Appraisal Coordinator

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. It is an exciting time for our business and our global leadership team of art world professionals are now ready to for a People focused team to help them develop their talent strategy, strengthen our people brand globally, build organizational capability and drive process improvement.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

About the Role

Our Bonhams Skinner Trusts & Estates department is seeking an organized and resourceful Appraisals Coordinator for immediate hire. Under the direction of Director of Appraisals, T&E, this hire will play a key role in connecting our clients and staff to the T&E department by providing administrative support during the appraisal process, tracking invoices and communication, and helping streamline processes to maximize efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for a responsible candidate who is interested in learning more about a global auction house and business.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Sales & Research Support:

• Manage critical obituary process focused on Priority and Important clients, including daily preliminary review of national and regional obituaries and weekly annotation and review of The List; preparation of client briefs to relevant RMs, Chairman and specialist teams; organization of team meetings and follow-up actions in conjunction with Manager and Head of Department; order and track wills.
• Work in conjunction with Manager, HOD, Client Development, Marketing and Events on strategic department-driven initiatives, including substantive local/regional/national events and programming, proactive branding efforts at conferences (including sending materials, getting tablecloth dry cleaned), and targeted outreach to fiduciary community.
• Ensure relevant intelligence and feedback regarding fiduciary clients are strategically captured after obituary meetings, including FCG relationships, and in obituary tracker Excel and in the client system.

Operations:

• Assist with maintenance of departmental pipelines with Manager and HOD and track consignments including estimates, source, and outcome; co-managing departmental workflow.

• Work in conjunction with Manager and HOD to refine departmental processes, such as obits, pipelines, calendar, tracker, etc.

• Assist Manager with mixed consignments as appropriate; liaise with global fine arts, regional departments, and online sales pre/post-sale administrative teams on consigned property re: A3, shipping, and sale functions; manage communication and coordination with client, client team, and key advisors.

• Assist with in-house events (from Chairman’s dinner to pitch meetings) and conference planning and execution, including preparing and distribution of pre-meeting and presentation materials, guest lists (tracking RSVPs), invitations, day-of-coordination, etc.

• Assist with mainline calls and routing potential items to departments for estimates, terms, and sale deadlines.

• Daily administrative duties, including but not limited to answering, and directing calls, coordinating calendars, scheduling obit and other meetings, drafting correspondence, expense reports, travel arrangements, expense reports, mailings, maintaining departmental supplies (such as swag materials).

• Assist with other administrative and special projects as needed, and on a continuing basis requested from HOD.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager. This is an in-person position and the expectation is to be in the office for all working hours.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest.

• 1+ years of relevant work experience in a high-volume environment showing exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize multiple tasks and efficiently meet deadlines.

• Proactive self-starter with ability to troubleshoot and solve problematic situations and willingness to ask for clarifications when needed.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including excellent phone manner and proven client service skills especially when under pressure.

• Strong IT processing skills, e.g. MS Word, Excel and database knowledge.

• Flexibility to work long hours, including evenings and weekends during sale and deadline periods.

• A collaborative approach and a willingness to support Departments and teams outside of your core responsibilities

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

• Shortened work week: Standard workday is 7.5 hours and work week is 37.5 hours
• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA
• 20 days paid time off (PTO)
• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day
• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Life insurance with AD & D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid cellphone and data service
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
• Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.