At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage buyer accounts and ensure smooth financial transactions for luxury auction sales.
- Company: Join Bonhams, a historic global auction house with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, health assurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and connect with clients worldwide in the luxury market.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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, dedication to local market relationships, and a global platform. With 14 salerooms, 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 You
As a Buyer’s Account Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health of our business while maintaining positive relationships with our clients. You will be responsible for collecting buyer payments from a portfolio of luxury auction sales, offering excellent client service both internally and externally. Above all, you must be confident in dealing with people from around the world, be numerate, and possess excellent spoken and written English (a second language is an advantage). The role will include the management of sales in the UK and occasionally in Paris and Europe, with support for a range of sister companies worldwide. The ability to communicate confidently with international buyers, work under pressure, and meet deadlines is essential.
About The Role
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Buyer Account Administration
- Review and approve bids pre‑sale to ensure appropriate client history is in place or financial references are obtained for high‑value sales. Vet top lot bidders.
- Collect payments for a variety of sales, proactively closing sales financially by ensuring all outstanding buyer debt is settled and resolving any discrepancies or billing issues.
- Monitor the aged debt report and resolve outstanding debts.
- Ensure all KYC (Know Your Client) and compliance requirements are in place for successful bidders.
- Communicate carefully about third‑party payments proscribed in our terms and conditions and manage resolution in a timely manner.
- Post incoming wire transfers and perform day‑book reconciliation for the UK, and support French and Belgian banking reconciliation.
- Identify potential bad‑debt risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them, including handling communication with banned and restricted buyers.
- Process non‑standard after‑sales, private sale and sundry invoices in line with any current delegation of authority.
- Process cancelled sales, allowances and issue buyer refunds in line with any current delegation of authority.
- Deal with external clients and internal colleagues in person, on the phone or by email efficiently and courteously.
- Support the Client Service team and manage customer account complaints or queries escalated to Credit Control.
- Work closely with Client Service Sale Liaisons and Expert Departments to manage overdue settlements and vendor expectations.
- Offer support and assistance to Credit Control teams throughout the worldwide Bonhams Group where needed.
- Occasional weekend work and attendance at off‑site sales and European offices.
- Safeguard the security and confidentiality of client information at all times.
In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your managers.
Key Skills And Experience
- Experience in a Buyer Account Management role or in the auction industry preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, confidence in dealing directly with clients.
- Numerate and possess strong spoken and written English (second language an advantage).
- Good word‑processing skills, experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to work in a high‑pressure, reactive environment.
- Attention to detail, organised and methodical.
- Flexibility and the ability to be a team player.
- A high standard of confidentiality and discretion.
What We Offer
Benefits and Perks
- 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 days with service.
- Health and life assurance.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
- Season Ticket loan.
Legal Notice
Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fighting for equality, ensuring a fair and consistent interview process, celebrating diversity, and maintaining an inclusive work environment.
