The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 260 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values: Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
The Commercial Finance team is charged with managing the firm’s financial deals and associated risks. Our team delivers value-added financial deal making advice to the specialist Arts departments. The firm has three Commercial Finance offices, London, New York and Hong Kong, and is hiring into the Paris office in order to support both UK and European business getting efforts.
The role of the Commercial Finance Business Director is to work closely with the Global Head of Commercial Office in orchestrating all aspects of financial deal making in the specialist Art Departments in the UK and EMEA, and globally where relevant. The role is ideal for a collaborative individual who has strong work ethics and attention to detail. The interaction with numerous departments across sale sites and the range of projects that ensue allow for a challenging, varied and multi-dimensional work environment. The role will require periodic travel to sale sites across EMEA, in particular to Paris and Geneva.
How You'll Make an Impact
Develop and manage comprehensive financial models that drive informed decision-making for both internal teams and external clients, directly shaping the success of high-value art transactions.
Assess profit potential and identify risks involved in each transaction, ensuring deals are both profitable and strategically sound for the business.
Deliver clear, actionable recommendations based on both quantitative data and qualitative insights, guiding the direction of key commercial decisions.
Evaluate and approve deals by leveraging your understanding of risk, profitability, client needs, and the competitive landscape, helping Christie’s maintain its position as a market leader.
Support specialist Art departments with expert guidance in client presentations and complex negotiations, influencing outcomes and building lasting client relationships.
Lead contract review and negotiations in collaboration with in-house legal counsel, ensuring all agreements protect the firm’s interests and comply with best practices.
Prepare and maintain detailed term sheets and track lot-by-lot sale results for complex deals, offering transparency and insight throughout the sales process.
Work closely with Finance Business Partners and Client Accounting to coordinate all aspects of financial deals, including settlements and credit requirements, ensuring seamless execution and compliance.
Ensure accuracy in all deal reporting, legal documentation, and client communications, strengthening Christie’s reputation for excellence and reliability.
Advise Specialist department RMD and GMD teams on custom deals and commercial matters, enabling tailored solutions for unique client needs.
Oversee and deliver regular departmental and sales reporting, providing the business with the insights needed to evaluate performance and adapt strategies.
Ensure alignment and best-practice across the team and provide training and support as needed, both within the team as well as across the business
Support and manage strategic projects across the EMEA region, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timely delivery of key initiatives
Conduct financial analysis, interpreting complex data to deliver clear, actionable insights that inform business decisions and enhance efficiency
Oversee relevant CTG projects and initiatives and manage commercial process changes and system updates
What you’ll bring to the team
You bring proven experience in transactional roles within an auction house, investment bank, or consulting firm, allowing you to navigate complex deals with confidence and expertise.
You offer advanced technical abilities, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to expanding your knowledge. Your strong financial and analytical skills, especially your expertise in Excel, enable you to deliver precise and insightful analysis.
You excel at juggling multiple priorities, proactively seek ways to improve your work, and demonstrate resilience and determination to achieve ambitious goals even when faced with challenges.
Proficiency in French and/or other European languages is an asset
What’s great about working for us
25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)
Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months
Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
Cycle to Work scheme
Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution
Robust family first policy:
16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
Eligible to return to work for 80% of your agreed normal weekly working pattern while being paid as though you were working 100%, post a minimum of 16 weeks of leave
Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
Christies Family Network: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Closing Date: Sunday 29th March
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