regulations, transportation methods and current packing methods.
- Action oriented with skills and aptitude to excel in a fast paced client-focused and deadline-driven environment
- Proactive communicator and solution oriented
- Comfortable speaking with clients and clients facing teams
- Excellent client service skills; ability to remain calm in pressure situations
- Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to communicate with all organizational levels
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member to complete the task at hand
- Strong organizational skills to set priorities, multi task and meet deadlines
- Experience in fine art, luxury goods or high-value shipping is an advantage, alongside additional language skills.
- Prior experience with SAP is an advantage
- Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary is required
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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.
