Client Service Administrator-part Time

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.

We are seeking a passionate and energetic Client Services Administrator to join our Client Services team in New York, NY, on a part-time basis, to provide an outstanding experience to our visitors and clients. We are looking for individuals who are positive, quick problem-solvers who thrive in a busy and highly visible role, have a passion for the arts and are looking to gain an excellent foundation for understanding how an international auction house appraises works of art, builds client relationships and conducts its auctions.  

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.

Key tasks include, but are not limited to:  

• Manage the front desk and ensure that the lobby area is always clean and tidy

• Ensure that our visitors and clients feel acknowledged, welcomed, and well informed, and are quickly connected to appropriate Bonhams department and staff members should they have any inquiries

• Stay informed and aware of the preview and auction schedule for each of our locations

• Service client queries by phone, team email inbox, and in person quickly and accurately

• Assist with pre and post-sale administration, before and during auction, taking and entering absentee bids, and processing internet bids and web related queries

• Manage client's accounts, updating internal systems with client details and ensuring appropriate ID is on file

• Engage in cashiering responsibilities, such as handling cash and recording payments accurately, and balancing sales

• Supply Bonhams shipping quotes and coordinate with the operations and shipping departments for collections

• Be flexible with your schedule, as this role provides support during special events, sale previews and offsite auctions

• Maintain a supply of current auction details and schedule at the front counter

• Oversee the opening and closing of the lobby daily

• Support new hire and ongoing training initiatives

• Be available and interested in assisting with ad-hoc projects as they arise

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree with 1-2 year’s relevant work experience

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines

• Great attention to detail and consistent, proactive, internal and external communication

• Excellent demonstration of first-class customer service skills and experience dealing with a diverse range of people

• Fluency in Mandarin or another language is preferred

• A positive team player who is able to maintain knowledge of departments, personnel, names and titles of senior management and executive officers, as well as branch locations

• Possess a genuine interest and thorough knowledge of art history and art market

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Outlook programs and database software

• Foreign language(s) a plus

• Must be flexible to cover a fluid and growing sales schedule, inclusive of evenings and weekends

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.