Sale Co-Ordinator, Bonhams Cars in London

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 Department

The Bonhams | Cars department is the largest auction house to hold sales of classic motor cars, motorcycles and related memorabilia. The auctions are held in conjunction with some of the most renowned global motoring events at truly charismatic locations including Goodwood, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Zoute Grand Prix and Monterey Car Week. The division enjoys world-wide success and has held world marque records auction price for Alfa Romeo, Austin-Healey, Bentley, Invicta, Lagonda, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. With major departments based in the UK, East Coast and West Coast US and Europe and a loaded international sale calendar, the department is fast-paced and dynamic, working with varied clients, event partners and the global business teams.

About the Role

The Sale Co-Ordinator is an integral role in Bonhams and their expert departments, working in partnership with the Specialists in the successful delivery of auctions as well as the day to day running of the department. The Sale Co-Ordinator position supports the business in a variety of capacities including ensuring property is offered compliantly, guiding vendors through the pre-sale process through to the post-sale settlement, shipping, cataloguing, VAT implications, Private Sales and general client management. The Sale Co-Ordinator will work in collaboration with the Department Specialists, Business Director and in accordance with company policy and best practice to prepare and execute the auctions while delivering excellent client service.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• You will be the department’s experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams’ bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool. Ensuring that information for contracts, sales and clients is entered accurately and in a timely manner.
• You will work with the Business Director to ensure all contractual terms and introductory commission is approved in line with the Bonhams Corporate Governance Approval Policy before being issued.
• You will be liaising with clients regarding their property throughout the sale cycle, including generating, and processing consignment contracts, obtaining the appropriate KYC and payment management.
• You will be responsible for applying the correct Tax/Customs schemes to items/contracts and being the point of contact in the department for all things compliance.
• You will collaborate with the Specialists to produce catalogues which will include uploading images, text and condition reports to Auctioneer 3 and the Bonhams website.
• You will work closely on complex contracts for live, online and private sales and escalate as required cases where approval/support is needed.
• You will help co-ordinate the movement of property throughout the sale cycle, working with Head of Operations to send out Sale Delivery Instructions and in the Post sale Period, handing over Vehicles and Documents to shippers and ensuring cars under customs are correctly discharged.
• You will be coordinating post-auction transactions including post-auction sales, refund forms and cancelled sales and obtaining approval where required.
• You will work with Client Services, Buyer & Vendor Accounts and Shipping partners to support clients with after sale enquiries, including the resolution of payments and arranging shipping quotes for both purchased and unsold lots.
• You will act as a liaison between the Motoring Department and the rest of the business and be the point person for incoming phone and email enquiries.
• You will be responsible for processing vehicle registration documents post-sale on behalf of our clients in a timely manner.
• At Bonhams | Cars, sales occur mostly on Friday, Saturday, or Sundays, therefore weekend work is required. At these sales you will take receipt of clients’ and vehicles’ documents and manage the documents desk for viewings.
• You will also need to stay away (at company expense), on-site for days at a time depending on the sale.
• As required, you will support the other Global Motoring Departments with Administrative support. This may involve travelling to European and US sales.
• Ensure all files / paperwork needed for outside sales are prepared prior to departure from office including the Lot Labels, “Check-In” Folder and Registration Folder.
• In preparation for the Auctions, you will be required to formally receive vehicles historical paperwork, finalise proof of ownership checks and label and store any spare parts.
• Once the auction is over, you will be responsible for returning the paperwork and Spare parts to the vehicles and ensuring nothing is omitted.
• You will support your department with preparing valuations, condition reports and condition photography as required.
• As an important part of the Department, you will also support on many day-to-day auction activities and ensure the Department has all it needs to run smoothly and effectively. Tasks will include responding to client enquiries pre- and post-sale, bidding, and event management.
• You will support the European Logistics and Special Projects Manager and Specialists with tasks as capacity and time permits.
• You will be responsible for providing sound solutions and resolution to client disputes and managing clients through the process.
• You will support the Business Director in ad hoc tasks.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong time management and organisational ability.
• A pragmatic and pro-active approach to problem solving.
• Excellent resourcefulness and awareness.
• Excellent communication in all modes with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workflow and priorities in a fast-moving and high pressure environment.
• A flexible approach and a willingness to support Departments and teams outside of your core responsibilities.
• Experience in an auction administrative position ideally.
• Enthusiasm and an ability to remain calm under pressure.

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 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.