About UsBonhams is a privately owned international auction house. Founded in 1793, we hold more than 400 specialist sales a year in 60 different categories at our flagship sale rooms in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.About the departmentWe are an international auction leader in Chinese art, with 14 sales rooms world-wide, three of them in the United States. Our New York and Los Angeles sales rooms have set multiple world record prices, and are known for our professionalism, wealth of experience and attention to our clients. We are the global leader in Europe and the UK and have a thriving and growing market share in Asia through our Hong Kong sales and APAC team. We are renowned for offering the finest works of art representing the richness and breadth of China's artistic heritage, particularly Imperial porcelain, white and spinach green jades, cloisonn enamel, archaic and later bronzes, Ming and Qing furniture as well as Buddhist art.About the roleThe Specialist will work closely with the department and will actively source property for sale, focusing on Chinese works of art and US and international buyers. Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese required.Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an active pipeline of new clients and buyers.
- Expand and sustain contacts with collectors and individuals building on the existing database.
- Actively pursue new business for the department and secure profitable consignments with a focus on exceeding budgeted targets and maximizing profitability.
- Source property for live and online auctions in Los Angeles and New York, with a financial target to be set annually.
- Research and catalogue works of art for sale, including provenance and footnotes where applicable.
- Travel domestically and internationally following all applicable advisories and guidelines to source property and expand client base.
- Build museum relationships for deaccession, cooperation and future purchases.
- Review property as it comes in for auction, examine and prepare condition reports.
- Respond to email enquiries regarding valuations for sale or insurance purposes.
- Provide general assistance to help facilitate the smooth operation of the department.
- Assist department where needed with catalogue design, layout, and proofing.
- Assist in marketing efforts by providing content to Marketing on lots both sold and upcoming; liaise with Press on deadlines, keeping department notified of any deadlines, and marketing opportunities.
- Ensure a consistently positive and seamless client experience and satisfaction of all contractual obligations.
- Enthusiastically promote department sales during previews, special events, lectures, etc.
- Be available and work during previews to troubleshoot and advise clients.
- Provide phone bidding and clerking assistance during sales.
- From time-to-time additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned by the Department Head and US Head.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Art History, Fine Art or relevant field of study.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar or related position with strong emphasis on sales and client interaction, including experience working in an auction setting.
- Strong established relationships with industry dealers and collectors.
- Proven track record in achieving sale and consignment results.
- Adept with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and database systems and social platforms with a knowledge of basic digital photography.
- Proactive problem solver, great team-oriented collaborator and responsive communicator.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume department.
- Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese required; knowledge of other dialects and languages a plus.
What We OfferIn addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:
- Shortened work week: Standard workday is 7.5 hours and work week is 37.5 hours
- 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
- Tuition reimbursement
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
- 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 birthday treats, weekly breakfast
Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.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.Bonhams participates in E-Verify.