Director, Lending Specialist

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.

Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services.  We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can't wait to make it happen together.

THE ROLE 

You will be a core member of the SFS team responsible for loans originated in the UK and EMEA, promoting the SFS value proposition internally with colleagues and externally with clients. As a driven team player, you will serve in a priority growth area for Sotheby’s, expanding clients’ relationship with Sotheby’s and offering clients a key value-added financing service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Growth

• Proactively source new lending opportunities by partnering with Sotheby’s relationship managers and other internal stakeholders
• Analyze client’s needs and objectives through the review of qualitative and quantitative data, synthesizing an engagement strategy and initiating internal discussions about the opportunity
• Develop pitch book presentations and proposals to explain industry trends, discuss client options and recommend innovative strategies to meet client goals
• Tailor lending solutions to ensure that client’s needs are optimized for while meeting return and risk requirements
• Participate in structuring and negotiating transactions, coordinating the preparation of lending documentation and transaction execution
• As you progress in this role, you will build on a base of expertise to assume responsibility for client relationships and serve as the primary client liaison within SFS
• Work collaboratively with executive management to identify and execute new growth initiatives

Deal Management

• Partner with senior lending specialists to guide clients through the financing process
• Participate in client negotiations from initial lead stage through final deal terms negotiation
• Facilitate the creation of origination proposals and supporting financial analytics
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sotheby’s and SFS teams to ensure smooth processing and servicing of loans

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA a plus
• 5+ years of professional experience in a client-facing lending, wealth management, or similar role with a focus on sales and relationship building and management
• Individuals with prior experience as relationship managers at major auction houses and galleries is a plus
• Charisma, professional demeanor, and a natural ability to connect with others internally and externally
• Solution-oriented and self-directed mindset and work approach with a bias towards action.
• Strong logical and analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication abilities
• Prior art experience is not required, but an interest or curiosity in art or other luxury objects is encouraged

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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.