THE ROLE

The Pre-Sale Manager is responsible for core management, people and transformation priorities as well as maintaining oversight of the pre-sale responsibilities for their team. As part of the Service Operations management team, the Pre-Sale Manager will collaborate across Service Operations globally to ensure delivery of standardization of process and the day-to-day delivery of the operation to a high standard of quality.RESPONSIBILITIES

People & Operational Leadership

• Directly manage a group of Pre-Sale Coordinators and provide day-to-day support and guidance
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Pre-Sale Coordinators
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and manage performance outcomes
• Partner with Head of Sales Operations to set goals and perform annual performance reviews
• Maintain a team budget and tracker
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Pre-Sale workflows and assist Coordinators with complex issues

Pre-Sale Execution & Specialist Department Support 

• Ensure adequate Pre-Sale Coordinators coverage for specialist departments (holidays, sick leave) and take on full sale coordination if needed
• Act as a senior escalation point, resolving matters through to completion. Collaborate with specialist department stakeholders on issue resolution

• Update auction calendars in accordance with sale date and time changes
• Manage compliance, risk, and escalations appropriately 
• Oversee and support Coordinators with entering complex consignment terms correctly into SAP (graduated VC, Share, Guarantees, IBs) and ensure Non-Standard Terms spreadsheet is completed
• Execute sale conversions in the auction platform
• Assist Coordinators with movement of property (inbound shipping, imports/exports, return shipping)
• Partner closely with Client Experience, Shipping, and Account Receivable to ensure appropriate handoffs are complete following all sales

• Ensure financial transactions amongst teams comply with corporate governance
• Work with key department stakeholders to ensure outputs are delivered to the highest quality
• Oversee coordination of after-sale transactions including post-auction sales, account adjustments and canceled sales
• Assist with staffing for handcarries, shipping oversees, client viewings, exhibition support.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Improvement

• Work alongside Head of Sales Operations and take personal accountability for the direction of transformation within the Pre-Sale function and the wider Pre-Sale Operations team
• Collaborate with the Product & Technology teams for projects, system development, testing scenarios, improvements, etc.
• Partner with legal, compliance, and the commercial office
• Special project management
• Contribute to broader operational and transformation initiatives aligned with Operations priorities

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• 3–5 years of experience in management, operations, logistics, or related fields
• Previous Pre Sale Coordinator or relevant experience within an auction house is desired but not a pre-requisite
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Calm, professional demeanor with excellent judgment under pressure
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Ability to communicate at all levels, to present information and influence behaviors/culture
• Empathetic, energetic, persistent, and proactive with a flexible, forward-thinking approach
• Working knowledge of Sotheby’s systems, procedures and sale administration is an advantage
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with SAP or similar systems preferred
• Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$75,000. 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.