Art Handler

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.

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. 

Key Tasks and 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 consignment agreement 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
• Cataloging Assistance
  • Pulling works for department to view for cataloging and condition reporting
  • Unframing/Framing
  • Creating necessary space within our storage and galleries for department use
• 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 departments
  • Assist Department with itemizing and lotting of sales
  • Installing of works 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
  • Packing items for storage
  • Working with client services and collections handlers on scheduled client pickups to better prepare pickups
  • Working with department on safest practice for packing items

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

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your manager.

Please note, this is a union role and the successful candidate will be expected to become a member of the Union.

Key Skills and Attributes

• 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, Social Media platforms including WeChat and Instagram, and ability to learn company database

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 – HDHP, 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 (after one year) and flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year) 
• Life insurance with AD&D 
• Short- and long-term disability 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking) 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) 
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library 
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program 
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast 

Bonhams participates in E-Verify. 

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.