Head of Spirits, UK & Europe

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About Bonhams Wine & Spirits

Established in 1997, Bonhams Fine Wine & Spirits Department offers a premier platform for the acquisition and sale of the finest and rarest spirits globally. Our auctions, spanning three continents and seven locations, boast the broadest international reach of any auction house. With offices and specialists across the United States, United Kingdom, Scotland, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Hong Kong, we accept consignments from around the world, housed in our secure, climate-controlled warehouses.

Our specialists meticulously inspect each bottle, partnering with consignors to assess provenance, history, and quality. With over two centuries of collective experience in valuation, tasting, and auction preparation, our team sets numerous auction records each year, supported by an extensive and active bidding base.

About Bonhams Scotland

Bonhams Scotland, anchored in our Edinburgh saleroom, operates within a dynamic international framework, providing seamless service to global clients. Our dedicated team fosters collaboration and delivers expert support to ensure exceptional client experiences, always knowing when to seek assistance and offer teamwork.

As part of our strategic expansion, the Spirits department is seeking a Head of Spirits, UK & Europe, based in Scotland, to drive business growth and enhance our global offering.

About the Role

As the Head of Spirits, UK & Europe, you will be an integral part of the global wine & spirits team, focused on accelerating Bonhams' Spirits business, particularly across Europe, with a focus on the UK, Scotland, France, Italy, Belgium, and Germany. You will work in close collaboration with spirits experts in the US and Hong Kong.

The successful candidate will bring substantial knowledge of Fine Spirits, a client-focused mindset, and the ability to operate across multicultural markets. With an entrepreneurial approach, you will be responsible for generating sales, providing expert advice, and supporting global initiatives in partnership with the Global Head of Wine & Spirits and regional Managing Directors. Building and expanding relationships with Private Buyers, Trade, and Producers will be a critical part of the role.

As a motivated self-starter, you will excel at securing consignments, inspecting and cataloguing spirits, offering tailored recommendations to buyers, and curating engaging promotional events.

Strategy

• Drive the visibility and growth of Bonhams Spirits across Europe.
• Own the P&L for the European Spirits department, including budgeting and forecasting, in collaboration with Global & Regional Heads.
• Partner with the Client Development team to devise and execute a comprehensive client development strategy.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the business, including the global Bonhams Wine & Spirits team, to curate and deliver innovative, high-profile auctions.
• Foster strong and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.

Client Management

• Serve as a senior business leader, consistently achieving and exceeding sales targets for the department while providing support to other regions.
• Build and maintain a robust database of clients-buyers and sellers-for the department.
• Nurture relationships with established collectors, encouraging repeat business as both buyers and consignors.
• Maintain strong connections with trade contacts to cultivate ongoing business.
• Stay informed about competitor strategies to preserve Bonhams' competitive edge in the marketplace.

Expertise

• Provide expert valuation, research, and cataloguing of spirits to the highest standard, while also mentoring and training team members.
• Conduct property inspections at Bonhams' warehouses and on-site at client locations.
• Proofread digital catalogues and listings to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Support research and cataloguing initiatives in other regions as needed.
• Perform timely and accurate valuations of consignors' property.
• Contribute to exhibition events and propose new formats and partnerships to enhance the department's profile.
• Promote the department through lectures, events, and other engagements.
• Support post-sale activities to ensure smooth client experiences.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Marketing Team to create targeted advertising and marketing campaigns within budget, designed to promote business generation and auction activities.
• Partner with the Specialist and Operations teams to ensure the seamless execution of marketing and communication strategies in conjunction with Marketing, Press, and Editorial teams.
• Oversee Spirits auctions with a comprehensive 360-degree approach, managing related events and proposals.
• Mentor and support the development of the team to expand their knowledge and expertise in the spirits market.

Key Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant professional experience, with significant exposure to the spirits business.
• Management experience within the Spirits or related luxury goods sectors.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, start-up-like environment, demonstrating both strategic leadership and hands-on operational expertise.
• Strong networking capabilities, adept at converting social connections into business opportunities.
• Excellent sales and pipeline management skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Adaptable, with a team-oriented approach and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of the international auction market, particularly within the Spirits trade, is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in English; additional European languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 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 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.