Shipping Liaison - Duesseldorf, Deutschland - Sotheby's
Beschreibung
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury.
Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby's promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations.
Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
This role will assist in ensuring that the Sotheby's shipping functions deliver business and client logistics support services for offices located in and around Germany.
To provide integrated expertise and exceptional service for all logistics activities and to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of property in compliance with all associated laws and regulations.
The role will be responsible for liaising with vendors to procure and coordinate logistics services to enable the movement of fine art and rarities for inbound shipments, both domestically and internationally, alongside transfers to other sale locations, domestic movements and travelling exhibitions.
The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following activities.RESPONSIBILITIES
- Arrange inbound and outbound shipping and associated logistics requirements in a timely and costeffective manner
- Respond to and resolve to successful conclusion enquiries and issues regarding inbound and domestic shipments
- Monitor and execute quote requests in a timely manner
- Obtain quotes from shipping partners and other related service providers for shipments and select the best service provider
- Assess and verify the requirements of a proposed shipment, including packing, and entering or validating this information in the system
- Allocate tariff and procedure codes to all internationally imported works
- Ensure that the correct import method is used for international imports
- For all inbound, presale property that is shipped/organised by Sotheby's, contact vendors and issue instructions for packing, local transportation, shipping and security
- Monitor the progress of shipments and confer with vendors to troubleshoot and rectify problems in a timely proactive manner and ensure that all interested parties are always informed
- Ensure that shipments are in compliance with all laws and regulations
- Liaise with Shipping Coordinators and local office representatives in other selling centers to ensure the efficient delivery of transferred property
- Determine where consolidation of property can occur and arrange consolidated shipments to maximise efficiency and minimise cost to the business and our clients
- Responsible for maintaining all documentation associated with all shipping transactions
- Work closely with all members of the Germany offices and Service Operations teams in other selling locations to deliver an integrated, consistent and exceptional client experience
- Organize handcarries for exhibitions and arrange customs brokers, security escorts and all related shipping paperwork
- Request PO forms from departments, park and issue PO numbers and pass invoices for payment
- Liaise with the Director of Service Operations to provide input on known shippers' performance and maintenance of service level requirements and KPIs
- Ensure all legal and compliance regulations are adhered to regarding import and export of property
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Strong knowledge of logistics, including current national and international packing methods, transportation methods, customs, import and export laws, licensing and regulatory compliance
- Focused and motivated attitude
- High level of personal initiative and effective time management, strong organizational skills to set priorities, multitask and meet deadlines
- Action oriented with skills and aptitude to excel in a fastpaced clientfocused and deadline driven environment
- Excellent client service skills with the ability to remain calm in pressurized situations
- Excellent communication skills with the capability to communicate with all organizational levels
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member to complete the task at hand
- Prior experience with fine art shipping is desirable
- Fluent English and German, additional language is preferred but not required
- Prior experience with SAP is an advantage
