Fine Art Property Controller

About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.

With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.

Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com.

Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.

About the Role

The Fine Art Property Controller plays a key role in managing incoming property, supervising current stock management, and the collection/cashiering process. Working closely with specialist departments, clients and shippers, this role ensures the seamless movement, organisation, and security of fine art property while maintaining high operational and service standards.

Key Responsibilities

Incoming Property Management

• Supervise the arrival of items from Bonhams inter-branch van, clients and third party shippers, ensuring correct handling and location of artwork.
• Safely unpack, condition-check, and barcode items, coordinating their movement to photography, storage or other allocated location.
• Liaise with clients, shippers, and specialist departments regarding deliveries and communicate details to the wider Operations team.
• Work with the Photography Team to prioritise newly arrived artwork for shooting.

Stock Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records on Bonhams internal system.
• Ensure efficient stock control and space optimisation within the Collections department.
• Conduct monthly stock checks and provide reports on storage and lot status.
• Organise and be involved with the safe relocation of property once free storage periods expire.
• Collaborate with the Post Sale team to address uncollected lots
• Maintain order and accessibility in storage areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Periodically review and manage crate inventory, disposing of crates when necessary.

Collections & Cashiering

• Ensure post-sale procedures are handled efficiently, safeguarding artwork condition and lot accuracy at all times.
• Oversee the safe handover of artwork to clients or shippers, ensuring systems are accurately updated and the correct documentation archived.
• Process payments ensuring compliance with financial procedures.
• Coordinate with internal teams—including Client Services, Compliance, and Credit Control—to facilitate seamless transactions.

General Duties

• Maintain strong communication with Operations, Specialist Departments, and external carriers.
• Comply with Bonhams safe practices and safeguard artwork at all times. 
• Assist with internal incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring correct consignment and tracking.
• Assist with packing artwork when required and unpacking and condition checking of received artwork
• Provide post-sale support and ensure correct documentation is recorded for audit purposes.  
• Maintain accurate stock management including records of collected artwork
• Cover cashiers desk, taking payment when necessary.
• Ensure housekeeping is up to date and all key areas remain clear and operational at all times.
• Report any accidents, damage, or loss to the Head of Saleroom and relevant departments.
• Adapt to the seasonal nature of the auction industry, including occasional overtime, weekend work, and travel between Bonhams locations.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure of deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and flexible approach to work.
• Previous experience in handling and packing fine art is preferred.
• Physically capable of regular lifting, and physically demanding work.
• Computer literacy and experience with inventory systems.
• Punctual, team-oriented, and adaptable to various work environments.

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

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 10th August 2026 at midnight.

Please note that interviews are expected to be conducted across 17th and 18th August 2026.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

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.