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. 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.
About the Role
Bonhams is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Appraisals Coordinator to join our Los Angeles based Trusts & Estates Department. The Appraisal Coordinator position is largely an administrative position with a significant amount of data entry but it can be the ideal starting point for a savvy candidate to gain a foothold within the international art and collectibles market - on the specialist, business development and financial/management track. Past successful individuals in this position have grown to be sale coordinators, cataloguers and business directors. The successful candidate will work with renowned specialists at all levels, as well as executive management. This is an excellent opportunity for a responsible candidate who is interested in learning more about a global auction house and business.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Responsible for generating appraisals for Bonhams in the U.S. from initial appointment to delivery of final appraisal reports to clients.
- Work with specialists at all levels to enter or transcribe data and other information into Bonhams proprietary database system (A3).
- Assemble, proof, edit draft appraisals to ensure appraisal reports comply with Bonhams' standards and requirements, as well as other regulatory requirements for final review and approval by manager.
- Process, bind and send appraisal reports to the client, meeting expected delivery date. Follow-up on past-due invoices when necessary.
- Track appraisal materials through the entire appraisal process, ensuring that all back-up information is retained.
- Assist in putting together appraisal agreements and ensure that they are signed and included in the work file.
- Maintain central appraisal work files with all relevant and required information, including drafts of appraisal reports, comparable sale records, images, etc.
- Maintain Excel reports on appraisal statuses and extract statistical information to report on department status, total values, conversions to sales, etc.
- Proactively resolve situations with stakeholders and understand when to advance the issue to the next management level.
- Develop recommendations to streamline work processes, enhance services, and maximize profitability.
- Provide clients with detailed information regarding services and fees for appraisal services.
- Work with manager to extract historical appraisal data to provide potential sale prospects.
- Maintain specialist bios and proactively ensure they are current.
- Assist with other administrative and special projects as needed, and on a continuing basis requested from manager.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest.
- 1+ years of relevant work experience in a high-volume environment showing exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Time management and multitasking skills are essential, especially the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Extremely well organized and able to work independently, as well as with staff and clients at all levels.
- Ability to quickly learn Bonhams' proprietary database system (A3) is essential.
- Proactive self-starter with ability to troubleshoot and solve problematic situations and willingness to ask for clarifications when needed.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including excellent phone manner and proven client service skills especially when under pressure.
- Strong IT processing skills, e.g. MS Suite and database knowledge.
- Flexibility to work long hours, including evenings and weekends during sale and deadline periods.
- A collaborative approach and a willingness to support Departments and teams outside of your core responsibilities.
Addition Desired Qualities
- An interest in and understanding of fine art, furniture & decorative arts and related terminology is helpful
- Detailed - consistency and an eye for copy editing is key
- Initiative - demonstrate the abilities to proactively engage with clients and staff at all levels
- Resourcefulness - able to quickly understand the basic elements of a given problem and how to resolve it
- Prioritize - quickly learn what projects are (or should be) more significant to the core business
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 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
- Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
- 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, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast
Bonhams participates in E-Verify.
Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Summer holiday, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,