Client Development Manager, UK

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 role reports to Bonhams’ Global Head of Client Development with regular engagement with the Managing Director of the UK. The role requires very regular engagement with the UK Specialist and Business Getting Teams. The role will primarily support the sourcing of consignments and the engagement of high-level collectors across the Bonhams UK network. The role will work within a global Client Development team and presents the opportunity to develop the role and strategy within this exciting and growing field. The role will be based at Bonhams’ Global Headquarters at 101 New Bond Street, London and will require regular in‑person engagement with colleagues in Bonhams’ London locations as well as occasional in‑person meetings and engagement with Bonhams regional offices and Edinburgh saleroom.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead the UK’s Top 10% Client Review process by profiling clients, design and implement engagement strategies, and ensure coverage for high-value clients across the UK.
• Identify and research prospective clients and conduct new/dormant client reviews across the region with Specialists, Business Getters and Regional Representatives across Art & Collectible categories.
• Provide strategic sale-related support, including targeted pre‑sale outreach, identifying prospective bidders, and lead post‑sale debriefs across the UK salerooms.
• Have an active and strategic role in the execution of events, this may include working with the Marketing and Events teams, creating targeted guest lists and face books, identifying partnership opportunities, and leading pre/post‑event debriefs.
• Identify corporate, fiduciary, and advisor targets for the business development team to support business getting.
• Support the UK Managing Director by maintaining the UK Business Forum pipeline and supporting proposals.
• Provide strategic support to the Business Development Director, Middle East.
• Partner with the UK Business Manager and Regional Representatives to review sourcing opportunities and pipelines.
• Use Bonhams’ databases and conduct external research to build departments’ pipelines and provide strategies for proactive sourcing.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of client information across Bonhams’ databases regularly.
• Conduct regular client reviews with key business getters in the UK and identify opportunities for further engagement.
• Consistently review external art market and collector news and other media communicate client intelligence, new prospects, and opportunities to the business.
• Collaborate and share information with the Global Client Development team to conduct client reviews, regional and department meetings, and to support key auctions worldwide.
• Educate specialist departments on client development best practices and provide ad hoc support as requested.

Key Skills and Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a related role within the art market; previous auction house experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical, research, and interpersonal skills and the ability to generate insights and drive growth opportunities.
• Enthusiastic team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and present professionally and confidently to many departments, business getters, and the Executive team in various formats.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks with speed, efficiency, and ability to adhere to deadlines set by the business.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial and creative approach to generating opportunities.
• Effective at communicating and presenting research and promoting new business across Bonhams.
• Strong understanding of the global art market, its key figures, and external art market resources.
• Advanced knowledge of digital tools such as Sigma, Tableau, and Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Excel.

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.

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.