Senior Proposals Writer in London

The Company Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting and enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 260 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values: Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility and Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

Why This Role Matters

This role will write and manage the highest-quality proposal documents and presentations to tight deadlines for UHNW consignors that Christie’s. The Senior Writer will work closely with specialists, senior management, designers, and marketing/financial representatives throughout the proposal process. You will have the opportunity to work with colleagues worldwide and at all levels, from interns to senior management. You will also be involved in the consignment process for many of the most important works of art and major collections to come to market. You will gain an opportunity to develop a strong understanding of how the auction business operates and work within a team where innovative and creative thinking is encouraged.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Writing: The Senior Writer is expected to glean information from numerous sources to write a highly compelling proposal, answering the client and in-house brief and communicating Christie’s strategy and market position with greatest effect.
• Thinking strategically: The Senior Writer will be required to deal with personnel of all levels at Christie’s. The initial stage of every project is the proposal briefing – a meeting with the in-house client contact(s), where the most effective strategy for the proposal is determined. The Senior Writer is expected to lead this discussion and emerge with enough information to start assembling the proposal.
• Project and client management: The Senior Writer is expected to bring the project to completion, incorporating all necessary new information, developments and amendments. The Writer must be willing to act as a point of liaison between all involved parties for the duration of the project – and to always take responsibility for smooth communication.
• Analysing information: The Senior Proposals Writer must be able to form an original and persuasive argument.
• Working to tight deadlines: All proposals must be completed to deadline. This can involve working late, so some flexibility is required.
• ‘Promise’ checking: The Senior Writer must work closely with support and operational departments to ensure that the best marketing plan is offered within an allocated budget and within a feasible timeframe.
• Researching and updating information: For use in proposals, such as statistics/market share for specialist categories.
• Guiding the design process: The Senior Writer must brief a Graphic Designer within the department to produce a proposal document which meets both the expectations of the client and the specialist.
• Proofing: The Senior Writer should be prepared to proof thoroughly other writers’ documents at the final stage of production.
• Help to create solutions: For smaller business-getting efforts, including letter-writing and developing template-style documents.

What you’ll bring to the team

• A strong University degree
• Natural writing skills – including excellent grammar
• The ability to write persuasively
• An interest in Art History and the art market generally
• Be highly organised
• Have strong attention to detail
• Be confident, with excellent interpersonal skills
• Have proven time-management skills
• English as a first language (a second European language would be desirable)
• Be able to work on projects alone, but also collaborate well as part of a team
• Be able to work calmly under pressure
• Have a strong sense of personal accountability
• Be computer literate
• Be numerate and have keen analytical skills
• Have an excellent aesthetic sensibility
• Be prepared to work the hours necessary to meet tight deadlines
• Be able to manage specialist’s expectations in terms of timing, costs and design

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)
• Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary
• 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
• Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity
• Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries
• Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance)
• Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary
• Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed
• 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
• Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers
• Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution
• Robust family first policy

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

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June