What are the responsibilities and job description for the Watches Registrar position at Sotheby's?
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby's promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby's believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
THE ROLE
The Registrar is responsible for the physical and systematized inventory of property handled by the New York Watches department. The position works closely with the Specialists and clients, as well as with support departments within the organization including Post-Sale, Shipping, Compliance, Security, Risk Management, Operations and the Dock Masters. Five primary areas of responsibility include inventory maintenance, traveling exhibition preparation, presale exhibitions, inventory releases to buyers and consignors, and coordinating/transporting watches for repairs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage inventory of the New York Watches department including receipt of property, release of property, transfers of property and location of property. Includes packing and unpacking shipments and deliveries, general condition reporting, consignor file preparation, property tagging, bar-coding and scanning process for all watches and accompaniments (boxes, packaging, certificates, etc.).
- Coordinate and transport watches for repairs.
- Manage aging inventory for the department..
- Provide timely updates to department Specialists and Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator on property arrivals, ensuring that the department running list is always up-to-date.
- Manage daily opening and closing of vaults.
- Ensure safe storage and packing of property to maintain good condition.
- Maintain 100% accurate SAP records and internal lots related to inventory receipt, movement, and releases.
- Coordinate shipments and releases to purchasers and consignors, including consolidated shipments to other Sotheby's offices.
- Assist consignors with shipping arrangements of property from their residences/offices to Sotheby's and coordinate consignment shipments from New York to international sale centers.
- Coordinate operational aspects of presale domestic and international traveling exhibitions, including carnets, inventory listings, property packing and office supplies. Facilitate the arrivals/departures for international traveling exhibition carnets.
- Partner with Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator and Associate Sale Manager to set up presale exhibition setup including coordination of exhibition supplies, organization of setup and takedown of property from exhibitions on daily basis, and Security for onsite and offsite events and exhibitions.
- Partner with Operations for any art handler assistance required for lot tagging, pre-sale exhibition, and post-sale property packing and releases.
- Conduct bi-annual inventory in concert with Operations department requirements.
- Maintain stock for watches shipping, packing and exhibition materials.
- Maintain knowledge of Compliance as related to imports and exports of property.
- Assist with all aspects of presale exhibitions as needed.
- Work closely with Post-Sale and Shipping to deliver excellent client service. Develop relationships with primary shipping vendors as needed.
- Work closely with international offices on property movements as required.
- Answering department phone, supporting specialists, and meeting with potential consignment client appointments.
- Provide support to regional offices.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor's Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
- Prior experience handling and packing of luxury goods preferred
- Must be detail oriented, resourceful and a strong problem-solver
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in fast paced environment
- Able to work with Sotheby's proprietary systems including SAP and client system, and Excel
- Registrarial or shipping experience a plus
- Excellent communication skills with both internal departments, Specialists, and clients
- Client service focused
- Team player with positive attitude and able to establish close working relationships with colleagues throughout company
- Willing to work long hours during peak seasons and exhibitions weekends
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$70,000. 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.
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Salary : $60,000 - $70,000
