Sourcing Specialist needed for Antique and Fine Art Dealer in New Orleans - LWAI

We are on the hunt for a Sourcing Specialist to work with a leading dealer in rare and important antiques, fine art and jewelry.

Summary/Objective
Using the company’s global network and renowned brand, you will source merchandise for consignment or purchase and resale with a focus on fine art but including all sectors of the business. Analyze past inventory data, market trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine yield.

Essential Functions

Source high quality, important merchandise by continuously developing a robust pipeline of prospective artworks and objects.
Identify and build relationships with said consignors and sellers, including private collections, brokers, dealers, etc.
Negotiate prices, terms, legal, and transportation arrangements with consignors/sellers.
Vet and inspect merchandise for quality, authenticity, historical accuracy, market value, etc.
Obtain information about clients’ requests and interests by conferring with sales team.
Regularly review sales activity to ensure appropriate buying strategies are in place.
Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate collector buying patterns to help determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed.
Conduct sales meetings to introduce and educate on new merchandise.
Consult with CEO about budgets or goods to be purchased.
Work with all departments to identify and address process improvements, resource needs and business efficiencies to eliminate roadblocks and catalyze growth.
Monitor competitors’ sales activities by following their advertisements, activity, etc.

Experience/Training/Education

Minimum of 7 years of art market experience, preferably in the secondary market with significant client management and sales experience.
Strong networking and relationship building skills.
Strong organizational skills and follow through to see tasks to completion.
Strong understanding of the client’s industry and brand.
Financial acumen.
Experience with all types of office equipment, i.e., computer, copiers, printers, telephone, etc.
Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong Internet searching capabilities.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Ideally possess a good professional network
Understands the legality of consignment and art selling

Knowledge/Skills

Must be detail oriented, thorough, self-motivated, disciplined, flexible, patient and possess spontaneous decision capabilities.
Self-management, initiative and individual judgment is expected.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Abilities

Heightened level of sensitivity toward customer satisfaction.
Ability to maintain a highly confidential nature.
Ability to follow recommended procedures.
Ability to work effectively with clients, vendors and employees.
Ability to convey a positive and professional image to internal and external customers.
Ability to manage multiple tasks.
Ability to follow and improve procedures.
Ability to abide by all policies and procedures and hold coworkers accountable for the same.
Trustworthiness and discretion are expected.
Work well independently and in a team
Ability to learn client taste
Build and maintain relationships; build rapport

Principal Interactions
Internal:

Representatives from all departments via direct contact or by phone/email daily regarding the purchasing, selling, consignment and in-bound shipping of sourced merchandise.

External:

Sellers via direct contact or by phone/email daily regarding merchandise to purchase/consign.
Vendors by phone and email as needed regarding the in-bound shipping of sourced merchandise.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work