Cataloguer & Sale Coordinator

New York, NY, United States

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

The Cataloguer and Sale Coordinator is an integral role in the expert department, supporting the Specialists in the successful delivery of cataloguing, sale coordination, and property management.

What you will be doing

As Cataloguer:

Catalogue and condition report all incoming property for sale or valuation and oversee photography of each item, liaising with artist foundations to obtain reproduction permissions

Manage and support all physical duties associated with all property, including but not limited to: receiving and processing of property, barcoding, scanning, physical movement and general property management of all items, manage installations and deinstallations

Manage and support all property movement to and from clients and vendors, such as incoming shipments or drop-offs, temporary releases for authentication/restoration/etc., seller returns, and buyer collections as appropriate

Work in a collaborative and congenial manner with all colleagues and support departments such as Operations, Client Services, Shipping and Representatives, etc.

Oversee authentication and property control, tracking consignments and artwork movements, research and maintain a progress database accessible by all but accountable to you, monitor adverts, monitor special terms in proposals, and liaise with senior staff over sensitive areas

Continue to play a leading role in business intelligence and client research; updating databases and anticipating growth areas by staying informed of industry news

This position may require travel for previews and appraisal clinics, and occasionally will require weekend and evening availability for said previews and cataloguing deadlines

As Sale Coordinator: You will be one of the department's experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams' bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool t

You will be responsible for property throughout the sale cycle, including pre-and post-sale inventory management and coordination, working with additional sale coordinators, regional offices, Shipping, Operations & Photography to ensure efficient and compliant stock transfer.

You will work with Client Services, Operations and Shipping to support clients with after sale enquiries, including the resolution of payments and arranging shipping quotes for both purchased and unsold lots.

You will support your Department with preparing various internal and external reports, interest lists, condition reports and condition photography as required.

Work with our Marketing department to meet advertising deadlines and provide appropriate materials

Liaison with specialists to ensure prompt advice and service to our customers and complete initial research to develop specialist knowledge across the field, including with various platforms such as valuations, proposals, valuation tools

As an important part of the Department, you will also support on many day to day auction activities and ensure the Department has all it needs to run smoothly and effectively. Tasks will include, but not limited to, responding to client enquiries pre and post sale, bidding and event management

Assist with company wide sale day activities such as clerking and phone bidding as needed

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager. This is an in-person position and the expectation is to be in the office for all working hours.

Key Skills & Attributes Strong time management and organisational ability

Excellent people skills and communication in all modes with both internal and external stakeholders

Ability to manage workflow and priorities in a fast-moving environment

A flexible approach and a willingness to support Departments and teams outside of your core responsibilities

1-2 years in an administrative position (not necessarily from an auction background)

One to three years demonstrated experience cataloging works of art within a collections information system or research setting

Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies, information sciences, or related discipline

Outstanding people skills and ability to grow and establish relationships with others

Be comfortable in a public facing role, past presentation experience is a plus

Solid administrative and time management skills and proficiency in Outlook/Word platforms

Affinity for discretion and confidentiality

Foreign language skills 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: 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

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.