Senior Specialist - 20th/21st Century - Impressionist & Modern Art

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 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.
• Business Development
• 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.
• Key Skills and Experience
• 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.
• Desired requirements:
• 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.

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.