Head of Department, Handbags & Fashion

THE ROLE 

This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, including people management and recruitment, process and procedure, budget control and setting the sales strategy for the department. The Head of Department will be responsible for new business generation and the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags. The Head of Department will be required to build close co-operation and maintain strong communications with other America departments (support and specialist), as well as the regional representatives. Ideally, they will bridges and effective-working relationships between the US and international colleagues in worldwide departments, especially cross-departmental with Luxury teams. 

Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the management of the Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA
• Work in conjunction with the Global Head and Business Director to identify the client development, marketing and business getting strategy for Handbags and Fashion in USA
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Manage the department P&L, ensuring the department observes agreed budgets and delivery of annual financial plans and forecast in timely fashion
• Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Handbags and Fashion and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Handbags and Fashion auctions, and potentially in other auction categories
• Responsible for consignment getting for sales in USA. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Global head on a regular basis
• Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA
• Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services
• Direct line management responsibility for department Specialists and Cataloguers.  To improve the overall quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business and setting an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues.  Mentoring and helping to train less experienced colleagues.  Ensure that teamwork is supported within the department.   Monitor and set work priorities/deadline and address HR matters (including recruitment, performance management and overview of compensation)
• Develop with Client Development specific client priorities, key action plans for existing or newly identified clients.  Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies
• Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets
• Participate in interest meetings, execute bids, and provide post sale service to successful buyers
• Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby’s international Handbags and Fashion sales
• Increase private sale revenue by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities
• Increase Buy Now revenue by growing the assortment and maintain a regular flow of listing
• Prepare proposals and valuations
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
• Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services 

Required Experience:

• Degree educated or equivalent
• Proven skills in authentication for handbags and fashion
• Proven experience with business getting and Handbags and Fashion expertise
• Expert knowledge of specialty should include:
• Current in-depth market knowledge and awareness
• Archives and Reference sources
• Network of contacts within the Handbags and Fashion market
• Proven business acumen
• Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service, professional and discreet
• Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to lead a busy team and to develop others
• A proven ability to meet deadlines and the possession of strong organisational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks and ability to navigate ambiguity at times
• Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Flexible to travel at certain times of the year to support sales, traveling exhibitions and client visits if required

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$150,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.