Sotheby's is a global company that engages in art auctions, private sales and art-related financing activities. Founded in London in 1744 as an auctioneer of rare books, Sotheby's has grown to become the preeminent auction house with over 70 selling categories
including fine art, antiques, jewellery and wine, operating in over 40 countries.
Overview of role:
Reporting directly to the Head of Wine, Asia, the Wine Specialist will liaise with buyers and sellers, providing wine advice and securing profitable consignments for sale at auction, as well as assisting with auction estimates, wine inspection, cataloguing, attending wine events and other client-facing activities, and other departmental tasks as required. This role will be a key, leading contributor to the department’s revenue and client-facing activity.
Responsibilities include:
Negotiation with clients to secure profitable auction consignments.
Perform inspection for auction wines at warehouse and on-site at clients’ property.
Maintain accurate records of warehouse inventory.
Provide a high level of customer service to buyers and sellers.
Cultivating your own client base of buyers and sellers across Asia.
Assist with sale administration.
Assist at wine auctions and related events.
Events management/participation - including client development and entertaining.
Assist in promoting all wine sales globally.
Assist in cross promoting other Asia departments’ sales.
Active promotion of retail and storage business.
Skills / Competencies / Experience:
Proficient base knowledge of wines and vintages relevant to the auction market.
WSET Diploma preferred.
High level of attention to detail is a must to ensure accuracy, particularly with regard to data analysis.
Excellent writing and organizational skills.
Professional and discreet client service skills.
Proficient in MS Word, Excel.
Requires a significant amount of physical work moving cases of wine in our warehouse and in private cellars.
Some travel required as needed.
Minimum of three years in the Auction or Fine Wine Industry.
Excellent communication skills – ideally fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
