Operations Manager, New York

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

Under the supervision of our VP of Operations you will manage all aspects of property operations for our New York offices including but not limited to facilities supervision, exhibition installation, auction and event setup/breakdown, photography coordination and property movement, loss/damage management, storage and logistics. You will manage our team of art handlers, temporary and preview workers and oversee third-party contractors. Working in conjunction with the VP of Operations and US Shipping Manager you will ensure the best in service and operations standards.

In your role as Operations Manager you will be required to carry out the following:

Key Skills and Attributes

Gallery & Auctions

• Manage all set up and breakdown of exhibitions, auctions and events, keeping in mind deadlines, budgetary requirements and ensuring the highest of standards.

• Establish and coordinate operational needs and procedures with all internal departments, meeting deadlines.

Property Storage & Handling

• Work closely with the Photography Department to coordinate schedule of photography space; maintain clear communication with the Director of Catalog Production and Photographs regarding large scale projects and offsite shoot logistics.

• Be responsible for property loss and damage procedures, prevention, reporting and training.

• Coordinate with US Shipping Manager, the management of interoffice, domestic and overseas logistics and all third-party storage partner location.

• Manage third-party storage partner relationship and the pre- and post-sale storage program including all associated administrative functions.

• Act as liaison for independent shipping firms, contractors and clients including all associated administrative functions and Health and Safety requirements.

Building Facilities

• Maintain standards, implement and manage procedures for all security, janitorial requirements, building, salesroom, warehouses, postal and waste maintenance contracts, facility and vehicle maintenance, and supply purchasing.

• Budget and manage ad hoc building repairs and projects ensuring to stay one step ahead of future repairs.

• Monitor and ensure there is ongoing compliance with Health & Safety regulations and code requirements. 

• Ensure office supplies and equipment are maintained and managed.

General

• Manage all operations needs on site as directed by the VP of Operations.

• Hire, train and manage the Operations Crew responsible for general facilities labor and for all aspects of property movement to include but not be limited to: property receipt and photography, exhibition set up and breakdown, buyer and vendor property collection, and storage. Keeping in mind the overall budget, identify times when third party or part time assistance is needed and hire and train accordingly.

• Ensure proper IT set up for auctions and events in the coordination with the IT Coordinator.

• Domestic and International travel may be required for the coordination of logistics for incoming large consignments, or for offsite exhibitions or sales including but not limited to Motorcar auctions.

• Continuously identify and propose improvements and develop recommendations to streamline work processes, enhance services and maximize profitability.

• Take the necessary actions to satisfy internal and external client concerns in a timely and cost-effective manner. Escalate client issues to supervisors as needed.

• Code invoices and monitor costs across previews, property storage and handling and building facilities.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your line manager.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in facilities/operations management, project management and staff supervision.

• Familiarity with safety rules, construction documents, operating and maintenance instructions and service agreements and procedure manuals.

• Must be a supportive manager and team player, able to address new challenges and maintain a level head under pressure.

• Ability to take initiative, multitask, and work graciously in a fast-paced environment.

• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Detail oriented and extremely well organized.

• Proven ability to successfully set priorities, meet deadlines and budgets.

• Ability to manage and manipulate sizeable amounts of data accurately.

• Must be a self-starter and function well both independently and as part of teams.

• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, Sharepoint, Office365, and online databases.

• Calm and professional demeanor with staff and clients.

Addition Desired Qualities

• Auction house or fine art experience is preferred.

• Certificates or licenses to conduct training in fire safety: CPR/AED, OSHA and life safety programs is 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

• Tuition reimbursement

• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Employee assistance program (EAP)

• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library

• 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.

Salary : $80,000