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- Tasks: Lead the valuation and presentation of Impressionist & Modern artworks while driving business development.
- Company: Bonhams, a prestigious global auction house with a rich history since 1793.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare, life assurance, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the world of fine art.
- Qualifications: Over 6 years' experience in auction houses with deep knowledge of Impressionist & Modern art.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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 Senior Specialist is a senior expert within the department, responsible for leading the identification, valuation, and presentation of artworks or objects, and for driving the department's business development strategy. With deep subject knowledge, extensive client networks, and commercial acumen, the Senior Specialist plays a key role in the success and visibility of the auction house. They role model collaborative working, rigorous scholarship, and integrity, while contributing actively to the development of junior staff and the stewardship of market and client data.
About You
Bonhams is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and commercially driven Senior Specialist to take a leading role in the 20th & 21st Century Fine Art department. The ideal candidate will be a recognised authority in their field, with proven knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art and a track record of generating consignments, along with the ability to develop high-level client relationships, and deliver scholarly, profitable auctions. Working closely with leadership and business-getting teams, the Senior Specialist will drive strategic initiatives while actively mentoring colleagues and contributing to a collaborative and transparent working environment. A strong presence in the market, excellent research skills, and attention to data integrity are essential to success in this role.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Specialist Expertise
- Authentication, Pricing and Valuation: Lead the evaluation of property, providing authoritative valuations and pricing based on deep market knowledge and academic expertise. Assessing the provenance, condition and historical context of Impressionist & Modern artwork.
- Market Insight: Track and interpret market trends; provide commentary and contribute to brand positioning as a thought leader in the field.
- Consignment Leadership: Use established networks to source consignments to fulfil the budget set for the London department, as well as sourcing works for private sale.
- Travel: Ad hoc travel internationally for business getting, valuations, events and supporting 20/21 Century Art sales in Paris and New York.
- Client Relationship Management: Act as a trusted advisor to private and institutional clients, delivering strategic guidance, market insight, and responsive service.
- Proposal & Pitching: Lead the preparation and presentation of major proposals and pitches for consignment opportunities, working closely with senior management.
- Commercial Judgement: Apply expert commercial insight to all negotiations and business decisions, ensuring outcomes that reflect both client needs and company strategy.
- Data Stewardship: Ensure high standards in the recording and maintenance of client and object data, supporting future research and sales.
- Knowledge Sharing: Lead by example in promoting knowledge sharing, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to internal training and guidance.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Actively collaborate with marketing, operations and finance to ensure alignment and excellence in sale delivery.
- Team Development: Support and mentor junior team members, providing feedback and encouraging professional development within a transparent and collaborative culture.
- Compliance & Ethics: Uphold best practices in object due diligence, compliance, and ethical standards in all areas of departmental operation.
- Over 6 years' experience within a Specialist role in an auction house, or gallery equivalent.
- Detailed knowledge of Impressionist & Modern artists, pricing and market.
- Proven experience of consigning and selling.
- Proactive business getter with established client network.
- Knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures.
- Flexibility to travel.
- Ability to work both as a team and individually.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of French or another European language.
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.
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 11th 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.
Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art employer: Bonhams
Contact Detail:
Bonhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the art world. Attend exhibitions, auctions, and events where you can meet potential employers or clients. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Bonhams or similar places, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about Impressionist & Modern Art. Be confident and let your passion shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in the art market. Being able to discuss current events and insights will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also engaged and proactive in your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles we have available, so keep checking back for opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of Impressionist & Modern Art. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. This will help us see you as a perfect fit for our team!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value integrity and collaboration, so share your passion for art and how you’ve contributed to team success in the past. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website by the deadline. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Bonhams!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonhams
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of Impressionist and Modern Art. Brush up on key artists, movements, and market trends. Being able to discuss specific pieces and their provenance will show your expertise and passion.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections and be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in the art world. Highlight any successful consignments you've secured through these networks, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of the auction process and how you can apply commercial insight to negotiations. Prepare examples of past experiences where your decisions led to profitable outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior staff, come prepared with examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment, as this aligns with the company’s values.