VP, Global Bids
About this role
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 VP, Global Bids will define and lead Sotheby’s global bidding strategy, building a unified, scalable, and client-centric bids function that delivers a seamless experience across auctions and channels.
This role transforms Bids from a regional function into a globally coordinated model with consistent standards, coverage, and service levels. The VP is accountable for improving bidder conversion, speed, and experience through simplified workflows, data-driven decision-making, and close partnership with Product & Technology.
Operating at both strategic and executional levels, this leader will set the vision while redesigning how work gets done, shifting the function from activity management to a system built for scale, speed, and consistency.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Global Strategy & Operating Model
- Define and execute a global bids strategy aligned to client experience and growth priorities
- Build a follow-the-sun coverage model ensuring consistent global support
- Establish global standards for registration, approvals, escalations, and execution
- Optimize work allocation across regions to improve efficiency and specialization
- Drive standardization while maintaining necessary regional nuance
Bidder Experience & Journey Design
- Own the end-to-end bidder journey from registration through post-sale
- Remove friction to create a faster, clearer, premium client experience
- Redesign communications and service interactions for consistency and brand alignment
- Improve conversion and reduce drop-off using data and client insights
- Ensure high-touch support for VIP and complex scenarios
Performance, Data, Technology & Execution
- Build and manage a global scorecard covering speed, conversion, SLAs, and satisfaction
- Use funnel analysis and journey mapping to identify bottlenecks and drive improvement
- Lead with data, embedding measurable performance management across regions
- Partner with Technology to modernize the bidding ecosystem and automate workflows
- Own bids-related system enhancements to ensure scalability and adoption
Risk, Compliance & Controls
- Embed KYC and AML seamlessly into the bidding journey
- Standardize bidder verification processes across regions
- Ensure alignment with Conditions of Business and regulatory requirements
- Define protocols for escalations, outages, and high-risk scenarios
- Balance regulatory rigor with a premium client experience
People Leadership & Cross-Functional Integration
- Lead and develop a global team of Bids leaders (AVPs, Managers)
- Set performance expectations and coach leaders toward data-driven, problem-solving mindsets
- Build training programs, career pathways, and global bench strength
- Drive cross-training, including clerking capability, and clarify ownership across teams
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- 10+ years in operations, client experience, or auction/bids environments with global scope
- Strong analytical capability; advanced Excel required
- Experience building dashboards and working with operational data
- Experience in operations, consulting, or process improvement roles
- Strong presentation and visual storytelling skills
- Exposure to automation tools or process optimization preferred
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $130,000-$150,000. 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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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.
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