Associate Specialist, Wine

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Join Sotheby’s London as Associate Specialist, Wine, a hands-on role supporting the wine auction team from estimates to post-sale administration. You’ll inspect properties, catalogue wine in SAP and ADM, liaise with sellers and buyers, and help run pre-sale outreach and on-site events. The ideal candidate has a degree and at least two years in a related field with an auction background, solid knowledge of fine wines, WSET preferred, and French or another European language is a plus. You must be detail‑driven, highly organized, capable of multi-tasking under pressure, physically able to move wine cases, and willing to travel. Tailor your CV to highlight data entry accuracy, client service, SAP/ADM familiarity, and wine market knowledge.

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Head of Wine Auction Sales, UK, the Associate Specialist will assist the Specialists with auction estimates, wine inspection, cataloguing, liaising with buyers and sellers and general administration on all levels, including data entry of wines into IT system. 

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Assist with sale administration

• Assist Specialists with preparation of auction estimates  

Assist with property inspections at warehouses and on-site at clients’ premises in the UK and Continental Europe 

• Enter and edit catalogue text in SAP and ADM, ensuring catalogue data is accurate and record in a timely manner 

• Provide a high level of customer service to all clients 

• Liaise with sellers and coordinate their property through the pre-and post-sale processes 

• Promote auctions leading up to each sale date including outreach 

• Liaise with bidders and buyers 
• Assist at wine auctions and related client events 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Educated to degree level 

• Two years’ experience in a related field, with an auction background preferred 

• Proficient base knowledge of fine and rare wines relevant to the auction market 

• WSET educated preferred with enthusiasm and willingness to broaden knowledge 

• Fluency in French or another European language an advantage 

• A flexible approach to a wide range of tasks 

• High level of attention to detail is a must to ensure accuracy, particularly with regard to data entry 

• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to multi-task and prioritise, work well under pressure and meet deadlines 

• The ability to work effectively individually and in a team, and to ‘pitch in’ when required 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service 

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook 

• Good working knowledge of SAP and ADM preferred 

• Requires a significant amount of physical work moving cases of wine in warehouses and private cellars 

• Some domestic and overseas travel required 

• Self-motivated with enthusiasm to learn 

• Understanding of Sotheby’s and its culture and services, and of the auction process in general 

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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.