Sale Manager, Specialist, American Furniture & Decorative Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Freeman's Auction House

The Sale Manager, Specialist, is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the successful execution of auctions within the department, working in partnership with the SVP, Senior Director and Director, Senior Specialist and closely with Specialists, Cataloguers, Department Coordinators, and internal support teams throughout the sale cycle. The role is responsible for managing sale timelines, supporting consignment and catalogue processes, coordinating marketing and client outreach, and ensuring the accurate and timely completion of administrative and operational requirements. The Sale Manager, Specialist, will also focus on building long-term client relationships with private collectors, institutions and industry contacts, with the goal of securing

consignments for auction to meet and exceed annual sales goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the overall sale calendar and workflow, ensuring that key deadlines, including cataloguing and photography, deliverables, and internal processes are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide auction estimates for property suitable for auction; discern value of property, identifying the appropriate sale strategy for each individual item for potential sale
• Work closely with Specialists, Cataloguers, and Department Coordinators to support the preparation and production of auction catalogues.
• Provide cataloguing, review catalogue information, provenance research, condition information, and other sale documentation for accuracy and completeness, escalating scholarly or attribution questions to the appropriate Specialist.
• Coordinate with internal teams including Operations, Marketing, Editorial, Photography, Client Services, Finance, and Logistics to ensure the smooth delivery of each sale.
• Maintain accurate sale records, trackers, client information, and reporting throughout the auction cycle.
• Support the preparation of consignment proposals, client presentations, marketing materials, and sale-related communications.
• Help track client interest in property and communicate relevant bidding and client activity to the department.
• Support auction previews and sale-day activity, including assisting clients, coordinating property information, and executing bids as appropriate.
• Run pre-sale and post-sale meetings, tracking interest, and analysis.
• Proactively develop new opportunities to maintain and grow transactions with clients, especially private collectors.
• Work toward personal sourcing targets, attend client visits and develop long-term relationships.
• Cultivate buyers and bidders and develop a portfolio of contact and clients.
• Monitor consignment-related expenses and work with the department and Finance to ensure costs are accurately tracked and appropriately managed.
• Support departmental business development efforts by assisting with research, client lists, prospect follow-up, property evaluations, and preparation for client meetings.
• Stay informed about relevant auction results, exhibitions, scholarship, and developments within the department’s collecting category.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, documentation requirements, and due diligence standards.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Auction house (or adjacent) experience strongly desired
• Ability to travel and directly manage team members
• Bachelor’s Degree or Masters in Art History, or equivalent relevant specialized area, preferred
• 5-7 years of direct hands-on experience in a specific area of expertise in the auction or gallery setting

SKILLS

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simulta
  neously.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong understanding of auction processes and the lifecycle of a sale, from consignment through post-sale.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and client-focused approach.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple departments and work collaboratively with Specialists and internal support teams.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and remain organized in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues and clients.Working knowledge of art market research, cataloguing standards, and relevant auction-market resources.
• Comfort working with financial information, including estimates, consignment terms, sale expenses, and basic sale performance metrics.
• Proficiency with relevant auction management, CRM, database, and Microsoft Office systems.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive client and business information with discretion

PHYSICAL NEEDS

• Perform light physical tasks, including lifting and moving items such as boxes, files, and other materials up to 20 pounds, unless otherwise specified.
• Operate standard office equipment proficiently, including phones, computers, copiers, and other commonly used devices or software applications.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal teams and external contacts; sufficient hearing is required for routine interactions.
• Understand and accurately process written materials and documentation.
• Work efficiently in a traditional office environment, including extended periods of sitting, with the flexibility to adapt to
• various work settings as needed.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision & Dental Plans (PPO & HDHP options available).
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• 11 Paid Holidays – Enjoy 11 company-paid holidays throughout the year.
• Up to 12 Weeks of Fully Paid Parental Leave.
• Company-Paid Short Disability Insurance.
• Company-Paid Group Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).