Marketing Director
33 Auction is seeking an accomplished and commercially driven Marketing Director to lead the company’s marketing, brand development and international business development initiatives across Asia and key global markets.
The successful candidate will combine strong marketing leadership with proven business development experience, with a particular focus on developing new client, collector, consignor and institutional relationships in China and/or the United States. The role is highly commercial and relationship-driven, requiring an individual who understands the art market, luxury sector, HNW/UHNW clientele and the dynamics of international business.
The Marketing Director will play a key role in strengthening 33 Auction’s position as a leading auction house for Southeast Asian, Modern & Contemporary Art, while expanding its international client base and market presence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Marketing & Brand Strategy
Develop and implement the company’s annual marketing and brand strategy across Singapore, Southeast Asia, China, the United States and other strategic markets.
Strengthen 33 Auction’s positioning, reputation and visibility within the international art and luxury markets.
Lead marketing campaigns for live auctions, timed auctions, exhibitions, private sales and special projects.
Develop compelling campaigns across digital, social media, email marketing, PR, print, video and other relevant channels.
Oversee the creation of catalogues, brochures, advertisements, press releases, newsletters and other marketing materials.
Maintain a consistent premium and internationally competitive brand image.
2. International Business Development
Identify and develop new business opportunities, particularly in China and/or the United States.
Build and maintain relationships with collectors, art advisers, dealers, galleries, family offices, wealth managers, museums, institutions and other strategic partners.
Develop new sources of high-quality consignments and private-sale opportunities.
Establish and manage strategic partnerships, referral networks and international representatives.
Develop market-entry strategies and targeted campaigns for priority international markets.
Travel internationally to meet prospective consignors, collectors and business partners and attend art fairs, exhibitions, auctions and industry events.
3. Client & Collector Development
Develop a structured international client-acquisition strategy targeting HNW and UHNW collectors.
Expand 33 Auction’s database of international collectors and qualified prospective buyers.
Develop VIP and collector engagement programmes, private viewings, invitation-only events and networking opportunities.
Maintain strong long-term relationships with key clients and ensure a high level of professional engagement.
Work closely with specialists and the auction team to convert marketing leads into consignments, bidders, buyers and repeat clients.
4. Auction & Sales Marketing
Lead marketing strategies for each major auction and exhibition, from pre-sale planning through post-sale follow-up.
Develop targeted campaigns for individual high-value lots and important consignments.
Work closely with specialists to identify key selling points, target audiences and potential buyers for significant artworks.
Coordinate international outreach to relevant collectors and institutions.
Analyse campaign performance and continuously improve conversion and client-acquisition strategies.
5. Digital & Social Media
Oversee the company’s digital marketing, social media and online presence.
Develop content strategies designed to increase international reach, engagement and conversion.
Manage digital advertising, email marketing, CRM campaigns and online auction promotion.
Monitor market trends, competitor activity and digital performance.
Explore new technologies, platforms and digital channels to enhance audience development and sales.
6. Public Relations & Strategic Communications
Develop relationships with local and international media, art publications, influencers, cultural organisations and industry partners.
Generate press coverage for important auctions, exhibitions, artists, consignments and corporate initiatives.
Coordinate PR campaigns and media opportunities in Singapore, China, the United States and other target markets.
Represent 33 Auction professionally at industry events and public engagements.
7. Team Leadership & Budget Management
Lead and develop the marketing and business development team.
Set objectives, KPIs and performance targets.
Manage external agencies, designers, media partners, photographers and other marketing suppliers.
Prepare and manage marketing budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and measurable ROI.
Report regularly to senior management on marketing performance, business development activities, pipeline and results.
Business Development KPIs
The Marketing Director will be expected to contribute directly to measurable commercial growth, including:
New consignor acquisition.
Growth in international bidder and buyer registrations.
Growth of HNW/UHNW collector relationships.
New business generated from China and/or the United States.
Value of consignments sourced through business development initiatives.
Private-sale and strategic partnership opportunities generated.
Growth in international database and qualified leads.
Marketing campaign conversion and return on investment.
Brand visibility and international market penetration.
Requirements
Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in marketing, business development, luxury, art, auction, galleries, wealth management, luxury retail or a related international sector.
Proven track record in business development and client acquisition, preferably with demonstrable results in China and/or the United States.
Strong existing network among collectors, HNW/UHNW individuals, art advisers, galleries, dealers, family offices, institutions or luxury-sector clients will be highly advantageous.
Experience working across international markets and different cultural environments.
Strong understanding of the art market, auction industry and/or luxury sector.
Demonstrated ability to originate new business rather than solely manage existing marketing activities.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Commercially minded with strong sales orientation and the ability to convert relationships into tangible business.
Strong written and verbal English.
Mandarin proficiency is highly desirable, particularly for candidates responsible for China business development.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
Strong leadership, organisational and project-management skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Preferred Profile
The ideal candidate will be:
Commercially aggressive but relationship-focused, with a strong ability to open doors and develop long-term relationships.
Well connected within the Chinese and/or American collector and business communities.
Comfortable engaging with senior executives, entrepreneurs, family offices, collectors and UHNW individuals.
Passionate about art, culture, luxury and international business.
Experienced in building a market from the ground up and developing new revenue channels.
Highly strategic while remaining hands-on in execution.
Confident representing 33 Auction at international fairs, exhibitions, auctions and private events.
What We Offer
A senior leadership position within a growing international auction house.
Significant autonomy to develop new markets and business opportunities.
Direct exposure to major collectors, consignors, artists, galleries and institutions.
Performance-driven remuneration and incentive opportunities.
International travel and networking opportunities.
The opportunity to play a key role in expanding 33 Auction’s international presence, particularly across China, the United States and Southeast Asia.