Specialist - Private & Iconic Collections (Maternity Cover)

The Company

Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business. 

Why This Role Matters

This Specialist Business-Getter role will focus on sourcing and delivering Private & Iconic Collections for sale at auction. They will have demonstrable expertise in fine art. They will act as a sale lead and project manager within the Single-owner Private and Iconic Collections department in London, with extensive experience of cataloguing, researching, valuing and selling cross-category sales.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Identifying and driving Private & Iconic business opportunities with a focus on fine art

• Developing client relationships to support the future sales pipeline

• Acting as the main vendor liaison throughout the sale process

• Taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of cataloguing and condition reports for the whole sale with direct involvement in the cataloguing and research of lots, supported by cataloguers

• Leading 'hilling' sessions (when specialists meet to discuss attributions and estimates of items) with specialists in the Private & Iconic Collections Department, external consultants and liaising with other departments, where relevant to each sale

• Liaising with external experts, consultants and restorers

• Ensuring layout, proofing and finalisation of printed and digital catalogues

• Liaising and collaborating effectively with Marketing and Press teams to drive the Marcomms strategy for sales

• Strategizing, organising and leading pre-sale targeting and interest

• Working with Estates, Appraisals & Valuations team and providing specialist expertise on valuations

• Covering other duties around the general running/support of the department as assigned by Manager

What you'll bring to the team

• Demonstrable and considerable specialist and research experience in Fine Art Proven specialist knowledge and research experience in Fine Art

• Additional specialist and research experience Memorabilia and Decorative Arts desirable

• Ability to identify, build and develop strong client relationships

• Strong commercial awareness, negotiating and deal making skills

• History of Art Degree or equivalent qualification or experience

• Fluent written and spoken English

• Fluency in a second European language desirable

• Excellent organisational skills with an ability to manage pressure and very tight deadlines; and ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize

• Exceptional client service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication

• Ability to work pro-actively and collaboratively across multiple groups and sites

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to creatively problem solve, innovate and embrace change

• Knowledge of Christie's systems – JDE, COS, Canvas, etc. is desirable

What's great about working for us

• 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave  

• Christie's Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family

• Additional 1 week's annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on

• Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that's important to you

• Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about

• Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)

• Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues

• Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year

• Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie's)

• Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members

• Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)

• Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months

• Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day 

• Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling

• Eyecare vouchers (once a year)

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Christie's Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops

• Seniorcare by Lottie, a comprehensive eldercare solution

• Robust family first policy:

Ø  16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave  

Ø  Four-day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave

Ø  Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year

Ø  The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…

*Christie's reserves the right to change company benefits at any time

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Closing Date: Sunday 7th December

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