General Manager

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 Skinner is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to oversee the overall performance and operations of its auction business across two sales sites in Marlborough and Boston, Massachusetts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the art and collectibles auction industry, digital innovation experience, excellent leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive growth and success.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership:

• Work with US Managing Director to help develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business objectives and enhance market position within the region.
• Help usher the business towards a digital first, online model

P & L Management:

• Work with US Head of Finance to ensure effective management of the profit and loss (P&L) management, overseeing all financial aspects to ensure fiscal responsibility to achieve financials targets.
• Collaborate with individual department heads to ensure alignment of their P&Ls with organizational goals.
• Develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and implement cost-effective measures to achieve financial business goals.
• Utilize in-depth financial analysis to provide insights and recommendations for optimizing profitability.

Sales Performance:

• Drive auction sales and revenue growth through effective management of consignments, client relationships, and marketing strategies.
• Manage the consignment pipeline to ensure a robust inventory of high-quality properties for sale, aligning with bottom-line goals.
• Analyze market trends and competition to identify opportunities for expansion and improvement.

Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of both sales sites, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and a seamless auction experience.
• Collaborate with various departments, including HR, Marketing, Finance, Legal, and IT to optimize workflow and achieve operational excellence.

Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with consignors, buyers, and industry influencers.
• Ensure a high level of client satisfaction through exceptional service and effective communication.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and retain a high-performing team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.

Marketing:

• Partner closely with Marketing team to develop and execute effective promotional campaigns.
• Enhance the auction house's brand visibility and reputation in the industry and region.

Legal & Compliance:

• Work with Legal counterparts to ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to protect the organization's reputation and financial interests.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Art History, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Proven leadership experience in the auction industry, with a track record of achieving sales targets and business growth.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, and budget management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of art and collectibles markets.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and implement effective strategies.

What We Offer

In 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 participates in E-Verify.