Whisky Specialist

THE ROLE

Responsible for new and current business generation in the US and for the sourcing, solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of US based property to meet sales and profit targets across a range of channels and formats as directed by the Global Head of Spirits. You will play an active part in the day to day business getting for the department’s sales and will work closely with the global Specialist team to support the growth and success of the global Sotheby’s Whisky & Spirits business, with a personal focus on Scotch and Japanese Whisky.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sourcing and Expertise
Sourcing and securing profitable consignments for auction and fixed price opportunities, managing sale production, deadlines and targets

• Use personal relationships, tastings, dinners and all types of events (private & trade) to build an impressive and important network of private and trade clients who trust your knowledge and expertise and will do business with you on both the buy & sell sides
• Negotiate and secure whisky and spirits for auction and fixed price selling opportunities, meeting individual and team margin and revenue targets together with local and global annual budget
• Use Specialist knowledge and expertise on strategic long-term business getting focused on high level clients and their requirements. Act as a client contact for this client base and nurture relationships.
• Be a respected and trusted authority on the whisky and spirits market and use that experience with clients, press and on social media
• Set an example of scholarship providing expertise, researching and cataloguing whisky and spirits to the highest standard and in accordance with sale deadlines
• Value property to provide auction/retail/fair market/insurance estimates
• Perform property inspection for whisky and spirits at Sotheby’s warehouses (in NY and NJ) and on-site at client’s premises when required
• Lead on inspections and research/cataloguing of whisky and spirits for sale in the UK and Europe, and assist in the Americas and Hong Kong when required

Sale Production

• Manage sale production and deadlines:
  • Inspecting and authenticating property
  • Ensure that all photography is completed in a timely manner
  • Researching and writing catalogue entries
  • Proof reading
  • Liaising with Catalogue Production and Sale Creation teams as appropriate
  • Produce and manage appraisal and proposal coordination
  • Keep business getting spreadsheet updated to current status

Selling

Proactively sell all Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits sales (both auction and fixed price offerings) to Sotheby’s global database of clients and actively engage in the growth of the global Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits audience

• Build a private client base that actively buys in our global Whisky and Spirits business
• Act as an ambassador for the Whisky and Spirits business within Sotheby’s, promoting its services, products and expertise to internal stakeholders, cross selling the Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits business to all Sotheby’s clients
• Provide advice to buyers across Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits global auction and fixed price opportunities
• Responsible for selling whisky and spirits to clients via telephone, email, in-person and at events
• Events composition/participation to include client development and entertaining

Other

• Participate in local, regional and global Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits projects as required
• Provide support to other parts of the Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits business as and when required
• Consistently seek opportunities to promote and sell other Sotheby’s categories to own client base
• Demonstrate a consistently client first approach to business, ensuring active and timely communication with clients and ensuring that their needs are at the center of our decisions and actions while remaining compliant with Sotheby’s policies and code of conduct
• Demonstrate a “One Sotheby’s” approach to the business, working to build the most effective worldwide business
• Look for innovative solutions to make our business better

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• Strong knowledge of American Whisky, with a focus on Scotch and Japanese Whisky
• Outgoing, social and personable character with a strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities
• Experience networking and selling to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals
• Exceptional knowledge of fine and rare whisky and spirits relevant to the auction & retail market
• Understand and demonstrate a “no compromise” attitude towards luxury: protecting the Sotheby’s Whisky and Spirits vision and brand equity while achieving short term sales goals
• Experience in developing clientele over time and nurturing relationships
• High level of attention to detail is a must
• Self-starter with an ability to make commercial decisions independently professional, discreet and commercial client service skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and SAP preferred
• Please note this role requires a significant amount of physical work moving cases of spirits in our warehouse (in NY and NJ) and private cellars
• Domestic and international travel will be required

The proposed base salary for this position is ranging from $90,000-$100,000. 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. 

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Last updated on Jan 30, 2024