Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)
Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)

Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)

Full-Time 36000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Christie´s

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the London Book Department in business development, valuations, and client relations.
  • Company: Join Christie’s, the world’s largest art business with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a flexible fitness fund.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the art market while working with passionate industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Humanities or equivalent; experience in the art market preferred.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.

You will be supporting the London Book Department’s specialists in business-getting, valuations, cataloguing, sale targeting, sale management and client relations.

How you'll make an impact

  • Business development: conducting comprehensive research to identify property for potential sale and liaising with our international representatives to develop a pipeline of new client prospects
  • Supporting pitches for business, including preparation of proposals for sale
  • Prepping valuations of libraries and manuscript collections, including research and price analysis
  • Supporting cataloguing, including research, photography, preparation of technical descriptions
  • Sale targeting: identifying and contacting potential buyers to alert them to property for sale
  • Auction preparations, including setting up and staffing pre-sale views
  • Coordinating press and marketing, including working with our social media teams to increase departmental presence online
  • Market analysis, including updating the department's sales databases
  • Internal networking, including raising awareness of the department’s projects and profile
  • Project management, supporting specialists and department/group heads

What you will bring to the team

  • Bachelor’s degree in Humanities-related subject or equivalent
  • Experience in the art market, with an interest in books and manuscripts
  • The ability to think analytically and innovatively about market developments
  • Financial awareness and the ability to analyse and interpret market data
  • Exceptional client service skills
  • Research, communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency in Word, Outlook and Excel

What’s great about working for us

  • 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
  • Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
  • Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
  • Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
  • Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
  • Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
  • Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
  • Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)
  • Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
  • Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
  • Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
  • Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months
  • Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
  • Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
  • Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
  • Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution

Robust family first policy:

  • 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
  • Eligible to return to work for 80% of your agreed normal weekly working pattern while being paid as though you were working 100%, post a minimum of 16 weeks of leave
  • Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
  • Christie’s Family Network: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…

Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time.

Closing Date: Sunday 15th March

Salary: £42,000 - £45,000 per annum

This salary is to guide applicants on the level of the role, the offer will be aligned with the successful candidates experience for the position.

Christie’s, the world’s largest art business, is an exciting and enriching place to work. Whether in our Specialist Art Departments or in our Operational teams, we are all working together to sustain the success of this 260 year old company, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our history and our shared values: Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are passionate about what they do and a role at Christie’s offers an inspiring opportunity to work alongside industry leaders throughout the company. Christie’s is the world’s leading art business. Since 1766, we are known for our extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Every year, we offer around 350 live and online auctions in over 80 specialist categories – including all areas of fine and decorative arts, Asian art and luxury collectables – as well as a long and successful history of private sales. Contact us in 46 countries, or visit one of our 10 international salerooms in London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich and Shanghai.

Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover) employer: Christie´s

Christie’s is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the prestigious art market. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust family-first policy, and unique opportunities to engage with world-renowned art, all while being supported in their professional growth through comprehensive training and networking. With a commitment to employee well-being and community involvement, Christie’s provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about art and client relations.
Christie´s

Contact Detail:

Christie´s Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your experience in the art market and your analytical skills, and don’t forget to show your passion for books and manuscripts.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Christie’s. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)

Business Development
Research Skills
Client Relations
Valuation Skills
Market Analysis
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Project Management
Technical Description Preparation
Sales Database Management
Social Media Coordination
Analytical Thinking
Financial Awareness
Proficiency in Word, Outlook and Excel

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Associate role. Highlight your experience in the art market and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can make an impact!

Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical abilities. Include examples of how you've conducted market analysis or identified potential clients in your previous roles. We love a good story!

Be Personable: Client relations are key in this position, so let your personality shine through! Use your cover letter to convey your exceptional client service skills and how you build relationships. We’re all about connections here at StudySmarter.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Christie´s

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the art market, especially focusing on books and manuscripts. Familiarise yourself with recent sales trends, notable auctions, and key players in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you engage in meaningful conversations.

Showcase Your Research Skills

Since the role involves conducting comprehensive research, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in this area. Bring examples of how you've successfully identified potential sales or clients in the past. Highlight your analytical skills and how they can benefit the team.

Prepare for Client Interaction

Exceptional client service skills are crucial for this position. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage client relationships or resolve issues. Be ready to share these stories, demonstrating your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Get Familiar with Tech Tools

Proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Excel is a must. Brush up on your skills in these applications, especially Excel, as you'll likely need to analyse market data. Consider preparing a small example or two of how you've used these tools in previous roles to streamline processes or enhance productivity.

Business Development Associate, Books and Manuscripts (Maternity Cover)
Christie´s
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