Client Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $25-28 Hourly DOE

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 is an exciting time for our business and our global leadership team of art world professionals are building a people-focused team to help them develop their talent strategy, strengthen our people brand globally, build organizational capability and drive process improvement.

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 Client Development Associate position is responsible for working closely with Specialists and senior members of the global Jewelry Department on individual projects and VIP / High Net Worth (HNW) clients prior to auctions. Working within the US Jewelry team, the Client Development Associate will have strategic responsibility for growing the jewelry business on both the East and West coasts, while also reporting to the greater Business Development team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Develop opportunities for both the buying and selling side of CRM system ensuring maximized potential, providing metrics to track progress

Implement Pipedrive (or similar platform) to record the key sourcing leads for both the East and West coasts

Coordinate jewelry participation in regional sweeps so specialist travel is efficiently and effectively supported by client engagement before sweeps (via CRM and other key data points)

Create, edit, adapt and coordinate outgoing pitching proposals, track their development and ensure, if won, all commitments are delivered

Identify and grow private buyers list, cross referencing with other sales globally as part of aftersales follow-up assessment

Identify opportunities to maximize our jewelry exhibition events, including our motorcar sales, with the mindset on growth in these kinds of opportunities, to showcase jewelry and luxury in buy-now scenarios

Maintain awareness of competitors' activity and strategies to leverage Bonhams' competitive position in the marketplace

Capture Bonhams jewelry market trends for record and use when meeting with clients and in pitching proposals

Strategize new business opportunities via partnerships and institutions to increase the visibility of Bonhams' Jewelry Department

Seek creative ways to maintain and build upon existing and new relationships with private clients and institutions

Manage and maintain HNW private client communications, expectations, and to be the liaison between the client and specialist

Support Jewelry Department auctions by phone bidding and / or clerking

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a relevant field of study

At least 2 years related experience or equivalent combination

Experience and working knowledge of the jewelry market and trends

Strong verbal and written communications skills

Excellent listening, negotiation, and presentation abilities

Ability to prioritize projects and shift focus to meet deadlines

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced hands-on environment; self-motivated and excited to take initiative

Strong business acumen and understanding of core organizational goals

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with discretion, thoughtfulness, and empathy

Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to adapt to frequent change and growth

Creative, resourceful problem-solver with excellent teamwork skills

Demonstrable ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders externally and at all levels of an organization, including executive and C-level

Additional Desired Qualities

Interest in jewelry, gemstones, fine art, art history, and / or auction world

Desire to grow professionally, develop new skills, and willingness to work outside of their comfort zone

Highly organized and thoughtful with pleasant, personable demeanor

Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

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

16 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

Tuition reimbursement

Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Professional development : free online training and expansive content library

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 birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.