--- title: 'Property Handler at Sotheby''s' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/property-handler-sotheby-s-new-york-sqtm8azq4ntg' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-07' --- # Property Handler at Sotheby's - **Company:** Sotheby's - **Location:** New York, NY - **Posted:** 2026-05-18 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/5998007004 ## 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 is looking for Property Handlers to support a variety of Specialist departments, responsible for the handling of a large spectrum of artwork, furniture and other types of extraordinary objects. ## RESPONSIBILITIES - Work closely with Specialist Departments, Registrars, and Operations staff to move property throughout the building - Receive, open, tag and scan property as directed - Move property to and from loading docks, departmental storage exhibition locations - Obtain all property location information from the Registrar - Transport property to and from loading dock, department storage, and exhibition locations - Prepare exhibition space including but not limited to placement of movable walls, pedestals, platforms and other display material - Place property for display, including but not limited to onto shelves or platforms, hanging or mounting property onto walls, and assembling property - Stand exhibition and assist clients in viewing property (remove from wall or case, move furniture, etc.) - General exhibition lighting - Maintain safe property handling - Function as helper on the truck or van, if any - Perform other tasks consistent with these responsibilities as required - Maintain cleanliness and appropriate presentation of exhibition and back of house spaces and equipment - Property handlers must be well groomed and in the proper uniform which must be worn and pressed at all times - Display a positive attitude and adhere to Sotheby's Service Standards ## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES - Substantial lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying of property required. - Must be able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds. - Overtime and weekend work required - Prior fine art handling experience a plus The hourly range for this position is $24.50-40.00, depending on experience and qualifications Employees in this role may be expected to work overtime, and will receive additional pay at the applicable overtime rate.  Further, premiums, in the forms of an additional percentage of the hourly wage, are provided once employees achieve certain levels of seniority with the Company or become project leads. 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 - [Temporary Duty Drawback Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/temporary-duty-drawback-coordinator-sotheby-s-new-york-yawr15vbh7hz) — New York, NY - [Shipping Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-coordinator-sotheby-s-zurich-h8tcn0b1yfr3) — Zurich, Switzerland - [Audience Growth Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/audience-growth-analyst-sotheby-s-new-york-7r296rd9747q) — New York, NY - [Temporary Client Experience Representative](https://feeny.ai/job/temporary-client-experience-representative-sotheby-s-new-york-3f51yc9z9bp7) — New York, NY - [Commercial Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/commercial-manager-sotheby-s-new-york-sc23apcda17t) — New York, NY - [Associate Business Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-business-manager-sotheby-s-paris-da9zhbhpkrf5) — Paris, France - [Manager, Strategy & Operations, Global Business Development](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-strategy-operations-global-business-development-sotheby-s-new-york-jwnc8yfs89wx) — New York, NY - [Warehouse Manager, Greenford Park](https://feeny.ai/job/warehouse-manager-greenford-park-sotheby-s-london-r033q81bfb6k) — London, United Kingdom - [Client Experience Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/client-experience-coordinator-sotheby-s-london-yh02jgp1pdag) — London, United Kingdom - [Seller Operations Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/seller-operations-coordinator-sotheby-s-london-9p8b8xv7pd0q) — London, United Kingdom