Bonhams: Specialist, Fine Wine + Rare Spirits

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 prides itself on the following brand values:

• Passionate: We are the only international auction house owned and run by auctioneers.

• Knowledgeable: We have more specialists across more subjects than any other auction house. Our knowledge base extends around the world with a network of offices and regional representatives.

• Refreshing: We are an auction house established since 1793 in the UK and 1865 in the US but, despite our 200 plus years of history, are always learning and looking ahead. We are modern in our outlook, open and approachable. Our specialists are accessible and travel the world to meet our clients. We have been innovative and lead the industry in introducing new and more efficient practices into the business.

• Responsive: We are always listening to our clients and endeavor to meet their needs and the needs of the market.

About the Role

As a specialist in Bonhams Skinner’s largest department, you are pivotal to the growth of the company. Reporting to the Director of Fine Wine and Rare Spirits, you will be the face of the organization while prospecting new business from your network of buyers, sellers and collectors, while forging new relationships through an aggressive networking approach. We’re looking for someone that’s not afraid to pick up the phone, introduce themselves, and can confidently explain why auction is the best means to see a return on high end wine and spirits (don’t worry, our hammer prices prove it!). You’ll work closely with your teammates on the East Coast to understand the needs of your clients, authenticate property and prepare consignments for sale while returning industry leading hammer prices. This role can be based in our Boston, Los Angeles or New York offices.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Prospect new business from network of retailers, restaurants, brokers and collectors; this is a role that necessitates the ability to create new partnerships
• Develop and maintain relationships with consignors to foster repeat business
• Receive inquiries for auction appraisals while accepting and preparing consignments for auction
• Work with the department director on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department
• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers
• Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company
• Liaise with department director on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department
• Assist on exhibition events and market visits
• Maintain an awareness of our competitor’s strategies to maintain the competitive position in the market

Requirements

• Passion for and knowledge of Fine Wine, Rare Spirits and the markets they trade in
• Ability to define your role, take ownership of your responsibilities and be part of something from the ground floor
• Keen attention to detail, ability to juggle multiple tasks, capacity to work within tight deadlines and collaborate with teammates across multiple departments
• A growth mindset: we’re growing, opening new markets and want you to be, too!
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Previous wine and spirits experience a must with preference given to those with auction experience
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral.
• Flexibility and the ability to be a team player.
• Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure.

Benefits

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans with a company match, flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and offer a generous vacation policy. Compensation up to $120,000.

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.

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