Senior Spirits Specialist/Spirits Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the commercial growth of Bonhams’ US Spirits business by actively sourcing high-value consignments and private collections.
• Develop relationships with leading collectors, investors, and trade partners in the rare spirits market.
• Identify and secure major consignments of rare and investment-grade spirits for auction and private sale.
• Build and manage a pipeline of high-value opportunities across the United States.
• Represent Bonhams as a trusted advisor to collectors and sellers.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth collectors (B2C) and trades (B2B).
• Provide tailored advice to clients on buying, selling, and building rare spirits collections.
• Develop long-term partnerships with key collectors and trade professionals.
• Represent Bonhams at industry events, tastings, and private client engagements.
• Deliver a discreet, high-touch service to VVIP clients.
• Contribute to the creation of world-class spirits auctions.
• Curate exceptional auction selections that reflect both rarity and market demand.
• Produce authoritative catalog descriptions and specialist commentary.
• Collaborate with cataloging, marketing, and operations teams to deliver high-quality sales.
• Ensure the highest standards of scholarship and presentation.
• Provide expert valuations and strategic advice to clients.
• Conduct appraisals of rare spirits collections for auction, private sale, and advisory purposes.
• Assess provenance, rarity, age, condition, and market positioning.
• Advise clients on optimal timing, sales strategy, and market positioning.
• Support estate and collection management discussions.
• Act as a specialist voice within the rapidly evolving global spirits market.
• Maintain deep knowledge of global trends in collectible whisky, cognac, rum, and other rare spirits.
• Track market performance, collector behavior, and emerging investment categories.
• Provide insight to support auction strategy and client advisory.
• Play a key role in the development and structuring of Bonhams’ Spirits activity in the United States.
• Contribute to the long-term strategy for the department.
• Help establish Bonhams as a leading platform for rare spirits in the US market.
• Collaborate with global Wine & Spirits specialists to expand the department’s reach and reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with minimum 5+ years’ experience in the rare/collectible spirits industry, auction experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in consignment sourcing, sales, and client advisory within the secondary market for investment-grade spirits.
• Deep knowledge of global spirits categories (e.g., whisky, cognac, rum) and strong expertise in valuation, market positioning, and collector dynamics.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated business development capability and an entrepreneurial mindset to build and grow a category.
• Established ability to build and manage relationships with high-net-worth collectors and industry stakeholders.
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills; able to represent the brand with authority and professionalism.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with experience working across international teams.
• Genuine passion for rare spirits and the global collector market.

What We Offer

• 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
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Free online training and expansive content library
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast