Specialist (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

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, fine art, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.

About the Team

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on our unique approach that aims to make every client feel important.

The Prints & Multiples department in the UK holds more than 10 live, online and themed auctions each year, focusing on a wide range of artworks from every artistic and historical movement – from Old Master printmakers such as Rembrandt and Dürer, to Modern and Post-War and Contemporary works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Banksy. As part of the busy sales calendar, the Prints & Multiples Department is also contributing to several themed sales including Bonhams iconic British.Cool, Pop x Culture and Hot off the Press sales. Always open to trends, we steadily try to create and identify new markets for collectors with dynamic and eclectic tastes at every level.

An international team of 8 (Head of Department, Specialists, Cataloguers, Sale Coordinators) across our UK selling sites – we respond to a high volume of email and telephone enquiries and offer advice and valuation visits to our international clientele while also supporting our network of colleagues in Europe.

About the Role

In your role as a Specialist, you will:

• Business get for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales.

• Work with the Head of Department on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department.

• Value and advise Bonhams clients on the sale of their items and collections.

• Be prepared to travel - Domestic and international to source material for sale and develop the client base.

• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department including keeping up-to-date records of clients' contractual details on our internal platform A3.

• Build and maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers.

• Build and maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company.

• Liaise with the Head of Department on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department.

• In collaboration with the departmental sale coordinators, ensure that the requirements of the clients' contract with Bonhams are met, from consignment to final payment.

• To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer's property both in the office and at other venues.

• Assist with cataloguing, research and the production of catalogues including catalogue notes.

• Assist with the preparation of condition reports and photography.

• Support other members of the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market

• Assist on exhibition events, either in the UK or worldwide as and when required.

• Maintain an awareness of our competitor's strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market.

• Promote the department through promotional events.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Very good knowledge and genuine interest for Prints

• Good market and trend awareness

• Degree holder or equivalent

• A very good level of specialist expertise achieved through a previous role

• Proven business acumen and valuation skills

• A network of contacts (or) willingness to build up such a portfolio

• Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)

• Knowledge of a foreign language would be advantageous but not mandatory.

• Flexible and receptive to change

• Excellent time management and organisation skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral

• Able to work as part of team, and independently

• Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure

• Excellent attention to detail

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 6th January 2025 at midnight.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

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.