ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
THE ROLE
To deliver exceptional quality live events within the Gallery as well as off site and across the regional offices. To lead on the planning and operational coordination from concept, to on the day management and post event feedback. Responsible for the management of individual event budgets, tracking and reporting, along with necessary administrative tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Live Events (including Preferred and ADI Tours):
- Project manage and deliver live events from conception, to execution and post-event reporting
- Engage with and contract external suppliers and partners to deliver high quality events
- Ensure budgets are not exceeded and estimated costs are accurate throughout the planning process
- Keep up to date digital event files, accessible with relevant and thorough information for other members of the team to access
- Support the regional offices with event planning and delivery where necessary
- Ensure clear and thorough internal communication with Ops teams, attending weekly operational meetings, producing checklists and conducting individual event walk throughs
- Create e-vites or hard copy invitations in line with global policy and liaising with the expert and marketing departments to get sign-off
Guest list management:
- Liaise with Email Marketing Coordinator to pull guest lists
- Monitor guest numbers acting where necessary to control numbers
- Generic event inbox management for any client queries
- Manage RSVPs for dinners and liaise with client for event critical details
E-vite/Invite management:
- Liaise with Email Marketing Coordinator to create blast e-vites
- Log requests and work with Design team for pdf evite, hard copy and print requests
- When necessary due to time constraints, build, test and send blast evites
- Arrange calligraphy and mailings for hard copy mailouts
Post-Event Admin:
- Ensure data on clients invited, accepted and attended is tracked and saved
- Note final guest numbers and costs
- Liaise with Client Strategists to pull transactional data following relevant sales for each event
- Update Event Review with relevant statistics, data and qualitative feedback
- Chase invoices and any internal recharges in a timely manner
- Create sundry invoices for third parties and caterers for externally hosted events.
- Update image folders (best event shots, caterers, galleries etc.)
Supplier management:
- Manage the approved suppliers list and ensure it is kept up-to-date with correct contact details
- Keep records of where Introductory Commission is payable
- Keep note of all expected event income, raise invoices and send to contractors
- Liaise with Risk to ensure all contractors, new and existing, meet requirements
- Keep updated information on Health and Safety documents, Public Liability, Employers Liability and Risk Assessment forms for all contractors
- Manage annual renewals at the beginning of each year
- Research/investigate new caterers, florists, production companies, printers, musicians etc to ensure continuing high quality, cost-efficient events
Diary Administration:
- Ensure the events calendar is up to date with sale and exhibition information
- Ensure all diaries and review documents are kept consistent with up-to-date information
- Update Auction Operations with events for following week for ‘What’s On’
Champagne and stock management
- Keep track of all Champagne usage at events, cross-referencing with finance to make sure costs are offset to relevant events
- Conduct quarterly physical stock counts and reconciliations
- Ensure stock levels are maintained appropriately
Photography and Calligrapher bookings
- Book appropriate photographers for all events
- Keep track of running total photography cost
- Book calligraphers for dinners and hard copy mailings
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- At least 3 years Event Management experience, ideally in a B2C environment
- Excellent communication skills liaising with external suppliers, clients and colleagues
- Demonstrates a proactive approach with good problem-solving skills
- Able to use initiative
- Outstanding organisational skills including ability to multi-task and prioritise to meet varied and tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- High level of attention to detail
- Good computer literacy
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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.