Senior Global Partnerships Manager, Automotive

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

Reporting to Sotheby’s Global Head of Partnerships in New York, this role is responsible for generating brand partnerships with top-tier brands across various industries with a primary focus on the automotive sector.

We are seeking a forward-thinking, dynamic professional to join our prestigious 281-year-old brand and harness the power of our unparalleled assets to craft impactful marketing partnerships. Sotheby’s Brand Partnerships team develops bespoke partnerships with like-minded companies across multiple verticals, leveraging the power of the Sotheby’s brand and its global reach across art, culture and luxury. Our omnichannel partnership model encompasses digital and print media, experiential marketing, and innovative commerce solutions. Our partners are best-in-class global brands spanning luxury goods, technology, financial services, automotive, hospitality, real estate, and travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generate deal flow, source and acquire new best-in-class brand partners.
• Lead partnership pitches and outreach efforts, crafting compelling proposals based on Sotheby’s omnichannel partnership model and strategic insights.
• Envisage new and creative scenarios to engage potential partners.
• Negotiate and close partnership deals (owning contract drafting and invoicing).
• Execute partnership deals with end-to-end ownership, acting as account manager, monitoring and working towards partnership marketing deadlines, overseeing execution, managing operational aspects of partner activations.
• Identify, secure and pre-approve partnership rights and benefits with internal local stakeholders.
• Monitor partnership performance, analyze key metrics, and provide strategic insights for continuous optimization.
• Compile partnership reports and lead partner debriefs to measure ROI
• Proactively nurture and support each individual partnership client and expert through the contract detail, working as a key player in the client team for all relationships.
• Liaise closely with RM Sotheby’s Senior Management, local and international offices, Business/Client Development, Specialist departments, Legal, Special Events, and Marketing.
• Maintain organization and self-sufficiently organize travel arrangements and meetings.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 10+ years of experience in automotive partnership marketing, sales and business development, with a strong track record of closing high-value deals and driving revenue growth.
• Strong relationships across the automotive industry and key relevant sectors (such as luxury goods, financial services, etc.)
• Creative and strategic thinker, able to develop innovative, forward-thinking partnerships that enhance brand engagement and visibility.
• Strong sales & negotiation skills, with experience leading pitches and securing complex agreements.
• Project & account management expertise, capable of overseeing large-scale activations, coordinating cross-functional teams and delivering best-in-class execution
• Results-driven mindset, skilled in setting performance metrics, tracking ROI, and optimizing partnerships for long-term success.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to driving growth and identifying new opportunities.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong presentation and interpersonal abilities.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills, able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to cultivate and sustain strong professional relationships, delivering exceptional service while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
• Travel required 
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred)

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$130,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. 

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.