Director, Lending Specialist
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.
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.