Sale Coordinator, Handbags & Fashion and Watches Departments
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.
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 Handbags & Fashion is a global destination for exceptional handbags, accessories, ready-to-wear and haute couture from houses including Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Our sales celebrate craftsmanship, provenance and rarity, treating fashion as art and cultural heritage as well as luxury. Bonhams Watch auctions offer vintage and modern timepieces from makers including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Cartier and George Daniels. We are distinguished by our international team of specialists, white-glove care for every piece, and a global client base.
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.
- Fulfil the requests for in-house packing & shipping of all lots in a safe, quick and efficient manner by printing shipping labels, proof for accuracy, and physically pack items safely with handoff to shipping carriers.
- 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.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong time management and organizational 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)