Fine Art Property Controller

Working alongside the wider Fine Art Property Controller team and other operational functions, this role focuses on three elements: Incoming, Stock Management and Collection / Cashiers. For Incoming, the individual should ensure the items are unpacked, condition checked, and barcode added before organising and assisting with the safe movement to its next location, may it be photography or storage, while involving good communication with all parties involved. Housekeeping and continuous review of property on site is another key element to the role. A priority will be the stock management of lots, correctly locating them on Bonhams internal inventory system and ensuring they are delivered or returned to the correct department storage area, client or shipper. The efficient locating of artwork and its ongoing safety should always be considered. The individual will also be responsible for ensuring all areas remain accessible and tidy. Provide report to your manager on status of storage and lots will be a monthly requirement This is a back of house as well as a client facing position requiring strong internal communication to Specialist Departments, Post Sale, Shipping; as well as external carriers and clients. While having good communication skills and proactivity the individual should be organised, efficient, flexible and be able to work well under pressure. For Collections, the role focuses on ensuring that the correct artwork is handed over safely, systems are up to date, and any relative information is stored and then archived appropriately. Artwork safety should be a priority, while ensuring excellent client service. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that both pre and post-sale processes are conducted efficiently, and that artwork is received and handed to internal departments, clients or carriers accordingly. For Cashiers, you will support handling payments, ahead of collections, end of day banking may occasionally be required as well as coordinating with shippers, ensuring client satisfaction and that Bonhams are operating in an organised and compliant manner. Coordination with the wider Client Service team is essential alongside effective communication between specialist, credit control, compliance, and operation departments. They will provide advice and support to clients and internal teams where required, regarding payments, stock control, shipping, VAT and compliance. The seasonal nature of the auction industry requires a flexible approach and the need to occasionally work overtime and assist operations at other Bonhams locations as and when required. There may also be times where support and assistance is needed by the Art Handling team, during the installation and/or deinstallation of auctions.,

• Supervising the arrival of items from the Bonhams inter branch van ensuring goods are correctly located upon arrival and safely moved to specialist departments with the assistance of the Picture Art Handler and wider Art Handling team
• Assisting with the unpacking and condition checking of received artwork, checking off against lists and existing paperwork if on consolidated shipments
• Liaise directly with clients, shippers and specialist departments regarding the delivery/collection of property
• Assisting with packing and unpacking of artwork when necessary
• Engage with Photography Team in flagging newly arrived artwork that requires shooting
• Ensuring all artworks have a barcode and are located on Bonhams internal inventory system
• Efficient stock management of all artworks ensuring enough space is available to receive new lots and ensuring seamless communication with clients with regards to the status of their property
• Engage in monthly stock checks to review property that needs to be collected, returned or flagged to Post Sale and/or Static Stock Team
• Provide a monthly report on status of storage and lots to Manager
• Organising and assisting with the safe movement of items to department storage areas once the free storage period has ended
• Ensure housekeeping is up to date and all key receiving and collecting areas remain clear and operational at all times
• Periodically review inventory of crates and dispose where necessary
• Maintaining up to date records of collected artwork by releasing them on the internal inventory system and accurately filing the collection paperwork
• Collaborate with the Post Sale and Static Stock Team to engage in further outreach when required
• Cover cashier's desk, taking payments on credit/debit cards, cheques, and cash, recording payments on the company system and ensuring end-of day banking is performed accurately.
• Ensuring internal outgoing goods are correctly consigned to regional locations and in turn barcoded and scanned to the correct location
• Maintain good communication with senior members across the Operations network
• To always safeguard and protect the condition of artwork
• Ensure all accidents, damage or loss are reported to the Head of Saleroom, Legal and the relevant Department
• To ensure the best practice in property management is observed
• Supervising the post-sale processes of artwork by client or third-party shippers ensuring they also always safeguard the condition of items, lot accuracy is maintained, and appropriate post sale support and collection paperwork is provided / retained to allow for an audit trail in the event of issues
• In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager
• The seasonal nature of the auction industry requires a flexible approach and the need to work overtime, weekends and to assist operations at other Bonhams locations as and when required
  
  Efficient, hard-working, prepared to take the initiative
• Able to work calmly under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills to all levels of staff
• High levels of communication with third party shippers
• Pro-active individual, able to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Highly organised with an eye for detail
• Previous experience and knowledge of handling and packing fine art preferred
• Excellent client service skills
• Flexible approach to work, honest and highly self-motivated
• Prepared for hard, physical work and at times long hours
• Able to work evenings and weekends when required
• Physically fit and able to undertake regular lifting
• Flexible team player and to work across all London locations
• Punctuality
• Proactive approach to serving client demands
• Computer literate
  
  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.