Senior Specialist

Bonhams; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auction house is seeking a Senior Specialist for their Cars Department in London. The role involves business development, client interaction, and auction management. Ideal candidates will have strong market awareness and proven sales and valuation skills. The position offers competitive benefits including holidays, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

28 days holidays, increasing to 33 with service

Healthcare and Life Assurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Good market and trend awareness in Collector's Motor Cars.
• Proven business acumen and valuation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Business getting for the Department to fulfil budgets.
• Head of Sale for at least one UK auction per year.
• Valuing and advising clients on motorcars.

Skills

Market Awareness

Sales Skills

Valuation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Job description

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About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams' global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

About the Department

Bonhams|Cars is one of the auction world's most prolific departments and can offer for sale the full spectrum by age and value. We are renowned for presenting world-class auctions of rare and significant collectors' motorcars, from the earliest veterans to modern supercars, often achieving world-record prices. Our global reach is complemented by our experienced and respected international team of specialists based in the UK, mainland Europe and across the USA.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

In your role as Senior Specialist, you will be required to carry out the following:
• Business getting for the Department to fulfil the budgets set for the Car Department Sales in the UK. The scope for business getting for the UK is a priority but may include meeting clients elsewhere in Europe or overseas if necessary.
• Be the Head of Sale for at least one UK auction per year.
• Work with the Head of Department on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the Department.
• Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their motorcars both at the desk and on the telephone and in person.
• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers - both buyers and sellers - for the Department including keeping up-to-date record of clients' contractual details.
• Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers.
• Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company.
• Assist with the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities, to including managing a 'wants list', creation and distribution of post-sale marketing letter, eblasts, email updates, press releases, and ensuring the department website is kept up to date.
• Work closely with the departmental administrator ensuring that the requirements of the clients' contract with Bonhams are met, from consignment to final payment.
• To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer's property both in the office and at other venues.
• Support the other specialists of the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the car market.
• As and when necessary support the team to produce the catalogues.
• Assist on exhibition events in UK or worldwide as and when required.
• Maintain an awareness of our competitor's strategies to maintain the competitive position of this Department in the market.
• To promote the Department through lectures and other promotional events.

Key Skills and Experience
• Good market and trend awareness in Collector's Motor Cars
• An excellent level of specialist expertise and sales achieved through a previous role
• Proven business acumen and valuation skills
• An additional language is advantageous
• A network of contacts (or) willingness to build up such a portfolio
• Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures
• Flexible and receptive to change
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
• Able to work as part of team, and independently
• Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail

What We Offer

Some of our benefits and perks include:

• 28 days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 with service.
• Healthcare and Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan

If you wish to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by the 29th May 2025 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.