Specialist (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious. With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey. Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

About the Department

Bonhams Designer Handbags & Fashion auctions offer high-end handbags, accessories and ready-to-wear fashion from names such as Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. We hold more than 15 auctions a year in London, Paris, Hong Kong and New York. Since opening in London in 2020, our department has sold some of the world's most exclusive designer items - including a record-breaking Hermès Birkin belonging to Jane Birkin, the bag's namesake, which achieved £119,000, and The Chanel Collection, a single-owner collection of 200 lots, all dedicated to pieces by Chanel. Bonhams is the market leader in handbags at auction.

About You

We’re looking for someone with great handbag and fashion knowledge of all the main brands, specifically Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. You will be skilled at producing valuations for both high value pieces and large-scale collections, working at pace. You will have good market and trend awareness and will be able to prove business acumen. An ability to accurately authenticate most brands and design is required. Ideally, you will have a network of contacts to work with or you will be pro-active and can work towards building up such a portfolio. A functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedure is highly preferred.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Business getting for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales
• Client valuations both in the office and off-site as necessary
• Carry out research, cataloguing of handbags and fashion, and condition reports
• Contribute to strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department
• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department
• Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers
• Collaborate with the marketing department on the production of their campaigns, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department
• Assist on sale views and with evening events when required
• Provide the relevant information to the department sale coordinator to ensure contractual obligations are met
• Prepare proposal documents and work with the team on pitches for business
• Maintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market

Key Skills and Attributes

• Flexible and receptive to change
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
• Able to work as part of a team, and independently
• Excellent attention to detail

What We Offer

Some of our benefits and perks include:

• 28 days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 with service
• Healthcare
• Eyecare Voucher

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 30th July 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.