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 Department
The office is located at Millmead in Guildford and overlooks the River Wey. The Bonhams office is in a central position for covering our regional area of Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire.
The team comprises of three resident valuers who advise on paintings, jewellery, silver, sculpture, furniture, whisky, wine, works of art and antiques/collectibles. We source items for sale in our London and International auction rooms and provide home visits when undertaking insurance and probate valuations, as well as house contents market valuations.
About the Role
The Office Administrator provides broad and varied support to our regional office based in Guildford. The role reports to the Regional Manager and supports the team of three across all administrative duties and the running of an efficient and pleasant front of house and office environment. You will have previous customer facing and administrative experience and take pride in providing service excellence. You will need to be a confident self-starter happy to work alone as much as a flexible team player and ready to roll up their sleeves when necessary.
Key Responsibilities
1. Be the department’s experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams’ bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool. (Training provided)
2. Ensure accurate and up to date entry of customer details.
3. Input the Valuer’s insurance, probate and inspection valuations and all associated paperwork.
4. Ensure efficient and accurate stock control.
5. Manage clients and their property throughout the sale cycle, including receipting property into A3, generating, and issuing consignment contracts, requesting, and uploading client details and payment information.
6. Work with clients and external shipping partners to coordinate transportation between Bonhams locations.
7. Help with both the packing and unpacking of works.
8. Support with planning and programming valuation days and marketing events.
9. Coordinate office operations including liaison with landlord and building facilities, contractors and suppliers ensuring the smooth running of the office for the team.
10. Ensure an efficient, presentable, and pleasant office environment for the team and guests.
11. Act as Front of House and first point of contact for visitors and phone enquiries ensuring all enquiries are dealt with in a courteous, timely and accurate manner.
12. Support the buildings manager with health and safety items including training, record keeping and safety equipment maintenance.
13. Manage office petty cash, banking, and purchase ledger systems.
14. Proactively identify and implement improvements to ensure service excellence.
Required Skills & Attributes
1. Strong time management and organisational ability.
2. Excellent communication in all modes with both internal and external stakeholders.
3. Ability to manage workflow and priorities in a busy environment.
4. A flexible approach and a willingness to support outside of your core responsibilities.
5. 1-2 years in an administrative position (not necessarily from an auction background).
6. Shared value in providing excellent customer service.
7. Tech savvy with good competency across Microsoft Office, Word & Excel.
8. Knowledge/interest in art & antiques desirable but not essential.
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 March 2025 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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