Client Development Associate at Bonhams

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.