Shipping Manager

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 Shipping Manager oversees domestic, interoffice, and international shipping across Bonhams’ US operations, coordinating shipments both in-house and through third-party providers. This role manages relationships with clients, internal teams, carriers, brokers, and transportation partners to ensure shipping activity is timely, cost-effective, and compliant. The Shipping Manager reports to the Head of Operations, US and manages a team of two direct reports.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Manages all US shipping for domestic, internal inter office and international shipping working closely with clients, specialists and operational teams
• Works closely with UK shipping manager to supply cost effective and timely consolidated shipping
• Manages all third-party shippers including and not limited to; ad hoax and special projects
• Manages and provides regulatory guidance in the following areas: import and export control classification, export licensing, import & export documentation, and tariff classification.
• Oversee recordkeeping and file maintenance in accordance with U.S. Customs regulations and company policies.
• Manage and drive best practices in import/export logistics to ensure customs, regulatory, and logistics compliance is followed.
• Assisting with US Customs audits and requests for information/correspondence with Customs Authorities.
• Classify imported products in accordance with the HTSUS.
• Responsible for enforcing company policies on domestic and import/export activities ensuring
• Manages the services and performance of vendors, third-party providers, and other relationships.
• Oversee carrier agreements, including terms and rates.

• Participate in selection, negotiation, and manage the relationships with all third-party brokerage and transportation providers, including secondary provider sources
• Travel when required
• Develop recommendations to streamline work processes, enhance services and maximize profitability.

• Take the necessary actions to satisfy client concerns in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Qualifications and Skills 

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent is preferred  
• Minimum of years related experience
• US Customs Broker’s License
• Proven knowledge of US Customs Regulations and certain aspects of customs law.

• Well-developed organization and communication skills - written and verbal.
• Detail Oriented and extremely well organized.
• Proven ability to successfully meet deadlines and budgets

• Ability to multitask; conduct problem research and complete projects on deadline
• Ability to manage and manipulate sizeable amounts of data accurately
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills

Additional Desired Qualities 

• Interest in fine art, art history, and/or auction world 
• Self-starter with a desire to grow professionally and develop new skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Thrives in a collaborative environment and excels in building strong interpersonal relationships
• Fluency in PC applications and Microsoft Office Suite

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.