Head of Department, American Furniture & Decorative Arts

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. It is an exciting time for our business and our global leadership team of art world professionals are now ready to for a People focused team to help them develop their talent strategy, strengthen our people brand globally, build organizational capability and drive process improvement.

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.

As the Head of Department for American Furniture & Decorative Arts at Bonhams Skinner, you will play a pivotal role in curating, managing, and executing auctions featuring a diverse array of American furniture and decorative art. 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 American craftsmanship, historical context, and market trends.

Leadership and Management:

• Act as a principal business getter in fulfilling annual sales budgets undertaking offsite appraisals and valuation events throughout the region.
• Manage the budgeting of the Department and effectively use the expenditure in such a way to bring the most benefits.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Lead a cohesive team of ensuring efficient operations and adherence to financial obligations.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and excellence.

Auction Curation and Strategy:

• Implement strategic plans to drive growth and achieve sales targets within the American Furniture & Decorative Arts market.
• Curate and organize high-quality auctions, exhibitions, and special events that showcase the best of Bonhams American Furniture & Decorative Arts.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with collectors, consignors, and other key stakeholders within the American Furniture community.
• Provide expert guidance and personalized service to clients, addressing their needs and preferences.
• Identify opportunities to expand our client base and attract new collectors to the market.

Business Development and Consignment Acquisition:

• Oversee the acquisition of consignments for American Furniture & Decorative Art auctions, negotiating favorable terms and conditions with consignors.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis to accurately assess the value and authenticity of artwork, providing expert appraisals and valuations as needed.
• Collaborate with specialists in other departments to identify cross-category opportunities and maximize consignment potential.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Stay informed about current market trends, auction results, and industry developments to inform auction strategies and offerings.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop effective promotional strategies and campaigns for auctions.
• Generate compelling content, including catalog descriptions, essays, and educational materials, to enhance the visibility and desirability of auction offerings.
• Represent Bonhams at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to cultivate relationships within the collecting community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant professional certifications preferred.
• Extensive experience (minimum 5 years) in the auction industry, with a focus on American furniture and decorative arts.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing a team of specialists and support staff.
• Deep knowledge of American Furniture & decorative arts history, styles, and makers, with a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship.
• Strong network of contacts within the American furniture and decorative arts community, including collectors, dealers, and institutions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client relationship management skills.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, auctions, and industry events as needed.

What We Offer

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

• Shortened work week: Standard workday is 7.5 hours and work week is 37.5 hours
• 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 and flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Life insurance with AD & D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid cellphone and data service
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
• Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties.

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

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