Job Description

Christie's, the international leader in the art market, is recruiting a Head of Sale - Specialist for its Handbags department in Paris.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/POSITION SUMMARY:

The Specialist Head of Sale is responsible for bringing in business, developing and managing client relationships, driving a pipeline of business and oversee the sale deadlines.

In this position, the Head of Sale manages and oversees the business pipeline, photography, research and cataloguing of property, and provides guidance and mentorship to the Specialist support team. This role requires in-depth knowledge of client relationship management and subject matter expertise across the category, the relevant markets for the category, as well as the process related to producing a sale.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Duties include but are not limited to the following):

• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned sales, ensuring deadlines, workflows, and deliverables are met.

• Work with the Head of Department to shape sale composition and structure, supporting strategic decision-making.

• Contribute to developing business contacts and identifying opportunities for auction and private sales across EMEA.

• Build and maintain relationships with collectors, dealers, institutions, and trade clients, with growing responsibility for mid-to high value property.

• Work toward personal business‑getting targets, attending client visits, handling valuation requests, and developing long‑term relationships.

• Follow established processes and approval matrices when negotiating consignment terms.

• Partner with the Proposals team to support competitive pitches and client‑facing materials.

• Collaborate with Specialists on expertise, pricing, cataloguing, research, and client service.

• Participate in departmental pricing and hilling sessions to assess value, condition, and marketability.

• Oversee pre‑sale exhibition setup, working closely with Operations and guiding junior team members.

• Partner with Marketing, Press, and Content teams on campaign planning and sale‑specific strategies.

• Support “selling the sale” efforts, including targeted outreach and pre‑sale client engagement.

• Monitor competitor sales and market trends to maintain strong commercial awareness.

• Collaborate with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations on appraisal projects to generate new business and re‑engage inactive clients.

• Attend interest meetings, events, fairs, and market functions to represent the department and stay informed on market activity.

• Contribute to departmental profitability through commercial decision‑making and efficient sale execution.

• Other duties as determined by management team.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 7+ years work experience in the handbags or fashion industry, with in depth understanding of luxury buying trends and the secondary market. Auction experience preferred.

• Fluent in French and English

• Extended authentication skills and associated due diligence research.

• Proficient with collection and client management, with a knowledge of both seller and buyer markets.

• Experience with competitive negotiation and strategic deal making.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, and work cross-functionally in a large organization

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in French and English (written & spoken).

• Superior client service and problem solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize in a deadline driven environment.

• Knowledge Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and Christie’s system, or the ability to learn.