Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century
Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century

Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century

Sunderland Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Christie's

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support art specialists in client relations, research, and cataloguing for auctions.
  • Company: Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, health insurance, flexible fitness fund, and exclusive art access.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in the art world.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in art history preferred; strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and networking in the art industry.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & 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 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & 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 position is responsible for supporting 20/21 in the Belgium region through support of the Senior Specialist, pipeline of business and client development, research and cataloguing objects sourced from the region for valuation and international export. The role will support sourcing and business getting of seller and buyer activities for auction and private sales making maximum use of art expertise & client relationships. This role requires knowledge of client relationship management, subject matter expertise across the art category and for the relevant markets for the category, as well as some experience in the process related to producing a sale. The role is client facing working with Senior Specialist and regional team on all aspects client relationships and business.

How You\\\’ll Make an Impact

Support & Coordination

Providing pre-sale, sale and post-sale support to maintain client relationships in the region – keeping clients informed of all stages of process estimates, proposals, valuations, contracts, shipping, sales, results and settlement. Maintaining client files and updates in COS & Object systems. Lead on projects with Senior Specialist. Cultivate aspects of client relationships creating future opportunities. Answer and follow up on calls, emails, outreach, enquiries. Management of 20/21 valuations, proposals, and an overview of pipeline business. Manage / Schedule 20/21 Belgian meetings. Support travel for Belgium 20/21 Senior Specialist. Upkeep of regional activity tracker & Senior Specialist activity tracker. Escalate disputes.

Cataloguing

Complete research & cataloguing of pre-sale property or property for valuations, proposals, or exhibition. Completion of client valuations & appraisals working with EAV. Review incoming client enquiries and review with Senior Specialist. Work with Senior Specialist, and client strategy to work on selling and buying strategies and actively sell the sales.

Business & Client Development

Act as a Junior Specialist for Post – War & Contemporary Art department, working with the Senior Specialist on valuations, proposals and in pitching business. Meet with clients on-site and off-site, attend valuations, client visits, events, exhibitions, and art fairs (pending on relevance and approval from manager and relevant budget). Actively begin to grow business of selling and buying activities.

Client and Market Knowledge and Development

Identify and maintain relationships with client categories. Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auctions (as and when required, instructed and approved by line manager). Work with senior members of the team to create and build up business contacts and strategic opportunities related to auction and private sales for the market.

Other Responsibilities

Maintain effective communication with senior colleagues. Other duties as determined by Management team.

What you’ll bring to the team

  • Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in art history, modern & contemporary art category preferred, or equivalent work experience.
  • Demonstrated ability in appraising property and business – getting.
  • Knowledge of all relevant systems
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
  • Superior client service skills.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize.
  • Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.
  • European language.

What’s great about working for us

  • 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
  • Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd 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
  • Four-day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave
  • Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
  • The Stork Club: 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: 19th October

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Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century employer: Christie's

Christie’s is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, where passion for art meets professional growth. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a robust retirement plan, and unique opportunities to engage with world-renowned art, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The company’s commitment to integrity, excellence, and innovation creates an inspiring environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the art world.
Christie's

Contact Detail:

Christie's Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art world, attend exhibitions, and engage with potential colleagues on social media. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Christie’s and the specific role. Know your stuff about 20th and 21st-century art, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their success. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for art during conversations. Whether it’s discussing a recent exhibition or a piece you love, let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s all about making a memorable impression!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century

Client Relationship Management
Art Expertise
Valuation and Appraisal Skills
Research Skills
Cataloguing Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Project Coordination
Multi-tasking
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure
Knowledge of Auction Processes
Business Development Skills
Fluency in European Languages

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in art history and client relationship management, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Show Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about art! Share your enthusiasm for 20th and 21st-century art in your application. Let us know why this role excites you and how you can contribute to our team.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!

How to prepare for a job interview at Christie's

✨Know Your Art History

Brush up on your knowledge of 20th and 21st-century art. Be prepared to discuss key movements, artists, and their impact on the art world. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a role at Christie’s.

✨Master Client Relationship Management

Familiarise yourself with client relationship management techniques. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed client interactions. Highlighting your ability to maintain and grow client relationships will be key in this role.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing disputes or conducting valuations. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

✨Show Enthusiasm for the Role

Express genuine excitement about the opportunity to work at Christie’s. Share why you’re passionate about art and how you see yourself contributing to the team. A positive attitude can make a lasting impression on your interviewers.

Junior Specialist, 20th & 21st Century
Christie's
Location: Sunderland
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