Business Manager, Private Sales (Finance)

TL;DR

Business Manager, Private Sales (Finance/Art Market): Driving revenue for Private Sales through P&L and pipeline management with an accent on structuring financial deals and managing consignment execution. Focus on optimizing revenue streams, managing deal complexity, and translating financial KPIs into operational recommendations.

Location: London

Company

Sotheby’s is a global auction house and luxury retail brand established in 1744, specializing in the sale of exceptional art and luxury objects.

What you will do

• Partner with relationship managers to drive revenue accountability using consignment pipeline tools and track weekly deal movement.
• Lead consignments from negotiations to final settlement and manage budget planning in partnership with the GM and department heads.
• Develop complex financial models and scenarios to support various revenue streams and approve deal-related costs.
• Oversee the private sale exhibition calendar in EMEA and manage department inventory in collaboration with operations.
• Manage templated legal agreements and partner with legal counsel on contract negotiations for consignments and consultants.
• Conduct strategic analysis to research new revenue streams and create post-sale reports using business intelligence.

Requirements

• Degree level education (MBA or post-graduate business qualification is an advantage).
• Professional experience in a financial or business support role.
• Strong mathematical and numeracy skills with deep knowledge of financial terminology.
• Solid understanding of the art world; experience in an international auction house is highly preferred.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in other European languages is an advantage.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to author complex formulas.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work within a world-renowned luxury brand with a global network of specialists.
• Collaborative environment working across multiple seniority levels and international departments.
• Exposure to high-value assets and complex financial structuring in the fine art market.