---
title: 'Commercial Manager at Sotheby''s'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/commercial-manager-sotheby-s-new-york-sc23apcda17t'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Commercial Manager at Sotheby's

- **Company:** Sotheby's
- **Location:** New York, NY
- **Posted:** 2026-08-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/6167025004

## Job description

## 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

Sotheby’s Event Business transforms exceptional spaces into unforgettable experiences. Through access to our landmark locations in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, we curate bespoke events that bring together art, culture and luxury. Leveraging Sotheby’s cultural authority and extraordinary real estate, we create high-impact experiences for luxury brands, corporations, institutions and private clients.

The Commercial Manager, Sotheby’s Partners is responsible for growing and commercializing Sotheby’s global Event Business. The role will develop and execute the commercial strategy, proactively originate and convert new business opportunities, and lead the end-to-end commercialization of venue rental engagements across Sotheby’s global network.

Working closely with local leadership and cross-functional teams, this global role will maximize venue rental revenue, build a robust pipeline of opportunities, establish a consistent commercial approach across markets, and position Sotheby’s as one of the world’s leading destinations for premium events.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

- Develop and execute the commercial strategy for Sotheby’s global Event Business.
- Proactively identify, originate and cultivate high-value venue rental opportunities across luxury brands, corporations, cultural institutions, agencies and private clients.
- Build and manage a healthy global pipeline of prospective opportunities, maintaining relationships with key decision-makers and event production agencies.
- Develop annual commercial plans and proactively secure strategic bookings to optimize venue utilization and protect key dates within the global event calendar.
- Evaluate, qualify and prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit, revenue potential and operational feasibility.
- Own the end-to-end commercial process, including pricing strategy, proposal development, negotiations, contracting and deal closure.
- Develop compelling commercial proposals and bespoke event concepts tailored to client objectives.
- Manage inbound venue rental enquiries while actively generating outbound business opportunities.
- Own pipeline management, forecasting, reporting and revenue performance against commercial targets.
- Develop pricing frameworks and commercial models that maximize revenue while maintaining market competitiveness.
- Partner with local venue teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and successful execution of confirmed events.
- Build strong relationships across Sotheby’s departments to identify opportunities, align priorities and champion the Event Business internally.
- Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the client experience, improve commercial processes and expand the global Event Business offering.

## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

- 7+ years’ experience in business development, commercial partnerships, venue rentals, luxury events, hospitality, experiential marketing or a related commercial role.
- Demonstrated success developing new business opportunities and negotiating high-value commercial agreements.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, financial modelling, forecasting and revenue management.
- Experience working with luxury brands, event production agencies, technical production partners and premium event suppliers.
- Strong understanding of the operational and logistical requirements of delivering complex, high-profile events.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and commercial opportunities simultaneously in a fast-paced, global environment.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results-oriented approach and the ability to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities.
- Experience within luxury, cultural institutions, premium venues, hospitality or real estate is highly desirable.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $110,000-$140,000. 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.

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/candidate-privacy-notice.pdf).

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/final-v1-sothebys-recruitment-privacy-notice-uk-hk-france-and-switzerland-31-january-2022.pdf?locale=en).

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.

## About Sotheby's

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, providing access to exceptional objects through auctions, private sales, and e-commerce.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Patrick Drahi in 2019)
- **Headquarters**: New York City, USA (global headquarters at the Breuer building, 945 Madison Avenue) with a network spanning 40 countries
- **Founded**: 1744
- **Founders**: Samuel Baker (first auction under his name on 11 March 1744)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Fine art and luxury auction house, art marketplace, and art-related financial services.
- Target customers: Collectors, art enthusiasts, institutions, and luxury consumers (B2C and B2B).
- Mission/purpose: “Promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects” and believes in the transformative power of art and culture, committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.

## Products & Services
- **Auctions**: Live and hybrid digital auctions across 70 categories including Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, Design, collectible cars (via RM Sotheby’s), and real estate (via Concierge Auctions).
- **Private Sales**: Direct, confidential sales for clients seeking discretion.
- **BuyNow Marketplace**: E-commerce platform for immediate purchase of art and luxury items.
- **Sotheby’s Financial Services**: Art lending and capital solutions; has originated more than $12 billion in loans since inception.
- **Sotheby’s Advisory**: Strategic advisory for collectors and institutions.
- **Sotheby’s Institute**: Educational programs on art business and connoisseurship.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (privately held).
- **Key Metric**: Annual worldwide sales turnover in excess of $7 billion (as of recent reports).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Owned by Patrick Drahi (media and telecom entrepreneur). No other major external investors disclosed.
- **Growth Signals**: First auction house to successfully shift to hybrid digital auction format during the pandemic; pioneered AI and scientific research in-house; expanded to 40 countries with 80 offices; continues to innovate with mobile and web experiences.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Heritage & Trust**: Oldest and largest internationally recognised fine art auction house (since 1744).
- **Global Reach**: Network of specialists in 40 countries and 80 offices covering 70 categories.
- **Innovation Track Record**: First to hold auctions in Asia (1973), first to use satellite bidding (1960s), first to sell a work for over $100 million (2004), and early adopter of e-commerce (2000) and AI (2018).
- **Integrated Services**: Only full-service art financing company (Sotheby’s Financial Services) combined with auctions, private sales, and retail.

## Strategic Focus
- Digital transformation and hybrid auction formats to capture online sales growth.
- Expansion into new luxury categories (e.g., collectible cars, real estate) and geographies (e.g., China).
- Deepening client relationships through data-driven insights and personalized experiences.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and sustainability as core values.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Entrepreneurial, client-first, passionate, and innovative. Values include “dream big, challenge the status quo, relentlessly pursue innovation.”
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Strong commitment to equality and diverse backgrounds; endorsed by senior management.
- **Benefits**: Competitive compensation, health/dental/vision insurance, fertility and growing family support, 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, gym reimbursement, education assistance, and access to world-class art museums and galleries.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid/remote options available for some roles (e.g., Payroll Manager listed as New York/Remote). Offices in major cities globally.
- **Growth**: Internal mobility encouraged; opportunities for cross-functional exposure through Internship, Associates, and Mobility programs.

## Sources
1. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about) – About Us page (company description, mission, values)
2. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/careers) – Careers page (benefits, values, social impact)
3. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/our-history) – History page (founding, key milestones, acquisition by Drahi, sales turnover)
4. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/5988535004) – Job listing page (global headquarters location, financial services stats, office locations)
5. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/) – Homepage (overview of categories and services)

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