At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO in strategic planning and lead cross-functional projects.
- Company: Bonhams, a historic global auction house with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and more perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and innovation.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career while shaping the future of a leading auction house.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in strategy consulting or an MBA; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Bonhams Network
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international sales rooms, 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 sales rooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectibles, 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
We are seeking a high‑potential Business Strategy Manager to work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team at Bonhams. This is a unique opportunity for someone early in their career—either with a few years’ experience in top‑tier management consulting or fresh from an MBA program—to gain accelerated exposure to strategic decision‑making, business operations, and the art and auction market. This role is designed as a fast‑track pathway to management, offering broad responsibility, significant visibility, and the chance to shape the evolution of a growing, dynamic organisation.
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Support the CEO and ExCo in developing and refining the company’s strategic roadmap.
- Conduct market, competitive, and financial analyses to inform business decisions and new initiatives.
- Lead business case development for new services, partnerships, and growth opportunities.
- Track progress against strategic KPIs and provide insights to the executive team.
- Project Leadership
- Manage cross‑functional projects from design through implementation, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.
- Coordinate with teams across functional and specialist departments to enable strategy delivery.
- Business Insights & Reporting
- Prepare board‑level presentations, CEO reports, and insights for investors, partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Analyse operational performance and identify opportunities for efficiency and process improvement.
- CEO Support & Special Projects
- Act as a thought partner to the CEO, offering structured insights and recommendations.
- Lead or support special projects related to digital transformation, category expansion, client experience, or organisational development.
Required Skills & Experience
- 2–4 years’ experience in strategy consulting or an MBA (or equivalent graduate business degree).
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesise complex information.
- Excellent communication skills—comfortable preparing C‑suite‑level documents and presenting insights.
- High degree of initiative, ownership, and adaptability.
- Strategic mindset balanced with a willingness to “roll up your sleeves” as needed.
Preferred
- Experience or interest in the art, luxury, or collectibles sectors.
- Understanding of digital business models, client analytics, or operational optimisation.
- Exposure to growth‑stage environments or businesses undergoing transformation.
Personal Attributes
- Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.
- Confident working with senior leaders and navigating ambiguity.
- Collaborative and relationship‑oriented, with strong influencing skills.
- Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with detailed execution.
What We Offer
- 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 15th 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.
Business Strategy Manager employer: Bonhams
Bonhams is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for growth and development within the dynamic art and auction market. With a commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Business Strategy Manager, you will gain unparalleled exposure to strategic decision-making while working closely with senior leadership in a globally recognised organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Strategy Manager
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Bonhams!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Business Strategy Manager position at Bonhams via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Bonhams.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Bonhams’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonhams
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Bonhams. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Bonhams. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Bonhams.
