This role will be responsible for full-cycle property handling of Bonhams Books and Manuscript’s auction lots in our New York location and facilitating the handling of Collectibles passing through New York for sale in Los Angeles. This dynamic position supports multiple sales a year providing support to specialists and cataloguers to prepare for upcoming auctions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy multi-tasking and organizational projects, meet deadlines, and provide an efficient manner of task handling.
Key Responsibilities
Responsible for the preparation and handling of lots for exhibition preview along with pre-sale and post-sale departmental duties for multiple live and online auctions, the art handler’s duties will include:
Receival of property upon its arrival
Unpacking/uncrating work upon arrival
Barcoding the property based off Schedule A that department provides
Keeping group lots organized
Update item counts as necessary
General condition images and condition notes of work upon arrival
Shipping dimensions
Storing work in appropriate storage area
Cross checking property receipt and property received & notify relevant specialist
Cataloging Assistance
Pulling works for department to view for cataloging and condition reporting
Creating necessary space within the gallery for such needs
Photography Assistance
Working with photography department on scheduling of photos for catalog.
Moving the works safely and scanning them to appropriate photo studios
Assist photographers on detail shots and presentation necessary for catalog images
Exhibition
Layout of exhibition with department on exhibit program 3D walkthrough
Ordering of cases necessary for preview
Lotting of sale
Installing of works (with help of other crew members) up to museum and gallery standards.
De-installation of works and moving property back into storage
Inventory
Provide quarterly stock checks of storage areas
Organizing sale items from sold items and BI’s
Ordering of necessary packing and storage material
Packing
For client and shipper pickups
Working with client services and collections handlers on scheduled client pickups to better prepare pickups
Working with department on safest practice for packing items
Pulling property for inter office transfers and ensuring accuracy of lot count
Act as department liaison with both external shippers and internal support departments:
Coordinate with Client Services, IT, Operations, Marketing and Finance to meet deadlines, facilitate sale processes, and optimize the workflow efficiency; escalate issues as appropriate
Work in parallel fashion with colleagues in Los Angeles, San Francisco and global locations
Additional duties may be assigned by your manager
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent experience
Experience in and desire to learn about specialty departments
Exceptional communication skills, including fluency in reading, writing and speaking English
Highly organized and detail oriented
Excellent problem resolution skills and customer service skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, pushing and pulling, using proper lifting / moving techniques
Willing to work over-time hours during peak sale periods
PC proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook applications, digital image management, and ability to learn company database
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email at Recruitment.us@Bonhams.com, with ‘Crew -NY,’ in the subject line.
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans with a company match, flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and offer a generous vacation policy.
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.