Head of Department, Arms and Armour

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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, jewellery, and entertainment memorabilia.

About the team

Bonhams Antique Arms and Armour auctions offer a range of European and Eastern armour and edged weapons, as well as wheel-lock, flintlock, percussion and pin-fire rifles, guns, pistols and revolvers; American firearms by great makers such as Colt and Winchester; Islamic and Japanese weapons and armour; accessories including powder-flasks, books and other items relating to the armourer and his craft from the 14th to late 19th centuries. This small but renowned department holds auctions in London and Massachusetts.

The department is based in our Knightsbridge saleroom, but there is potential for working partially from other Bonhams locations.

About the role

In your role as Head of Department, Arms and Armour, you will:

• Effectively manage a small team of people, leading by direction and example in a manner that will maximise the efficiency of the team
• Catalogue Antique Arms and Armour sales, and assist with preparation of the catalogues on a timely basis to meet deadlines
• Maintain budgeted commission levels
• Have a good sound knowledge of your area
• Maintain contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of your area
• Actively pursue new business for the department
• Develop the database of buyers and vendors
• Foster good relations with trade and professional bodies to assist with the advancement of the department
• Ensure the department meets all the contractual obligations to both Bonhams buyers and vendors
• Entertain customers as and when appropriate
• Manage the budgeting of the Department and effectively use the expenditure in such a way to bring the most benefits

About you

As Head of Department for Antique Arms and Armour, you will play a pivotal role in assembling, managing, and executing auctions. You will be responsible for overseeing the department's operations, building and maintaining client relationships, sourcing high-quality consignments, and driving sales growth. This role requires a deep understanding of weaponry and armour, manufacturers and craftsmen, historical context, and market trends.

Key skills and experience:

• Proven experience in the specialty field and/or in the auction industry.
• Relationships with established dealers and collectors in the field.
• Strong written and verbal communication and networking skills.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized manager.
• Ability to prioritize and meet strict scheduled deadlines.
• Computer proficient, and able to work within our business enterprise software.
• Ability to travel as necessary to achieve goals.

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 30th November 2024 at midnight.

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.