The Role

The Private Sales Assistant Manager/Manager position oversees the entire administrative process for Private Sales transactions within the 20/21 C Department. He/she will drive and manage private sales and/or non selling exhibitions. Responsibilities include generating sales contracts and invoices, liaising with legal, insurance, shipping and accounting departments as well as senior level staff to facilitate smooth private sale transactions. The role will work closely with the 20/21 C specialists as well as the Objects Intelligence team in tracking consignments, flagging concerns to relevant stakeholders and possess detailed knowledge of VAT, Droit de suite and TA.

Specific duties & responsibilities will include but are not limited to

Administrative:
• Oversee the entire process for private sale transactions, arrange property pick-up, security as needed, draft contracts for approval, invoices and other relevant documentation. Liaise with private sales canter, legal, insurance, accounts and shipping.
• Work individually or partnership with department colleagues to ensure that all incoming and outgoing properties are catalogued, photographed and have condition reports and due diligence checks carried out in accordance with relevant policies set by the Legal Department.
• Prepare basic cataloguing and all factsheets/associated documents for all 20/21st Asia originated Private Sales
• Coordinate and lead online/live private sale exhibitions where applicable
• Maintain and update Private Sales Runner; keep oversight of movement of all Private Sales property within the region.
• Possess detailed knowledge of the correct principles and processes within Christie’s Private Sales.
• Oversee due diligence and escalate issues as they arise to the RMD
• Liaise with VAT experts and Private Sales Centre on VAT, Droit de suite and other enquiries on behalf of the specialists. Provide general internal tax guidance on international transactions on works for sale.
• Attend and supply information for discussion in daily Private Sale calls with legal, VAT, insurance, credit, central team, etc.
• Organize client sale viewings, understand which spaces are available and liaise with specialists, operations and client services team to ensure exceptional client experience.
• Arrange ad hoc private viewings of works both on and off Christie’s premises in tandem with the Department Head.
• Liaise with object intelligence team to update and procure pipeline offer lists.
• Maintain consistent internal marketing communications via internal marketing emails.
• Keep consigning colleagues informed of all stages of the private sales process from pick up to settlements including estimate updates, contract extensions, payment terms, charges and shipment.

Financial/Data:
• Oversee tracking of payments of sold works and collection of paid works, track extended payment terms for Private Sale works.
• Track Private Sales related costs including tours and exhibitions.
• Arrange payment of international invoices for condition reports and shipping etc.
• Work with IT and Private Sales Central team to define requirements, test and implement IT developments.
• Maintain the global sale and stock runner and ensure Collectrium is updated. Feed information to Client Development as requested to maintain wish lists and potential buyers/interest list.
• Manage and drive Asia 20/21 C sales to meet yearly set targets and objectives

Additional Responsibilities:
• Work closely, efficiently and effectively with global 20/21 PS teams, regional offices, support departments, external parties
• Provide cataloguing and specialist support to day/evening/online sales as assigned by RMD
• Driving and managing projects as assigned by RMD
• Other duties and projects as assigned by RMD

The Candidate
• Bachelor’s degree in the fine art category preferred or equivalent work experience. Minimum 4 years of paid experience in the art industry.
• Basic specialist knowledge in 20/21 Art
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
• Self-driven and motivated with strong administrative and business acumen.
• Extreme discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
• Fluent in E-mail, spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software.
• Ability to learn Christie’s systems including COS, JDE, intranet and website.
• Strong typing, excel and powerpoint skills.
• Superior client service skills.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.

World’s Leading Auction House

Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million.

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales. Our sales figures were driven by an increase in new buyers across all geographies coming to the market, including from growth markets such as China and through the Internet.
Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories.

Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the Middle East, with successful sales, exhibitions and initiatives in Shanghai, Moscow, Baku, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.