Business Operations Manager, Sales Development

New York, United States

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

The Business Operations Manager serves as the department's operational lead for sourcing and valuation activity, overseeing valuation strategy, interest and sales development workflow management, reporting, and business development initiatives. Acting as a key partner to specialists and leadership, the Manager leverages opportunities to support sourcing efforts, private sales development, and collection acquisition strategies across Impressionist & Modern Art, American Art, Latin American Art, and Single Owner Collections.

The role combines operational leadership, market-facing business development support, and strategic project management to drive departmental growth and efficiency.

Responsibilities

I. Impressionist and Modern Art:
Valuations, Collections & Sales

Valuation Oversight & Workflow Management

• Serve as the primary business operations lead for all departmental valuation activity across Impressionist & Modern Art, including Fair Market Value, Estate, Insurance, Retail Replacement, and Sale & Financial Services valuations.
• Manage the intake, prioritization, tracking, and reporting of valuation requests, ensuring timely completion and exceptional client service.
• Partner closely with specialists, Valuations Services, and department leadership to oversee valuation workflows and resolve complex operational issues.
• Lead weekly valuation meetings, establish priorities, and drive accountability for deliverables and follow-up actions.
• Develop reporting and analytics on valuation volumes, turnaround times, conversion rates, and business development opportunities.
• Identify valuation-led opportunities for consignments, private sales, and broader client engagement.
• Establish best practices and process improvements to increase efficiency, consistency, and service quality across valuation activity.
• Partner with specialists to prepare materials for pricing discussions, collection reviews, and strategic client presentations.
• Serve as a central point of coordination for significant estate, fiduciary, philanthropic, and collection-related valuation projects.

Business Development Through Valuations

• Leverage valuation activity as a key source of business generation and client acquisition opportunities.
• Track and report on consignments, private sales opportunities, and collection introductions originating from valuation engagements.
• Work with specialists and Client Development teams to cultivate relationships stemming from valuation activity.
• Support leadership with strategic reporting on valuation-driven revenue opportunities and market engagement.

II. Sourcing, Collections & Business Development

• Lead sourcing pipeline management across Impressionist & Modern Art, American Art, Latin American Art, Private Sales, and Single Owner Collection opportunities.
• Maintain visibility into business-getting…