Sale Coordinator

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, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.

About the Team

Bonhams is a leading auction house for Chinese and Asian art. The Chinese art department is a market leader in Europe and the UK, working closely with collectors, dealers, museums and institutions around the world. It is part of Bonhams Global Chinese Art team. In Paris, tremendous collections of Asian art have been sold, attracting international clients for the exhibitions and auctions sales. 

About the Role

The sale administrator is an integral role in the expert department, supporting the specialists in the successful delivery of auctions as well as the day running of the department.

In your role as Sale coordinator, you will be required to carry out the following:

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• You will be the department’s experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams’ bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool.
• You will be responsible for managing clients and their property throughout the sale cycle, including receipting property into A3, generating and issuing consignment contracts, requesting and uploading client details and payment management.
• You will be the Department’s primary contact for a range of external stakeholders ranging from our clients to restorers and suppliers, escalating to your Specialists when required.
• You will be the liaison person internally with the different department colleagues globally, both specialist, representative and admin personnel, as well as support departments.
• Be the point of contact for the Paris sales and collections in Chinese Art as well as export administrator for sales taken place in London, New-York and Hong Kong.
• You will help co-ordinate the movement of property throughout the sale cycle, working with 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 valuations, condition reports and condition photography as required.
• 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 responding to client enquiries pre and post sale, bidding and event management, enter all saleroom notices, added lot details on A3
• Supervise departmental budget and invoices, as required
• Apply for export and CITES licenses, and any other import/export documents as required
• Liaise with Shipping to arrange delivery of consignments
• Help/back up the 2 other administrators of Paris office.

Key Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in sales administration, or shipping in art industry
• Fluency in French, English, Mandarin and/or Cantonese is a plus.
• Strong time management and organisational ability
• Excellent 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
• Excellent computer skills

What we offer

Some of our benefits include:

• Travel Allowance
• Learning and Training Funding Programme
• Welfare and Retirement Plans

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 2nd September 2024 at midnight.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

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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