Specialist

About BonhamsBonhams is a global auction house with an th 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 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia. Key Tasks and ResponsibilitiesIn 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 departmentMaintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellersMaintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the companyTo 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 printersMaintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the marketMentoring 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 FranceBilingual French and English, a third European language is a plusDegree holder or equivalent, Master’s Degree preferredExperience in an auction house for a minimum of yearsProven business acumen and valuation skills, An existing network of contacts in the marketFunctional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures ( 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 AllowanceLearning and Training Funding ProgrammeWelfare and Retirement Plans