---
title: 'Director, Lending Specialist at Sotheby''s'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-lending-specialist-sotheby-s-london-9vavt2zqcwf8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Director, Lending Specialist at Sotheby's

- **Company:** Sotheby's
- **Location:** London, United Kingdom
- **Posted:** 2025-06-24
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/5571440004

## 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.

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

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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