THE ROLE

To win business for, to catalogue and research property, and to help co-ordinate sales of books and manuscripts across Europe and the UK while aligning with Global initiatives; with a special focus on medieval manuscripts, continental books and manuscripts, and, preferably, music

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Business getting across Europe (and further afield when necessary) for various-owner and single-owner sales, and sales by private treaty; valuation of property for sale, and negotiation with potential and existing clients
• Contributing to meeting sales and net profits targets for sales, either by auction or private treaty
• Providing expertise; researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard and according to scheduled deadlines
• Assisting with and co-ordinating research, both internally, and with external experts
• Involvement in all aspects of sale production including photography, online publication of catalogues, the creation of related content and editorial materials
• Dealing with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by e-mail and on the telephone
• Writing condition reports, estimate enquiries and general correspondence
• Working alongside the New York, Paris, and London departments in business-getting, the promotion and selling of sales worldwide, and global sales coordination
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Contributing to maintaining and raising the department’s profile by undertaking lectures and other promotional engagements as appropriate
• Involvement as required with the preparation of major valuations

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Educated, certainly to graduate, and possibly to post-graduate level
• A knowledge of medieval and renaissance manuscripts is essential
• An existing high profile with concomitant experience in the field of rare books is highly desirable
• A working knowledge of musical manuscripts would be an advantage
• The ability to work effectively individually, and as a part of a team, to support colleagues both locally and globally when required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Prepared to travel, at short notice, as required
• A flexible approach and the ability to work well under pressure. Extended working hours will be necessary at deadlines
• Good organisational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Some understanding of, and interest in, Sotheby’s, including the services it offers as well as its corporate values
• The ability to communicate at all levels within the business, and with a wide range of potential clients
• Knowledge of European and/or classical languages would be an advantage