Head of Proposals, EMEA

Join to apply for the Head of Proposals, EMEA role at Christie’s Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting and 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 all work together with one common goal: to continue the success of this 250‑year‑old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas while keeping our shared values – Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships – front and centre. 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 This role is pivotal to Christie’s success because it is instrumental in bringing high‑profile sales and new business to the brand. The position drives the strategic vision and operational excellence of the EMEA Proposals team. By aligning with corporate objectives, the position ensures that every proposal is designed to communicate to the client, reflecting Christie’s brand, specialist expertise, business acumen and creative marketing ideas. Leading a multidisciplinary team of writers, designers and administrators, this role guarantees that high‑value pitches and projects are delivered on time, to the highest standard, and with creative impact. Ultimately, it strengthens Christie’s competitive edge in securing business opportunities and reinforces our reputation for quality and innovation across the global art market. How You’ll Make An Impact Team Management – manage the London team, hold regular departmental and direct‑report meetings, conduct mid‑year and full‑year performance reviews. Coordinate a high‑volume workflow for the London team, ensuring all deadlines are met. Manage the Proposals EMEA budget. Recruit, train and coach the team as necessary. Leadership and Strategy – set departmental strategy in conjunction with the Head of Marketing, EMEA and ensure objectives are met. Support European offices in business‑getting, using judgment to allocate resources appropriately. Ensure the smooth running of the department, dealing with issues that arise and maintaining standards of excellence. Write and manage major, complex proposals and presentations to tight deadlines to win business, working closely with specialists, senior management and marketing/financial representatives throughout the process. Build strong internal relationships with colleagues across the business (including wider Marketing, Specialist teams, Press, Client Strategy and Business Intelligence). Work closely and align with Regional Proposal Heads. Support and develop a team of proposal writers in both the structuring and project management of proposals. Ensure evolving corporate messaging and branding is incorporated into proposals. Supervise the development of proposal content including statistical information, marketing and market information each season. Instigate seasonal reviews with specialist departments. Work with graphic design and writing teams to continuously innovate proposal format and content; be proactive in conceiving and advancing these plans. Financial Management and Reporting Ensure the London team is cost‑aware when discussing proposal design and production with specialists and that the amount spent is based on potential value. Review budgets with the Business Manager/Finance Business Partner regularly. Review weekly activity reports using FileMaker software and prepare half‑year and full‑year reports for senior management. What You’ll Bring To The Team Demonstrable managerial experience within the arts and culture industry, preferably at an auction house. Financial management and budgeting experience. Experience in delivering and managing high‑value client pitches. 5‑10 years’ experience in a senior‑management position. Proven management of a thriving team. Ability to work well under pressure. Proven track record working closely with C‑suite executives. Experience delivering pitches and a desire to use Figma for slides. Strong management and communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence colleagues at senior level. Clear sense of personal accountability. Good team player who can also work independently. Highly organized, able to prioritize and delegate when necessary. Excellent attention to detail. Commitment to producing work of an excellent standard to tight deadlines. Excellent, proven writing skills. Keen analytical and numeracy skills. Strong strategic thinker. Strong creative ability to work with a tight graphic design team and produce beautiful concepts. Energy and commitment to work the required hours to meet deadlines. Interest in art history and the art market. Good knowledge of Macs and publishing software including InDesign/Adobe Creative Suite. What’s Great About Working For Us 25 days annual leave + 1 day birthday leave. Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25 Dec – 1 Jan) – 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 (5th, 10th, 15th, etc). 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 (taxable). Dental insurance (may be extended at personal cost). Generous income protection insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months of employment. 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; family‑friendly return‑to‑work (80 % work at full pay for eight weeks post‑maternity leave); dependent back‑up care (10 sessions/​days of childcare or eldercare per year). Christie’s family network: our community of parents meeting regularly over breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, etc. Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time. Closing Date: 7th December Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Industries Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry #J-18808-Ljbffr