Full-time · Paris, France
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, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
In your role as Specialist, you will be required to carry out the following:
Business getting nationally for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales (live and online sales)
Encourage new business opportunities for the department, communicate and work as a team with local and international contemporary team on consignment pitch.
Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department
Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers
Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company
To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer’s property both in the office and at other venues.
Participation to the organization of the catalogue set up, notices and condition reports, give extra help to the cataloguer in charge of those activities.
Helping in Sourcing, researching and cataloguing artworks for auction and private sale in coordination with the cataloguer.
Work on valuations and help generating new valuations for the department
Prepare proposal documents on pitches for business. Preparing academic level essays to be published in the sale catalogues.
General administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the department in liaison with the sales coordinator especially giving all instructions for client contracts.
Support the cataloguer of the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market
Support the team to produce the catalogues to ensure timely delivery to printers
Maintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market
Mentoring the cataloguer, in accordance with the Head of Department guidelines
Key skills and attributes
Significant Expertise in Post-War & Contemporary Art
Good market and trend awareness in France
Bilingual French and English, a third European language is a plus
Degree holder or equivalent, Master’s Degree preferred
Experience in an auction house for a minimum of 2 years
Proven business acumen and valuation skills,
An existing network of contacts in the market
Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)
Competent Microsoft Word and Excel skills, ability to take and store digital photographs
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
Benefits
Travel Allowance
Learning and Training Funding Programme
Welfare and Retirement Plans
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 28th May 2024 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.