---
title: 'Specialist, Modern & Post-War British Art at Sotheby''s'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/specialist-modern-post-war-british-art-sotheby-s-london-s879yznxk3js'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-14'
---

# Specialist, Modern & Post-War British Art at Sotheby's

- **Company:** Sotheby's
- **Location:** London, United Kingdom
- **Posted:** 2026-06-22
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-14
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/6098988004

## 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

To be responsible for new business generation in the Modern & Post-War British Art department and for the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property in order to meet the total departmental sales and profit targets.

To catalog, research and help co-ordinate the Modern & Post-War British Art sales, and assist in the general day-to-day functions of the department.

Close co-operation and good communications with colleagues in the department. Using national and international networks to ensure a consistent, client focused message, delivering a high standard of active client management.

Candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge, passion and commitment to the field, be willing to travel and will have in-depth experience of the art auction business.

## RESPONSIBLITIES

- Play a key role in sourcing property, including overseas travel  and client visits as appropriate
- Business getting and negotiation, meeting sales and net profit targets for particular sales. Generating and nurturing strategic, long term-business development.
- Key role in selling works to global clients
- Mentor junior members of the team, ensuring that skills and knowledge are passed on to and shared with all members of the department.
- Cataloging and researching items for the Modern British sales and working with other members of the department to ensure this is carried out to the highest standards according to scheduled deadlines
- Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally (colleagues and public)
- Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance
- Facilitating high level private treaty sales where appropriate
- Preparation of proposals
- Preparation of valuations for Insurance etc
- Maintain high levels of expertise and professionalism in all activities

## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

- Degree holder or equivalent (Art related masters preferable)
- 6+ years of professional experience, ideally from the art world in an auction house, gallery, or museum.
- 2+ years in a client-facing sales position preferred
- Preferred Specialist with knowledge of Modern & Post-War British Art and contextual literature
- Ability to effectively access archives and reference sources
- Overall awareness of Sotheby’s services (e.g. Financial Services)
- Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)
- Proven business acumen and fully developed valuation skills
- Language and Communication skills as appropriate
- Flexible and receptive to change
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- High level of IT capability (i.e. ability to independently use the Client System, Intellitrack, CAT etc.)

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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