Specialist

About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams' global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

About the Role

The Specialist plays a pivotal role in the success and integrity of the auction house by combining subject matter expertise with strategic business development, market insight, and transparent client service. This role exists to identify and secure high quality consignments, provide trusted valuations, and contribute to the house's reputation as a collaborative, data informed, and ethically grounded institution. Acting as both a category expert and client advisor, the Specialist supports the entire auction lifecycle-ensuring accuracy, building trust, and driving growth through shared knowledge and cross team engagement.

About You

Bonhams is seeking a knowledgeable and commercially minded Specialist to join our expert team. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in 20th & 21st Century Fine Art, a passion for client engagement, and a proactive approach to sourcing, research, and market analysis. This role blends scholarship and sales with a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and accurate data stewardship. You will be expected to work across departments, contribute to strategic planning, and uphold the highest standards in valuation and cataloguing, all while growing the house's presence in the marketplace. This role will be based in London or in Germany and will be part of the global 20th and 21st Century Art team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities Specialist Expertise

• Valuations and pricing: Provide researched, evidence based valuations and assessments of property, both in the office and at external venues, ensuring accuracy and transparency throughout the process.
• Condition Reporting: Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate condition reports for works consigned for sale, working closely with the more junior team and acting as a sounding board for them to rely on and learn from.
• Scholarly Research: Contribute to the academic credibility of the department by preparing texts for publication in the sale catalogues.
• Catalogue production: while not central to the role, the specialist position might be required to help with cataloguing, overseeing condition reporting, supervising research and helping with authentication of artworks consigned to the sales.

Business Development

• Consignment Support: Identify, secure, and manage property for sale through existing relationships and new client engagement, supported by effective proposal preparation.
• Client Relationships: Maintain and grow relationships with clients by providing trusted advice, responsive communication, and proactive follow up.
• Proposal & Pitching: Collaborate with the senior team on proposals and pitches, preparing compelling and well documented presentation materials for potential consignors.
• Commercial Judgement: Apply a considered and commercially aware approach to all activities, ensuring that the needs of both the client and the company are balanced, clearly communicated, and effectively negotiated.
• Market Insight: Monitor auction trends and market developments to inform pricing strategy and opportunity identification.

Data, Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration

• Data Stewardship: Record and maintain accurate object, client, and market data in internal systems to ensure transparency and continuity across the team.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to a collaborative working culture by sharing research, insights, and updates across the department and broader company.
• Cross Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with teams including specialists in other locations and different departments, marketing, finance and occasionally logistics and photography to support smooth and aligned sale operations.
• Learning & Mentorship: Support the development of junior colleagues by offering guidance, feedback, and the sharing of best practices.
• Compliance & Ethics: Uphold best practices in object due diligence, compliance, and ethical standards in all areas of departmental operation.

Key Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Art History.
• Between 3 and 5 years of proven experience in an auction house or commercial enterprise in the art world.
• Proven experience of consigning and selling.
• Proactive business getter with established client network.
• Flexibility to travel internationally.
• Ability to work both as a team and individually.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding and experience in the contemporary art market, provenance and authenticity research, condition reporting, valuation of artworks.

Requirements - Desired

• Fluent in German

What We Offer

Some of our benefits and perks include:

• 28 days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 with service
• Healthcare and Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 11th March 2026 at midnight.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

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.