Head of Department, Whisky, Scotland

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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 Department:

Founded in 1997, Bonhams Fine Wine & Spirits Department provides a global platform for finding, buying and selling some of the finest and rarest liquid in the world. Our auctions, operating in 3 continents and out of 7 locations, have the widest global profile of all auction houses, with offices and specialists in the United States, United Kingdom, Scotland, France, Denmark, Sweden and Hong Kong. We accept consignments from all over the world, stored in our insured, temperate and humidity-controlled warehouses.

Our specialists inspect each bottle and partner with consignors to understand the provenance, history and lifespan of the bottle we sell. Our team has over two centuries of combined experience valuing, tasting and preparing lots for sale and this, along with our extensive and active bidding base, allows us to set numerous auctions records each year.

As a development of this strategic priority, the Spirits department is looking for a Head of Spirits in Europe, based in Scotland.

Bonhams Scotland and the Edinburgh saleroom is part of international team doing business with customers globally at what is an exciting time for auctioneering. This is done with a dedicated and passionate team able to function seamlessly together, providing support when necessary and knowing when to seek assistance

About the role:

The Head of Spirits in Europe is part of the global wine & spirits team and will focus on maximizing the growth of Bonhams Spirits business, primarily in Europe (UK, European Union), with a strong emphasis in the UK, Scotland, France, Italy, Belgium and Germany. They will partner with US & HK spirits experts. The Candidate will have knowledge and experience in Fine Spirits, a client-driven attitude and a multicultural approach.

Their primary goal will be to drive sales, providing expert guidance and supporting global initiatives in liaison with the Global Head of Wine & Spirits and the regional Managing Directors. The Candidate will have and continue to develop a network of Private Buyers, Trade, Producers is a prerequisite.

By nature, self-starting, motivated and with an entrepreneurial mindset, they will secure deals, inspect and catalogue spirits, provide precious recommendations to buyers, and create a series of promotional events.

STRATEGY
• Enhance the visibility of Bonhams Spirits and ensure growth.
• Own the P&L for Europe Spirits department including budgeting & forecasting of annual sales working with the Global & Regional Heads.
• Work with Client Development Team to develop a client development strategy.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the wider business as well as the global Bonhams Wine & Spirits team to compose, produce and execute interesting, innovative sales.
• Develop strong and collaborative relationships internally and externally.

CLIENTS MANAGEMENT
• Senior business getter to meet and exceed budgets set for the department sales as well as providing support for other regions
• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers - both buyers and sellers - for the department
• Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers
• Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company
• Maintain an awareness of our competitor's strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market

EXPERTISE
• Providing expertise, researching and cataloguing Spirits to the highest standard and be a trainer for the team.
• Perform property inspection at Bonhams warehouses and on-site at client's premises.
• Proofing digital catalogues and listings.
• Assisting research/cataloguing in other locations when required.
• To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer's property in timely manner and accurately.
• Assist on exhibition events and propose new formats and partnerships.
• To promote the department through lectures and other promotional events.
• To support Post-Sale of the sales.

OTHERS
• Liaise with the Marketing Team on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department
• Working with Specialist, Operations team, oversee preparation of marketing and communication strategies in conjunction with the Marketing, Press and Editorial teams to sell sales.
• Manage Spirits auctions with a 360 approach and related events.
• Produce and manage qualitative proposals.
• Support the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager.

About you:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:
• Min. 5+ years of relevant professional experience
• Management experience in the Spirits business.
• Proven ability to operate in a start-up or similar environment, providing dynamic, strategic leadership combined with hands-on operational drive.
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities, professional, discreet and commercial client service.
• Excellent sales and pipeline management.
• Excellent time management and organisation.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral.
• Flexibility and the ability to be a team player.
• Able to work to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Spirit trade within an international auction house is an advantage.
• English speaker. Another European Language is beneficial.
• Frequent travel expected.
• Good word processing skills, proficient in Word, Powerpoint and Excel.

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 15th October 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.