Head of Department, Arms and Armour

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Department for Antique Arms and Armour. In this pivotal role, you will manage a small team, oversee auctions, and build client relationships while driving sales growth. Your expertise in weaponry, historical context, and market trends will be crucial. This position offers the opportunity to work in a renowned auction house with a rich heritage and the potential for partial remote work. Join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of a prestigious department focused on unique and valuable items.

Benefits

Holidays (including Bank Holidays)

Potential for partial remote work

Qualifications

• Experience in auction industry and specialty field is essential.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team and catalogue Antique Arms and Armour sales.
• Develop buyer and vendor databases and foster client relations.

Skills

Proven experience in the specialty field

Relationships with established dealers and collectors

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Computer proficiency

Tools

Business enterprise software

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head of Department, Arms and Armour, London

Client:

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

512131e960e1

Job Views:

73

Posted:

11.04.2025

Expiry Date:

26.05.2025

Job Description:

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global auction house with an th 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 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.

About the team

Bonhams Antique Arms and Armour auctions offer a range of European and Eastern armour and edged weapons, as well as wheel-lock, flintlock, percussion and pin-fire rifles, guns, pistols and revolvers; American firearms by great makers such as Colt and Winchester; Islamic and Japanese weapons and armour; accessories including powder-flasks, books and other items relating to the armourer and his craft from the th to late th centuries. This small but renowned department holds auctions in London and Massachusetts.

The department is based in our Knightsbridge saleroom, but there is potential for working partially from other Bonhams locations.

About the role

In your role as Head of Department, Arms and Armour, you will:

• Effectively manage a small team of people, leading by direction and example in a manner that will maximise the efficiency of the team.
• Catalogue Antique Arms and Armour sales, and assist with preparation of the catalogues on a timely basis to meet deadlines.
• Have a good sound knowledge of your area.
• Maintain contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of your area.
• Actively pursue new business for the department.
• Develop the database of buyers and vendors.
• Foster good relations with trade and professional bodies to assist with the advancement of the department.
• Ensure the department meets all the contractual obligations to both Bonhams buyers and vendors.
• Entertain customers as and when appropriate.
• Manage the budgeting of the Department and effectively use the expenditure in such a way to bring the most benefits.

About you

As Head of Department for Antique Arms and Armour, you will play a pivotal role in assembling, managing, and executing auctions. You will be responsible for overseeing the department's operations, building and maintaining client relationships, sourcing high-quality consignments, and driving sales growth. This role requires a deep understanding of weaponry and armour, manufacturers and craftsmen, historical context, and market trends.

Key skills and experience:

• Proven experience in the specialty field and/or in the auction industry.
• Relationships with established dealers and collectors in the field.
• Strong written and verbal communication and networking skills.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized manager.
• Ability to prioritize and meet strict scheduled deadlines.
• Computer proficient, and able to work within our business enterprise software.
• Ability to travel as necessary to achieve goals.

What we offer

Some of our benefits and perks include:

• days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to with service.