Head of Department, Handbags & Fashion

This role will manage the Handbags and Fashion department in America, and is responsible for the day to day operations of the department, including people management and recruitment, process and procedure, budget control and setting the sales strategy for the department. The Head of Department will be responsible for new business generation and the solicitation, authentication, evaluation and sale of property to meet sales and profit targets for Handbags. The Head of Department will be required to build close co-operation and maintain strong communications with other America departments (support and specialist), as well as the regional representatives. Ideally, they will bridges and effective-working relationships between the US and international colleagues in worldwide departments, especially cross-departmental with Luxury teams.

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Overall responsibility for the management of the Handbags and Fashion sales held in USA

Work in conjunction with the Global Head and Business Director to identify the client development, marketing and business getting strategy for Handbags and Fashion in USA

Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance

Manage the department P&L, ensuring the department observes agreed budgets and delivery of annual financial plans and forecast in timely fashion

Identify private clients in USA, interested in collecting Handbags and Fashion and develop them to actively transact in our worldwide Handbags and Fashion auctions, and potentially in other auction categories

Responsible for consignment getting for sales in USA. Targets will be established on an annual basis and will be reviewed with the Global head on a regular basis

Participate in consignment sweeps, appraisals/valuations, in USA

Cultivate long-term client relationships through personalized correspondence, entertainment, visits, and delivery of auction services

Direct line management responsibility for department Specialists and Cataloguers.  To improve the overall quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business and setting an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues.  Mentoring and helping to train less experienced colleagues.  Ensure that teamwork is supported within the department.   Monitor and set work priorities/deadline and address HR matters (including recruitment, performance management and overview of compensation)