Bonhams
Specialist, Pictures - Edinburgh
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About The Bonhams Network
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
About The Role
In your role as Specialist, you will be required to carry out the following:
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
- Business getting for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales
- Work with the Head of Department on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department
- 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
- Liaise with the Head of Department on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department
- To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer’s property both in the office and at other venues across Scotland and the rest of the UK
- Cataloguing and assisting with other pre-sale processes such as research and liaising with external photographer etc.
- Assist on exhibition events, either in the UK or worldwide as and when required
- Maintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market
- To promote the department through lectures and other promotional events
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In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager.
Key Skills And Experience
- Knowledge and genuine interest for Scottish Art
- Good market and trend awareness
- Degree holder or equivalent
- A good level of specialist expertise achieved through a previous role
- Proven business acumen and valuation skills
- A network of contacts (or) willingness to build up such a portfolio
- Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)
- Flexible and receptive to change
- At least one foreign language would be useful
- Excellent time management and organisation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
- Able to work as part of team, and independently
- Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
- Excellent attention to detail
- Full driver’s licence would be desirable
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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 3rd July 2026 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.
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