--- title: 'Inventory Manager at Sotheby''s' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/inventory-manager-sotheby-s-london-6162f91fv3fy' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-26' --- # Inventory Manager at Sotheby's - **Company:** Sotheby's - **Location:** London, United Kingdom - **Posted:** 2026-10-23 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-26 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/6233703004 ## 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. ## JOB DESCRIPTION ROLE: Inventory Manager (EMEA) REPORTS TO: AVP, Global Head of Inventory Management ## THE ROLE Sotheby’s is seeking an Inventory Manager to drive inventory accuracy, develop and implement best-in-class inventory policies, and lead initiatives to reduce aging inventory across the organization. This role is critical to supporting Sotheby’s strategic objectives of minimizing risk exposure, reducing operational costs, and enhancing efficiency throughout the property lifecycle. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and standardizing Europe and MENA inventory management practices, helping to establish a consistent and scalable approach across regions. Working closely with our Operations teams and other key stakeholders, the Inventory Manager will champion process improvements, ensure adherence to inventory best practices, and deliver sustainable operational excellence across Sotheby’s global network. ## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee regional biannual inventory stock check, resolve discrepancies, and prepare final report. - Establish and maintain robust controls to ensure accurate inventory records, proper transaction accountability, and effective safeguarding of property. - Serve as the subject matter expert for all SAP-related tasks, including temporary releases, warehouse transfers, and other system requests. - Support key strategic initiatives and coordinate with regional partners. - Develop, implement, and refine departmental strategies and policies related to property management. - Collaborate with Seller Operations, Client Experience, and other key stakeholders to conduct targeted client outreach campaigns, enhance the client experience, and streamline internal processes. - Analyze large datasets to identify trends, correlations, and actionable insights. - Identify revenue opportunities and potential strategic partnerships across departments outside of Inventory Management. - Drive innovation and support technological improvements (e.g. Tableau, SAP, ADM). - Partner with Legal, Risk, and other teams on ad hoc inventory projects. ## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES - 3–5 years of experience in auction operations. - Exceptional communication, organizational, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with a strong ability to collaborate in cross-functional environments. - Confidence and professionalism when presenting to groups or leading discussions. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, charts, data analysis). - Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Google Workspace, and related tools. - Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. - Highly organized, collaborative, and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure and tight timelines. - Experience managing and implementing cross-departmental initiatives, including project management. - Strong analytical thinking, process-improvement mindset, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated planning and communication abilities. 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) ## Other roles at Sotheby's - [Operations Analyst, Data and Performance](https://feeny.ai/job/operations-analyst-data-and-performance-sotheby-s-new-york-ttz2q4a64q4s) — New York, NY - [Shipping Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-coordinator-sotheby-s-geneve-geneva-7v6x0t3wj3ke) — Genève Geneva, Switzerland - [Temporary Part Time Exhibition Support](https://feeny.ai/job/temporary-part-time-exhibition-support-sotheby-s-new-york-b23yk87yse70) — New York, NY - [Client Accounts Receivable Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/client-accounts-receivable-coordinator-sotheby-s-london-wbakkrr8gw4b) — London, United Kingdom - [Client Experience Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/client-experience-associate-sotheby-s-paris-azvzzkz2y0hp) — Paris, France - [Specialist, Sculpture](https://feeny.ai/job/specialist-sculpture-sotheby-s-paris-0w4pwxxtnxkt) — Paris, France - [Specialist, Handbags](https://feeny.ai/job/specialist-handbags-sotheby-s-abu-dhabi-2kz5v9n2cye2) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Dubai, United Arab Emirates - [2027 Associates Program (Hong Kong)](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-associates-program-hong-kong-sotheby-s-hong-kong-0cbr369z38sj) — Hong Kong, China - [Shipping Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-associate-sotheby-s-london-27c1qe9s8r1z) — London, United Kingdom - [International Senior Specialist, Books](https://feeny.ai/job/international-senior-specialist-books-sotheby-s-new-york-j35mckxk6835) — New York, NY