Global Shipping Manager

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

ROLE: Global Shipping Manager

REPORTS TO: VP, Global Head of Shipping

The Global Shipping Manager is responsible for driving performance, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement across Sotheby’s global carrier network. This role sits between strategy and execution: translating data into decisions, leading key initiatives, and shaping how the transportation network operates day-to-day. While the Analyst focuses on reporting and analysis, this role prioritizes actions, drives change, and ensures outcomes are delivered. Working across US, EMEA, and APAC, this role partners closely with regional teams, carriers, and internal stakeholders to improve reliability, reduce cost, and enhance the client delivery experience. The role also supports consistent adherence to global trade and transportation compliance requirements across markets, ensuring processes align with regulatory standards. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Carrier Performance & Commercial Management

● Manage day-to-day carrier performance across inbound and outbound transportation 

● Track performance against KPIs (cost, transit time, service levels) and drive follow-up actions with carriers

● Partner with the VP of Shipping on negotiations, supporting pricing discussions, rebates, and service terms

● Contribute to carrier RFP processes through analysis, evaluation, and implementation support

● Identify opportunities to improve carrier mix and allocation by lane and region

Continuous Improvement & Network Optimization 

● Translate performance data into clear improvement opportunities across the network

● Lead execution of initiatives to reduce delays, improve reliability, and streamline workflows

● Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, including manual processes and unnecessary handoffs

● Support efforts to strengthen carrier diversification and improve network resilience

Systems, Process & Compliance

● Act as a key business partner for transportation-related systems and tools

● Help define requirements and support rollout of enhancements, particularly those improving client visibility and communication

● Ensure systems and processes are adopted effectively and deliver intended operational benefits

● Support adherence to global trade compliance requirements by ensuring transportation processes, documentation, and carrier practices align with regulatory standards

● Partner with Legal, Compliance, and regional teams to address trade-related requirements (e.g., customs documentation, restricted shipments, cross-border processes)

Global Initiative Execution

● Own execution of key shipping initiatives, ensuring progress against timelines and goals

● Coordinate across US, EMEA, and APAC teams to align on priorities and implementation

● Track risks, dependencies, and outcomes, and drive issues to resolution

Data, Insight & Team Leadership 

● Translate analysis into decisions, ensuring insights lead to action and measurable impact

● Guide the development of reporting and dashboards in partnership with Data teams

● Manage and develop a Shipping Analyst, setting priorities and building analytical capability

● Ensure a strong operating cadence around performance reviews and follow-through 

Cross-Functional Partnership

● Partner with Client Experience, Supply Chain, Finance, and Compliance teams to resolve operational issues and improve end-to-end delivery

● Support escalation management with carriers and internal stakeholders

● Contribute to broader initiatives aimed at improving the client experience 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

● 3–4 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, operations, or a related analytical field

● Experience working with transportation providers or managing operational performance is preferred

● Familiarity with international shipping and basic global trade compliance concepts (e.g., customs documentation, cross-border requirements) is a plus

● Strong analytical skills; advanced Excel required, experience with data visualization tools a plus

● Ability to translate data into actions and drive execution against clear outcomes

● Structured problem-solver with strong attention to detail

● Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions

● Early people management or mentorship experience is preferred

● High ownership mindset with a bias toward execution and follow-through 

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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.