Specialist, Handbags & Fashion

Sotheby's
China
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level professionals in luxury goods or auction industries who can travel frequently and manage client relationships across Asia.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in auction houses or second-hand luxury markets and a passion for luxury brands.
    — “Experience in auction house, ecommerce or second-hand luxury shop”
  • Professionals who are comfortable with data analysis and can advise on product mix for digital marketplaces.
    — “Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for Sotheby’s Buy-Now Marketplace”

Things to consider

  • Regular travel is expected across multiple Asian locations, which may affect work-life balance.
    — “Regular travel will be required as part of the role”
  • Language skills in Mandarin and Cantonese may be necessary for client and team communication.
    — “Mandarin and Cantonese are highly advantageous”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with client outreach and relationship-building in luxury markets.
    — “Outreach to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships”
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze auction data and make informed product recommendations.
    — “Provide regular analysis of auction and market data”
  • Showcase authentication experience or willingness to develop it for luxury goods.
    — “Experience as an authenticator and valuer of luxury goods is a plus”
  • Emphasize tech proficiency with tools like Excel and Google Suite for market analysis.
    — “Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, tech savvy”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Sourcing luxury bags and accessories for auctions and marketplace
  • Building and maintaining buyer relationships
  • Providing pricing and valuation services
  • Promoting auctions and marketplace initiatives
  • Ensuring proper product photography
Typical background
Experience in auction houses or luxury retailKnowledge of luxury goods market

Skills & requirements

Required

AuctionsLuxury Goods AuthenticationClient Relationship ManagementMarket AnalysisProduct PhotographyTeam Collaboration

Preferred

EcommerceSecond-hand Luxury Shop ExperienceLuxury Brand KnowledgeNegotiation SkillsProject Management

Stack & domain

Auction HouseEcommerceSecond-hand Luxury ShopRetailResale MarketsLuxury HandbagsAccessoriesAuthenticationValuationClient RelationshipsMarketingSalesProduct PhotographyExcelPowerpointGoogle SuiteCommunicationNegotiationClient FocusTeamworkAttention To DetailProblem SolvingTime ManagementAdaptabilityCultural Awareness

About the role

Original posting from Sotheby's via Greenhouse

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

The Specialist, Handbags & Fashion is responsible for sourcing luxury bags and accessories for Auction and Buy Now Marketplace. The Specialist will provide pricing and valuation services to clients and authenticate bags, and will be responsible for building buyer relationships and partnering with internal teams.

This role is in Asia - open to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, or Taiwan.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business-getting for Auctions across major selling Asian locations and Buy-Now Marketplace

Inspect and authenticate properties in all Asia locations

Work with Head of Sale and Marketing teams to promote all Auctions and Marketplace initiatives

Outreach to auction bidders and buyers to build relationships

Outreach to Sotheby’s Relationship Managers to ensure internal awareness of all sales happening in this category

Provide regular analysis of auction and market data

Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for Sotheby’s Buy-Now Marketplace

Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors

Ensure that product photography is executed properly

Work collaboratively with team Administrators and Coordinators to facilitate smooth handoff of information and positive client experiences

Participate in regular pipeline meetings to keep Head of Sale aware of progress for Auction and Marketplace channels

Regular travel will be required as part of the role

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Experience in auction house, ecommerce or second-hand luxury shop

Knowledge of retail and resale markets for luxury handbags and accessories

Experience as an authenticator and valuer of luxury goods is a plus

Interest in luxury brands and ecommerce businesses

Enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; able to communicate effectively and build meaningful client relationships

Client Focus; Committed to providing outstanding service to clients

Ability to work independently and as part of a busy, global team

Ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion

Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, tech savvy

Mandarin and Cantonese are highly advantageous, other language skills are highly valued

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here.

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Source: Sotheby's careers (Greenhouse)

Similar roles

More roles at Sotheby's