Specialist, 20th & 21st Century Art

About Bonhams
Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.
 
Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. It’s an exciting time for our business, and our global leadership team—comprised of art world professionals—is building a people-focused team to shape our talent strategy, enhance our global employer brand, strengthen organizational capabilities, and drive process improvements. 

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. 

About the Role 
The Specialist is a key member of Bonhams' global 20th & 21st Century Art department, based in Los Angeles and reporting to Director of 20th & 21st Century Art in New York. This role combines connoisseurship, market expertise and commercial acumen to originate business, secure significant consignments and drive exceptional auction results. The Specialist will cultivate and manage relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions, and estates, identify strategic growth opportunities, and lead the consignment process from initial appraisal through sale. Working collaboratively across Bonhams' national and international network, the Specialist will play a key role in expanding the department's presence on the West Coast while contributing to its broader business objectives. Occasional travel is required to support client development and sales across the United States.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
•    Drive business development across the West Coast by cultivating relationships with collectors, advisors, institutions, dealers, and estates to secure significant consignments for auction and private sale.
•    Identify, pursue, and develop new business opportunities that contribute to departmental revenue and strategic growth.
•    Conduct appraisals and provide expert valuations for works of art, developing auction estimates and sale strategies aligned with current market conditions.
•    Prepare and present compelling sale proposals, consignment pitches, and collection strategies for prospective clients.
•    Negotiate consignment terms, including estimates, reserves, commissions, and seller agreements, in accordance with departmental objectives.
•    Maintain an expert knowledge of the global 20th & 21st Century Art market, monitoring trends, pricing, and collector activity to inform business development and valuation decisions.
•    Represent Bonhams at client meetings, art fairs, exhibitions, industry events, and collection visits, acting as a senior ambassador for the department.
•    Collaborate with specialists across Bonhams' international network to source property, develop cross-category opportunities, and maximize the presentation and performance of consignments.
•    Provide strategic guidance on sale placement, marketing, and client engagement to optimize auction results.
•    Support the successful execution of Los Angeles auctions by contributing to cataloguing, exhibition preparation, client outreach, and other departmental initiatives throughout the sale cycle as needed.
•    Travel regularly for business development, appraisals, client meetings, and sales throughout the United States and internationally as required.

Qualifications and Skills
•    Bachelor's degree in Art History or a related field required; Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
•    5+ years of experience in an auction house, gallery, museum, or other art market environment, with a proven track record of business development and client relationship management.
•    Strong knowledge of the global 20th & 21st Century Art market, including pricing, valuation, and collecting trends.
•    Demonstrated ability to cultivate client relationships, secure consignments, negotiate terms, and develop successful sale strategies.
•    Strong connoisseurship, appraisal, and pricing skills, with sound judgment in evaluating works of art.
•    Passion for fine art, art history, and the auction market, with a commitment to staying current on market developments.
•    Self-motivated and entrepreneurial, with the initiative to identify opportunities and drive new business.
•    Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•    Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn proprietary databases.
•    High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
•    Willingness to travel regularly for client meetings, appraisals, business development, and sales.
•    Additional language skills are a plus.

What We Offer
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:
•    Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA 
•    20 days paid time off (PTO)
•    12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day
•    16 weeks fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements
•    401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
•    Life insurance with AD & D
•    Short- and long-term disability
•    Paid cellphone and data service
•    Professional development: tuition reimbursement and free online training library
•    Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
•    Employee assistance program (EAP)
•    Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners
•    Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
•    Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly snacks and treats

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted. Bonhams participates in E-Verify.