Client Liaison

THE ROLE

The Bids & Client Services Department is the first and most highly visible contributor to the client experience at Sotheby's worldwide headquarters. As a member of the Bids & Client Services Department, it is the responsibility of the Client Liaison to support a seamless client experience in person and throughout the bid registration process.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Brand Ambassador for the Company, portraying a warm, hospitable feeling for both current and prospective clients - monitoring the physical appearance of public spaces and reporting issues as needed
• Assist clients with general inquiries through the possession of thorough and current knowledge of the Company’s international sale and exhibition calendars, special events, departments, personnel and their building locations; names and titles of Sotheby’s senior management and executive officers
• Support all New York auctions by processing and executing bid registrations, vetting clients, operating the Sotheby’s online bidding platform, and providing back-office support
• Accountable to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction process to effectively communicate with existing and potential clients
• Field all pre, during and post-sale questions regarding the auction process
• Maintain fluid operation of Sotheby’s front of house spaces while embodying the Company’s Client Experience Standards
• Responsible for exhibition-related activities including: the timely opening and closing of galleries; knowledge of department experts, sale highlights and lot locations; creation of new client accounts
• Responsible for sale-related activities including: skybox management; paddle registration; distribution of catalogues; salesroom checks
• Coordinate with Specialist and Non-Specialist departments to ensure that client’s needs are met
• Proactively address client concerns and issues as appropriate and take ownership of solving the client’s issue
• Contribute to new Client Experience initiatives and trainings as directed by manager
• Participate in ad hoc projects as needed
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings as necessary
• Must adhere to required front of house attire during working hours

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills with a pleasant client service-oriented attitude
• Proven experience employing problem solving skills when dealing with internal and external clients
• Team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues
• Calm demeanor with an ability to multi-task in a high traffic environment
• Thorough knowledge of Sotheby’s internet site and all internal computer systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, Client System and SAP
• General knowledge of art history and art market preferred
• Previous experience in a client service driven industry
• Foreign language(s) a plus