ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
Key Objectives:
Working closely with the Managing Director Asia, the Global Head of Logistics Operations and respective Heads of Department, this role is in charge of overseeing the Warehouse 3PL, as well as running the day-to-day Exhibition Services, and Logistics of Sotheby’s Asia, spread across 9 offices regionally. The role is focused on delivering key strategic initiatives to improve internal efficiency and enhance the client experience. Based in Hong Kong the role will help other key Asian business centres. There will be a team reporting to this role. The role is also overseeing the relationship with logistic vendors and therefore will employ outsourced resources.
Main Responsibilities:
Vendor management:
- Manage Warehouse partners, photograph services and any logistic partner
- RFP services regularly and challenge vendors on efficiencies and cost-saves
- Follow up and report on KPIs and SLAs
- Monitor all aspect of related services in and/or out of Asia in accordance with the internal compliance policies, and the relevant Hong Kong and international law and regulations
Inventory management:
- Oversees the inventory management function to ensure all properties in warehouses are being managed in the most appropriate and effective manner. Monitor inventory levels closely to ensure optimal stock levels are maintained.
- In charge of managing inventory of all auctions, private sale and marketplace property
- Ensure aged inventory (property that is not already assigned for sale or sold property not picked up by buyers) is discussed monthly with the business to ensure action is taken
- Optimise processes used in warehouse management with the goal to reduce touch points and accelerate moves of property in/out. With Product and tech teams, scope technology to optimise flows and reduce manpower
- Analyse inventory data and generate reports to provide insights on inventory performance
Sale logistics/Gallery Operations:
- To lead and manage the logistics function to focus in delivering exceptional internal and external service related to fine art movement to and from Sotheby's premises, sale/exhibition sites and third-party warehouses efficiently and cost effectively
- Planning and implementing property movement strategy and activities consistent with overall aims and requirements of the company including provision of adequate security/insurance coverage
- Design and supervise all logistics moves of auction properties between Sotheby’s locations in Hong Kong: exhibition venue, office and warehouse
- Lead and manage all logistic arrangements and budgets of any live event, exhibition or auction set-up in Asia
- Liaising with regional offices and specialist departments in order to establish and maintain effective and relevant property movement activities to support pre sale and after sale activities
- Ensure business continuity planning, and disaster recovery capabilities
Division oversight and support:
- Manage the divisional P&L – alongside the Business Directors and each of the Reporting Area Heads, oversee the development and delivery of annual financial plans, ensuring all units observe agreed budgets and maintain sound financial, and operational practices
- In close partnership with HR ensure staff issues are dealt with in accordance with company practices, including but not limited to internal communications, performance management, development, recruitment and succession planning and overview of pay and benefits
- Lead and manage the logistics operations teams (Art Handling, Property storage-delivery-collection, Exhibition set-up) to provide exceptional services
- Act as a link and/or facilitator to enable colleagues to build relationships with other divisions, developing working relationships with relevant US, European and Asian departments
Skills / Competencies / Experience:
- Ideally 10-plus years of work experience with 5 years at managerial level in a multinational organisation
- Extensive logistics and supply chain management knowledge. Experience in high property value exhibition preferred
- Must display exceptional leadership and management competencies and a will to learn end-to-end processes in all areas covered by subordinates
- Experience in dealing with logistics vendors (shipping and warehousing), pricing structures, and agreements with awareness of current market dynamic.
- Good commercial acumen with proven 3rd party negotiation skills, strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Previous experience of budget control and P&L ownership
- Experience with IT projects and roll-out of tech changes
- Capable of developing clear and up-to-date procedural documentation and project plans
- Able to work independently, experienced in leading a team, and managing conflicting internal interests
- Highly adaptable to a fast-moving and high intensity environment
- Problem solver with ability to exercise judgment and optimize resources
- Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English and Cantonese/or Mandarin essential. Ability to read and write Traditional Chinese is a must
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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.
