Consignment Director - Militaria

Heritage Auctions; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid time off

401k savings plans

Onsite gym with trainer

Job summary

Heritage Auctions is seeking a Director to acquire high-quality militaria consignments and grow the Militaria category. The role focuses on sourcing from collectors, estates, dealers, museums, and institutions, while evaluating authenticity and condition for auction value.

The position requires deep military history knowledge, strong networking and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional efforts in cataloging, marketing, and client development. Travel will be frequent.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the militaria industry, auction house, museum, military history, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of historical militaria and related collectibles.
• Proven experience acquiring and managing high-value consignments.
• Experience in appraisals, auctions, or private treaty sales preferred.
• Knowledge of provenance research and authentication practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute strategies for expanding the Militaria category.
• Source quality consignments from private collectors, estates, dealers, museums, and institutions.
• Evaluate militaria for authenticity, historical significance, provenance, and condition to determine appropriate auction value.
• Negotiate Terms of Consignment and maintain strong consignor relationships.
• Oversee catalog production in partnership with catalogers, photographers, and marketing teams.
• Represent Heritage Auctions at military history shows, collector events, and industry exhibitions.
• Expand the client database by bringing in new consignors and bidders.
• Broker Private Treaty Sales as appropriate.
• Travel as needed to meet clients, review collections, and vet property for consignment.
• Review and approve catalog text, images, advertising copy, and press materials related to the category.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding the sale and transfer of restricted historical artifacts, where applicable.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Client relationship management

Attention to detail

Travel willingness

Education

Militaria industry experience

Job description

Description

Start your career with one of the nation’s fastest-growing auction houses, that focuses on treasured collectibles from Sports, Entertainment to Luxury Handbags and Fine Art. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong, and other cities. For almost 50 years, Heritage Auctions has been the largest auction house founded in the U.S. and serves more than 50 different auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for acquiring high-quality consignments of historical militaria, military artifacts, uniforms, medals, insignia, edged weapons, documents, and related collectibles for auction. The Director will build and expand Heritage Auctions’ client base in the Militaria category, generate and close consignments, evaluate property for authenticity and condition, and collaborate on marketing and sales strategies to grow the business. This role requires a deep understanding of military history, militaria collecting trends, and strong networking and negotiation skills.

LOCATION

South of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, NW corner of W. Airport Freeway (Hwy. 183) and Valley View Lane

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401k savings plans
• Onsite gym with access to a personal trainer

COMPENSATION

Commensurate based on experience.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute strategies for expanding the Militaria category.
• Source quality consignments from private collectors, estates, dealers, museums, and institutions.
• Evaluate militaria for authenticity, historical significance, provenance, and condition to determine appropriate auction value.
• Negotiate Terms of Consignment and maintain strong consignor relationships.
• Oversee catalog production in partnership with catalogers, photographers, and marketing teams.
• Represent Heritage Auctions at military history shows, collector events, and industry exhibitions.
• Expand the client database by bringing in new consignors and bidders.
• Broker Private Treaty Sales as appropriate.
• Travel as needed to meet clients, review collections, and vet property for consignment.
• Review and approve catalog text, images, advertising copy, and press materials related to the category.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding the sale and transfer of restricted historical artifacts, where applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of experience in the militaria industry, auction house, museum, military history, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of historical militaria, military artifacts, uniforms, medals, insignia, edged weapons, and related collectibles.
• Proven experience acquiring and managing high-value consignments.
• Experience in appraisals, auctions, or private treaty sales preferred.
• Knowledge of provenance research and authentication practices preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proven success in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills; able to coordinate across departments.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a professional, client-focused attitude.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Individual must be able to work independently and manage productivity to meet tight turnaround deadlines. Must thrive in a fast-paced, multi-project, and dynamic environment.

Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities. EOE