Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the safe and timely shipping of fine art, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Bonhams, a prestigious global auction house with a rich history.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare, life assurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in the art world.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in customer-focused roles; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
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. 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 Shipping Manager will provide support to the London Team to support the safe, timely and cost-effective movement of fine art property pre- and post-sale. They will help manage relevant paperwork, export licences, CITES permits and other documents for import and export, working closely with the Specialist Departments, Finance, UKVAT and Legal departments to ensure Bonhams are operating in an organised and compliant manner in relation to all areas of shipping. They will work with 3rd party shippers, managing their performance, ensuring their compliance, and cost efficiency, and provide advice and support to internal teams where required.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Provide daily management / administration of import notifications from 3PLs & internal teams
- Assist in maintaining Bonhams import and export databases and ensure continuous standards are maintained
- Work to ensure Bonhams are always compliant and audit ready
- Provide detailed TA import instructions and maintain TA compliant records, working closely with UKVAT
- Provide a source of import/export information and advice to Specialist Departments, Legal and Finance teams
- Obtain copies, track and manage import entries for Bonhams, working closely with UKVAT
- Match import shipments against A3 contracts and add import entry details, working closely with UKVAT
- Obtain export licences, carnets and CITES permits for import and exports shipments
- Support property movement for touring and special exhibitions
- Manage consolidated shipments between key Bonhams hubs
- Partner with other regional shipping teams and Departments to support property movement
- Provide quotes for internal and pre- or post-sales shipping, alongside co-ordination with 3PLs
- Check costs and authorise 3PL invoices on eBis
- Review and drive down shipping costs
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
- Ideally you will be educated to degree standard, or you will have experience working in a customer focused role within the art, auction or shipping industries
- Fluent in English (other languages would be helpful)
- eCustomer experience preferred
- Have excellent communication skills both written and verbal and will be able to present information in a clear and concise manner both in writing and on Teams
- You must have good reasoning skills and be able to analyse data and prepare reports
- Able to negotiate and influence across the organisation and with external stakeholders
- You will be required to work with industry standard computer packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- Demonstrable experience in navigating organisational structures
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 3rd 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.
Shipping Manager UK employer: Bonhams
Contact Detail:
Bonhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shipping Manager UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the shipping and auction industries, especially those connected to Bonhams. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of import/export regulations and the art market. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various departments, being able to convey information clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Bonhams team.
We think you need these skills to ace Shipping Manager UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Shipping Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in shipping, art, or auction industries, and don’t forget to showcase your communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Bonhams. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key tasks and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance is key in this role, make sure to mention any experience you have with import/export regulations, paperwork, and working with third-party shippers. We want to see that you understand the ins and outs of shipping!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our digital platform.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonhams
✨Know Your Shipping Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the key regulations and paperwork involved in shipping fine art, such as export licences and CITES permits. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you understand the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication with various departments, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can present information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've navigated challenges in shipping or logistics. Highlight your reasoning skills and how you analysed data to make informed decisions. This will showcase your ability to handle the demands of the Shipping Manager position.
✨Research Bonhams and Its Global Strategy
Understand Bonhams' unique position in the auction house market and their recent expansions. Being knowledgeable about the company’s global strategy and how it relates to shipping will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.