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 Specialist Business-Getter role will focus on sourcing and delivering Private & Iconic Collections for sale at auction. They will have demonstrable expertise in fine art. They will act as a sale lead and project manager within the Single-owner Private and Iconic Collections department in London, with extensive experience of cataloguing, researching, valuing and selling cross-category sales.
How You'll Make an Impact
Identifying and driving Private & Iconic business opportunities with a focus on fine art
Developing client relationships to support the future sales pipeline
Acting as the main vendor liaison throughout the sale process
Taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of cataloguing and condition reports for the whole sale with direct involvement in the cataloguing and research of lots, supported by cataloguers
Leading ‘hilling’ sessions (when specialists meet to discuss attributions and estimates of items) with specialists in the Private & Iconic Collections Department, external consultants and liaising with other departments, where relevant to each sale
Liaising with external experts, consultants and restorers
Ensuring layout, proofing and finalisation of printed and digital catalogues
Liaising and collaborating effectively with Marketing and Press teams to drive the Marcomms strategy for sales
Strategizing, organising and leading pre-sale targeting and interest
Working with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations team and providing specialist expertise on valuations
Covering other duties around the general running/support of the department as assigned by Manager
What you’ll bring to the team
Demonstrable and considerable specialist and research experience in Fine Art Proven specialist knowledge and research experience in Fine Art
Additional specialist and research experience Memorabilia and Decorative Arts desirable
Ability to identify, build and develop strong client relationships
Strong commercial awareness, negotiating and deal making skills
History of Art Degree or equivalent qualification or experience
Fluent written and spoken English
Fluency in a second European language desirable
Excellent organisational skills with an ability to manage pressure and very tight deadlines; and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication
Ability to work pro-actively and collaboratively across multiple groups and sites
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to creatively problem solve, innovate and embrace change
Knowledge of Christie’s systems – JDE, COS, Canvas, etc. desirable
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:
Ø 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
Ø Four-day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave
Ø Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
Ø 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
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Closing Date: Sunday 30th November
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