Graduate Training Programme - EMEA - 2027 Intake

Christie's; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Volunteer day

Donor matching

Private Health Insurance

Pension plan

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Christie’s Graduate Training Programme aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Christie’s business with heightened commercial awareness and advanced specialist skills by the end of their 12 month placement. The programme exposes trainees to both the art specialist and support departments, including meeting clients, deal structuring and object research.

We retain our graduates as future leaders; mentorship and structured learning modules across departments help develop

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher must be achieved by start of programme.
• Interest in art world with business acumen is essential.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; additional language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Cataloguing and researching auction items with provenance and context.
• Provide exceptional client services in-person and digitally.
• Assist with registration of bidders and auction coordination.
• Support financial administration including payments and reconciliations.
• Engage in cohort projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

English fluency

Commercial acumen

Team collaboration

Digital literacy

Client focus

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Business/Art History mix

Job description

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

Why This Role Matters

Christie’s Graduate Training Programme aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Christie’s business with heightened commercial awareness and advanced specialist skills by the end of their 12 month placement. Key to success is the individual’s passion for the art world coupled with business acumen. The programme gives exposure to the workings of both the art specialist and support departments. As such, tasks are widely varied throughout the programme from meeting and greeting clients, through to deal structuring and object research. We aim to retain all our Graduate Trainees — the next generation of Christie’s business leaders.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Cataloguing and Research

• Assist in the cataloguing of auction items, ensuring accurate descriptions and provenance
• Conduct thorough research on items, including historical context, previous ownership, and market value
• Collaborate with specialists to verify condition of items and their authenticity

Client Services

• Provide exceptional customer service to clients, both in-person and via digital platforms
• Assist clients with inquiries regarding auction processes, item details, and bidding procedures
• Support the client services team during auction previews and events

Auction Coordination

• Assist with the registration of bidders and the management of auction paddles
• Coordinate with auctioneers and other staff to ensure the efficient running of live and online auctions

Financial Administration

• Assist in the processing of payments and the reconciliation of auction sales
• Rotational Learning and Development
• Participate in structured learning modules and training sessions across various departments
• Engage in mentorship opportunities with senior staff and industry experts

Cohort Project

• Contribute to special projects and initiatives aimed at improving auction house operations and client experience
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management

What you’ll bring to the team

• Bachelors degree or higher – must be achieved by the start of the programme (September 2027)
• A blend of Commercial / Business AND Art History education is preferred
• Demonstrable passion for, and interest in, the art world
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinker
• Excellent communication skills (Fluency in English mandatory)
• Fluency in an additional language is preferable
• Enthusiasm and dedication
• ‘Client focus’ and strong interpersonal qualities
• Tech native
• Strong passion for digital innovation
• Collaborative & team focused; ability to build a strong cross departmental network across the business
• Client service; demonstrate exceptional client management skills

What’s great about working for us

• 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
• Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in additional to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
• Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5 year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
• Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
• Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
• Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
• Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
• Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)
• Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
• Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
• Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
• Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury
• Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Seniorcare by Lottie
• Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
• Robust family first policy:
• 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
• Four day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave
• Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
• The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…

*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time

Salary: £30,000

Closing Date: 31st December 2026

#LI-Hybrid