Sale Coordinator, American & Design

Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO 20 days

Job summary

Bonhams is seeking a Sale Coordinator in New York to support specialists and manage daily operations across American Art and Modern Decorative Art & Design departments. You will handle client properties, consignment contracts, and payments within Auctioneer 3 while coordinating with regional offices and service teams.

The role requires 1–2 years in an administrative position, strong communication, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in an administrative position.
• Strong time management and organisational ability.
• Excellent communication in all modes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workflow and priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Specialists in auctions and day-to-day department operations.
• Manage client properties, consignments, and payment handling within A3.
• Be primary contact for clients, restorers, and suppliers; escalate when needed.
• Coordinate movement of property with Shipping, Operations, and Photography teams.
• Assist with client inquiries pre/post sale and arrange shipping quotes for lots.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Workflow management

Flexible attitude

Administrative experience

Tools

Auctioneer 3

Job description

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, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important.

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.

About the Role

The Sale Coordinator is an integral role in the expert departments, supporting the Specialists in the successful delivery of auctions as well as the day to day running of both departments.

About the Departments

Bonhams American Art offers exceptional paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Our curated auctions feature top examples of the category, including works of Colonial Portraiture, Hudson River School, 19th Century Genre Scenes, American Impressionism, the Ashcan School, American Modernism, Social Realism, Regionalism, and Precisionism, among many others.

Our Modern Decorative Art & Design department covers over 150 years of diverse artistic movements and fields of collectability, from Arts & Crafts through Art Nouveau and Art Deco, to mid-century masters of post-war construction and contemporary studio makers and designers.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• You will be the experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams’ bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool for both departments
• You will be responsible for managing clients and their property throughout both departments’ sale cycles, including receipting property into A3, generating and issuing consignment contracts, requesting and uploading client details and payment management
• For both departments you will be the primary contact for a range of external stakeholders ranging from our clients to restorers and suppliers, escalating to your Specialists when required
• You will help co-ordinate the movement of property throughout the sale cycles, 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
• As an important part of both departments, you will also support on many day to day auction activities and ensure the departments have all it needs to run smoothly and effectively. Tasks will include responding to client enquiries pre and post sale, bidding and event management
• Assist with company-wide sale day activities such as clerking and phone bidding as needed

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager. This is an in-person position and the expectation is to be in the office for all working hours.

Key Skills and Attributes

• 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
• 1-2 years in an administrative position (not necessarily from an auction background)

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

• 20 days paid time off (PTO)

• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day

• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave(after one year) and flexible work arrangements

• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year)

• Life insurance with AD&D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement(after six months)

• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program

• Sponsored socials: annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

$20-25 Hourly, depending on experience.