About the role
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.
ABOUT SOTHEBY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES
Sotheby’s Financial Services, the only full-service art financing company, enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services. We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can't wait to make it happen together.
THE ROLE
Sotheby's Financial Services (SFS) is seeking a business-minded, entrepreneurial, and strategic Vice President, Product Development & Innovation to lead the development and successful delivery of innovative financial solutions for collectors and clients across the global art market.
Reporting to SFS senior leadership, this individual will build new financial offerings from concept through commercialization, expanding SFS's capabilities while supporting sustainable growth. Working across business, finance, legal, operations, technology, credit and risk functions, this individual will translate market opportunities into scalable, economically sound products that balance client experience, commercial performance, operational execution, and regulatory requirements.
This position is based in New York City.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the strategic roadmap and end-to-end development of new and existing lending and financial products, from opportunity identification and business case development through launch, optimization, and lifecycle management.
Develop business cases, financial models, and product performance metrics to support investment decisions.
Design scalable product frameworks that define structure, pricing, underwriting standards, servicing requirements, governance, and risk controls while balancing client value, profitability, competitive positioning, and risk-adjusted returns.
Drive execution across the full product development lifecycle, leading cross-functional teams across business, finance, legal, technology, operations, credit, and risk to resolve issues, manage dependencies, and deliver successful product launches, commercialization strategies, and scalable operating models.
Identify and assess industry trends, competitive offerings, regulatory developments, and client needs to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation.
Establish governance and reporting frameworks to monitor product performance, measure outcomes, and identify opportunities for enhancement.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
10+ years of experience in financial services, with significant experience in lending, specialty finance, product management, structured finance, or financial product development.
Demonstrated experience building financial products from concept through implementation and commercialization.
Strong understanding of financial product economics, pricing methodologies, profitability analysis, capital allocation, and risk-adjusted return frameworks.
Strong understanding of credit risk, underwriting, pricing, collateralized lending, and portfolio management principles.
Demonstrated track record of executing complex initiatives in matrixed organizations, driving alignment, accountability, and timely delivery across multiple stakeholders.
Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into practical product solutions.
Strategic, entrepreneurial leader with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities and a bias toward innovation and continuous improvement.
Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior executives.
Experience in secured lending, private banking, specialty finance, fintech, or alternative asset lending is strongly preferred.
Interest in or familiarity with the art market, luxury assets, or collectibles is a plus.
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 - $225,000. 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.