Sotheby's, Proposals Writer & Project Manager

As a Proposals Writer and Project Manager, working from initial brief to post-production on bespoke proposals, presentations and further materials that support Experts and Relationship Managers in winning major consignments for Sotheby’s auction and private sales.

Primary focus on high-value UK business, but with further projects targeting business for US, Asia and Continental Europe when required. Final documents to be produced to an extremely high standard, meeting deadlines.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• To devise, write and manage compelling, persuasive and highly bespoke proposal documents and pitch materials, in conjunction with Proposals HoD/DHoD, the expert department and further members of the client Relationship Management team
• To work on further Business Development and Client Development project proposals and materials as required.
• To manage each project from initial brief with HoD/DHoD and Designer to production and delivery within the agreed deadline – submitting drafts to HoD/DHoD and internal clients in a timely manner
• To coordinate with other departments such as Business Directors/Business Intelligence, Marketing Managers/Press/Tax & Heritage/Financial Services where necessary for a particular project
• To research clients and contexts to tailor proposal content accordingly to each respective target consignment
• To work closely with an assigned proposal Designer on each respective project, agreeing creative approach, production schedules and design work required
• To be competent in desktop publishing – personally layout text and images in a draft before briefing a Designer
• To take project management responsibility for design and layout before a proposal is presented internally for final approval
• To co-ordinate translation of a proposal where necessary – flowing text through document for a second time when appropriate
• To edit text supplied by other departments when required
• To assist with proof reading of other colleagues’ proposals
• To maintain, update and improve base content used regularly in multiple proposals
• To support other team members on urgent projects when necessary
• To be flexible around working hours – prepared to work late to achieve deadlines

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Maintenance of office systems, servers and other components of workload management – in conjunction with the other writers, designers and HoD/DHoD
• Contribute to the compilation of and assume responsibility for department ‘housekeeping’ tasks
• Identify gaps in research and market information, and opportunities for innovation

Skills / Experience:

• Very high standard of writing ability
• Ability to work fast and under pressure
• Excellent organization and project management skills, with an analytical mind and the ability to juggle several projects at once
• Independent, responsible, proactive and able to meet tight deadlines
• A good collaborative team player
• Working knowledge of InDesign
• Interest in page layout, desktop publishing and design
• Interest in the art market and art history
• Ideally a background in arts journalism

Please complete the application form below and submit samples of your work.