Global Head of Proposals

THE ROLE

The Sotheby’s Proposals Department is a specialized team within the Marketing Division that plays a critical role in securing the company’s highest-value consignments. The function operates at the nexus of business development and marketing, helping our salesforce articulate winning strategies for business getting, and creating bespoke and effective proposals and presentation materials for potential consignors who are considering selling art and other items of great value. The department also provides a breadth of templates, resources and insights to the global sales force to support broader pitching and client communications.

The Global Head of Proposals partners closely with senior leaders, especially Specialists and Chairmen, throughout the business-getting cycle, developing strategies tailored to the specific needs of high-value collectors and fiduciaries. The Global Head also partners with Executive Management on long-term growth initiatives, and with corporate peers in Communications, Digital Product Development, Legal, and other teams. S/he must also create and maintain global standards and processes, communicate these within the department and to all stakeholders,  and ensure that the highest-value RFPs are executed at the highest level, from kick-off through pitch. 

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Global Head of Proposals leads an international team across NY, London, Paris and Hong Kong composed of talented writers, project managers and designers. The ultimate goal of this role is to ensure that Sotheby’s Business Development teams are well positioned with compelling communication tools that create the best possible impression and solutions for our clients.  The Global Head must  ensure alignment around what it will take to win business,  aim for excellence against tight deadlines, and commit to analysis and cycles of continuing improvement. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues across the globe, with particular focus on New York, the capital of the art market.  Maintain a thorough ongoing knowledge of their business goals, customer priorities, and competitive environment and in turn, help them to understand and embrace new business pitching approaches.
• Develop long-term growth strategies in alignment with corporate priorities. 
• Define and direct team strategy, and manage the departmental budget. Manage the Head of Business Development Support, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the global team of writers,  and a Data Analyst, who provides research and insight about the art market.
• Meet regularly with the General Managers in the specialist departments and the Heads of Business Development and Consignment Management to track business opportunities and develop a project pipeline.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Marketing Division, especially the Brand Director; Marketing Director, N.A.; and the  Heads of Creative Services, Digital Marketing, and Content. 
• Monitor broader developments in the  Proposals/Bids industry to stay at the forefront – conducting research, attending conferences and connecting with suppliers.
• Keep abreast of market data, media coverage and general developments at Sotheby’s and in the broader art market, in order to keep proposals fresh, relevant and compelling.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor's degree
• 15+ years as a manager of managers, ideally leading teams of 10+ people, with global and international experience a plus
• Ability to supervise an analytical and creative team in both print and digital realms.
• Solutions-oriented with strong process and project management skills, and comfort engaging with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as to work independently
• Able to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while managing a high-pressured team
• Highly motivated, organized, proactive, enthusiastic and resourceful
• Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint