What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Specialist position at Bonhams?
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
Bonhams is seeking talented, hard-working Associate Specialist to join our international auction house. Over the past few years, Bonhams has handled exceptional property and set record-breaking prices in Fine Art, Asian Art, Jewelry, Books and Motor Cars. We have made tremendous investments in our technology platform becoming one of the most innovative, auction houses to offer sales globally online, focusing on mid-market prices.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Oversee the full cataloguing and researching of all Post-War & Contemporary Art lots consigned to Los Angeles-based departmental auctions and contribute to the 20th/21st Century departmental auctions, as well as Post-War & Contemporary sales globally, when necessary
- Develop new client relationships and maintain existing relationships in an effort to grow the department’s buying and selling base in an effort to consign material to auction and private sale
- Keep current on the status of the Post-War & Contemporary Art market both locally and globally
- Maintain contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of the department's specialty area
- Actively pursue new business for the department to maintain budgeted commission levels
- Foster good relations with trade and professional bodies to assist with the advancement of the department
- Solicit and travel to acquire property from private collectors, museums, and dealers world-wide including appraising property in cooperation with colleagues and consultants in other departments and locations
- Negotiate estimated values and fees earned by the company as directed by the Head of Department (including reserves, sellers’ commissions and associated other fees for each contract or consignment)
- Assist in the writing of catalogue notes and essays as needed for the sale catalogues
- In coordination with the Cataloguer, facilitate the internal photography of consigned lots for the auction catalogues, promotional ads and other marketing initiatives
- In collaboration with the Cataloguer, prepare condition reports and facilitate expertise processes of artworks consigned to departmental sales
- Assist senior specialists in completing written sale proposals and estate appraisals and in responding to inquiries via phone and email
- Travel as needed for offsite previews and/or sales
- Contribute to the setup of the preview exhibitions
- Answer general inquiries concerning sales and assist in private preview for in office client visits
- Proof auction catalogue with Head of Sale
- Contribute to pre- and post-sale sales and administration
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in art history or the equivalent is preferred
- Experience in an auction house, gallery, or museum
- Fluency with PC applications including Microsoft Suite and digital image management
- Ability to quickly learn company proprietary database
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional time management
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Discretion with the ability to maintain highly sensitive, confidential information
- Multi-lingual abilities are a plus
What We Offer
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:
- 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
- Professional development: tuition reimbursement and free online training library
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- 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 snacks and treats
Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.
Bonhams participates in E-Verify.
