Registrar Technician

THE ROLE

Sotheby’s is seeking a Registrar Technician to join its team within a leading international auction house. This is a rare and stimulating opportunity for a professional wishing to oversee all aspects related to sales and exhibitions, in close collaboration with our art departments and international sites.

This position involves receiving, inventorying, handling, installing, storing, packing, transferring and releasing to clients or transporters all lots entrusted to Sotheby’s, providing excellent service and optimal traceability across two sites depending on business needs: Paris and the Gennevilliers warehouse.

The lots entrusted to Sotheby’s cover a wide variety and exceptional quality: Jewelry, Watches, Handbags, Sneakers, Old Master, Modern and Contemporary paintings, Design and Classical furniture, Sculptures, African and Asian Art.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Ensure optimal traceability of objects entrusted to Sotheby’s.
• Master inventory management tools, including SAP.
• Understand inventory procedures, including periodic and permanent inventories and object labeling techniques.
• Label each object using the barcode traceability system and record movements in SAP using scan guns.
• Take measurements and enter them into SAP, prepare condition reports in accordance with Sotheby’s standards.
• Report damages to the Risk Manager.
• Update the system with accurate object locations at all times.
• Ensure safe handling and security of artworks.
• Assist department representatives with administrative documentation provided by transporters and clients.
• Preparation of lots at release points in Paris or at the Gennevilliers warehouse
• Welcome clients and transporters and handle requests in coordination with logistics and Post Sale Services.
• Notify relevant departments of incoming deliveries.
• Ensure high standards of presentation in reception and release areas.
• Receive artworks with deposit receipts in accordance with procedures.
• Daily management of inbound and outbound movements according to schedule.
• Request release forms from Post Sale Services and ensure signatures upon release.
• Request and verify transport documents.
• File outgoing records to facilitate tracking.
• Prepare daily movement reports.
• Prepare and locate lots for upcoming transporter collections.
• Assist with unpacking and packing operations.
• Check and receive exhibition transfers.
• Artwork movements and art handling:
• Install lots in exhibition galleries, sale rooms and boardrooms.
• Manage hand-carry and expertise requests.
• Manage photography requests and object movements.
• Manage presentation requests for private sales and client appointments.
• Unframe and reframe artworks for photography, cataloguing and expertise.
• Provide operational backup for other team members across sites.
• Participate in bi-annual inventories and warehouse organization and reduction of dormant stock.
• Report and document incidents or damages to the Risk Management team.
• Assist with handling and moving large or heavy objects.
• All tasks must be carried out in strict compliance with health, safety and artwork handling guidelines.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• 99% inventory accuracy rate.
• Inventory entry within 72 hours of delivery.
• Timely preparation of objects and documentation for releases.
• Proactive contribution to service and process improvements.
• High quality of service for internal and external clients.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to handle, install, pack and store fragile or high-value objects.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective stock movement tracking.
• Strong communication skills.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Adaptability to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to welcome high-end clients.
• Professional appearance in line with Sotheby’s dress code.
• Strict adherence to procedures and continuous improvement mindset.
• Knowledge of safety standards for handling, storage and transport of valuable objects.