Christie's Head of Sculpture

About Christie's

Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the global Sculpture team and shape the department’s sales strategy, driving business opportunities across auction and Private Sales.
• Work with Business Management to devise and lead the global art department strategy, implement growth strategies, meet sales, revenue and profit targets, and align teams in London, Paris and New York.
• Act as a global business getter for Sculpture, proactively identifying and securing high-value works and masterpieces for auction and Private Sales; participate in hilling sessions and pricing meetings led by the Head of Sales.
• Lead the department’s global Private Sales strategy, sourcing, negotiations and deal execution as required to support profitability and growth.
• Win business for sale, drive deals, and help structure and negotiate commercially viable transactions that increase profitability.
• Develop and nurture relationships with top-tier clients, dealers and collectors worldwide; lead client relationships and work with Client Strategy to build dedicated teams around key clients.
• Balance client relationship allocations across the department to maintain manageable workloads and create development opportunities for junior team members.
• Partner with Regional Managing Directors to lead, mentor and develop the global team of specialists and support staff, fostering excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure departmental activities comply with legal, ethical and regulatory standards, particularly those concerning cultural property and international trade; uphold rigorous provenance research and identify, assess and mitigate reputational and operational risks.
• Introduce new opportunities and clients to the department, collaborating with other business getters and groups to expand client relationships and grow revenue.
• Liaise with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations, using appraisals to generate long-term business, re-engage inactive clients and secure major private collections.
• Identify internal and external stakeholders, dealers, academics and other contacts, and cultivate productive networks.
• Work with the Head of Sales in New York, London and Paris, Business Management, the Commercial Office, other Specialists and Proposals on pitches and business-development initiatives; lead discussions in the Significant Business Forum to approve terms as required.
• Represent the department through lectures, publications and participation in academic or cultural forums.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Digital teams to strengthen the department’s online presence, develop sales strategies and engage new audiences through digital channels.
• Travel internationally for business development, department management, client visits, events, exhibitions and art fairs.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (MA or higher) in Art History or a closely related field, with a recognised specialism in Sculpture, including Medieval, Renaissance, Early Modern and/or Modern Sculpture, is strongly preferred.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience in the international sculpture market, with authoritative knowledge of major artists, periods, materials and scholarship, and deep familiarity with key collectors, institutions and advisors.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire a high-performing team and foster a collaborative, results-driven culture.
• A strong record of delivering exceptional sales results and driving market leadership; ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, with sound financial and commercial judgment.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and a history of structuring and closing complex, high-value deals.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with collectors, institutions and stakeholders at all levels.
• A highly motivated team player with a proactive, adaptable approach to cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for business development, client engagement and industry events.
• Proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

Skills

Experience

Extensive and demonstrable experience within the international sculpture market.

Education

Advanced degree (MA or higher) in Art History or a closely related field, with a recognised specialism in Sculpture, strongly preferred.

Culture

Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.

About Cerulean

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