Managing Director , auction house

Our client a long established and successful auction house in the South East of England is seeking an experienced Managing Director to join the team due to an upcoming retirement. The Managing Director will play a pivotal role in steering the business towards continued growth and profitability. Reporting directly to the Partners, this position will involve working closely with them to develop and implement a strategic plan aimed at driving growth, modernising operations.

Their busy sale calendar includes weekly House & Gardens sale, held every Monday, features an average of 600 lots, providing a diverse selection of reasonably priced treasures. Specialisms such as Mid-Century Furniture, Books, Militaria & Medals and Fine Wine & Spirits are attached to the House & Gardens sales on a rotating basis. In addition, they host a series of specialist auctions throughout the year, focusing on Pictures (Old Masters to Modern British); Jewellery, Silver & Watches; Asian Ceramics & Works of Art; and Interiors & Decorative Arts. These specialist sales attract collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique and high-quality items.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the auction house to ensure efficient and profitable performance.
• Developing and executing a strategic growth plan alongside the Partners, with a focus on both business expansion and modernisation.
• Managing the team of approx. 28 people and ensuring high standards of client service, from valuations to auctions.
• Identifying opportunities to enhance brand visibility and reach, including digital transformation and new market opportunities.
• Maintaining and expanding relationships with clients, collectors, and industry professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a strong background in the auction or fine art industries to contribute to the future of this long established business.

Overall

A candidate with an excellent all-round knowledge of the auction world combining traditional auction house experience with leadership experience, business skills and an innovative approach to ensure that the business succeeds in the face of competition and an evolving marketplace.

Industry Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge and experience within the auction industry.
• Understanding of industry trends including market changes and emerging technologies.
• Experience working in a senior leadership role at a similar auction house.
• Knowledge of assessment and valuation of high-value items.
• Auctioneering would be advantageous.
• Membership of a Professional Body such as MRICs or NAVA desirable

Business and Financial

• Strategic Planning - the ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans to grow businesses including identifying opportunities to improve margins, increase market share, identify opportunities to develop and grow new products and increase existing revenue streams. The ability to lead the implementation of business growth plans. Understanding and ability to identify and implement business-wide key performance indicators.
• Financial - excellent understanding of financial operations including forecasting, profit and loss management, oversight of budget, financial reporting.
• Sales - track record as a business getter, the ability to motivate, lead and manage a high-performance sales team.
• Marketing - understanding of the marketing function within an auction house, ability to set objectives, and lead development and implementation of marketing strategy.

Leadership and Management

• The ability to lead, motivate and manage the team of around 28 staff including art specialists, operational, support and customer-facing team members, evidence of effective performance management.
• Excellent at developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders (business owners, sellers, buyers).
• Experience in leading organisations through change, in particular with reference to growth strategies and encompassing effective adoption of new technologies and optimisation of operations and support processes.

Reputation and Industry Profile

• Very strong personal and professional integrity with a track record in building trust internally, with business owners and with clients.
• A well-established network within the auction world.

Innovation

• Technologically literate - familiar with current and emerging technologies relevant to the auction world, experience in successful adoption of new technologies to deliver new products or improved market share/reduced costs/enhanced customer experience.
• Business optimisation - evidence of continual improvement - process optimisation.
• Evidence of ability to respond to changes in market conditions, technologies or competition.

A competitive salary package and bonus is negotiable.