Our client, a leading International Auction House is seeking a Senior Specialist for their Impressionist & Modern Art Department.
The ideal candidate will have experience within the Impressionist & Modern secondary art market for paintings, sculptures, works on paper and ceramics.
The main focus of this role will be business-getting from Germany and Austria, so an established relationship and client base with the German/Austrian art market and private collectors in the region is essential.
Key Skills and Experience Required:
- Proven experience in Impressionist & Modern Art and the auction industry, with a proven history of sourcing consignments for sale
- Valuation ability
- Fluency in German language
- Flexibility to travel
- Established relationships with dealers and collectors in the field
- Strong written and verbal communication and networking skills
- Entrepreneurial approach to generating business
- Proactive and detail-oriented
- Source consignments primarily in Germany and Austria for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales.
- Travel regularly to source material for sale and develop the client base.
- Value and advise clients on the sale of their items and collections.
- Prepare sale proposals and work on private sales.
- Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers.
- Build and maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers.
- Build and maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company.
- Work with the Head of Department and UK, Europe and Asia Heads on strategies to encourage new business opportunities.
- Participate in department meetings.
- Support the junior members of the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market.
- Assist with auctions and exhibition events, either in the UK or worldwide as and when required.
- Promote the department through lectures and other promotional events.
- Maintain an awareness of competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of the department in the market.