Client Services Administrator

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

Bonhams’ Client Services department is built upon exceptional care for our clientele. Our busy and dynamic team of Client Service Administrators prides itself on providing solutions and dealing with any ad‑hoc requests. The Client Service team based in Paris manages the auctions organisation and post‑sales service for Paris and Brussels.

About You

We’re looking for someone with an intuitive understanding for what it takes to create a memorable client service experience. Ideally, the candidate can work independently but also as part of a wider team, and has a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures.

About The Role

In your role as Client Service Administrator, you will be required to carry out the following:

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Answer client calls and emails that come into the Client Services department in an efficient and professional manner.
• Work closely with specialist departments, acting as sale‑liaison for Bonhams auctions, managing a high volume of bidder registrations, telephone/absentee bid, online bidding, and any other ad‑hoc requests.
• Clerk on sale days, taking online, phone and absentee bids accurately and input these in the system.
• Be the point of contact for client post‑sale enquiries, from processing invoices to assisting with shipping arrangements.
• Liaise with the Accounts, Compliance, IT, and specialist teams, providing efficient problem‑solving for any issues that may arise, always ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Cover the reception and registration desk, assisting clients with walk‑in valuations, registration, and catalogue enquiries.
• Be able to backup 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.
• Maintain accurate and updated client accounts through Bonhams’ CRM system.
• Ensure the best presentation of public reception areas, keeping meeting rooms tidy and organised, whilst ensuring all equipment is adequately maintained.
• Safeguard the security and confidentiality of information and comply with the Data Protection Act and any other company policies.
• Prevent, and deal with customer complaints, and escale these to the manager, when appropriate.
• Assist with off‑site sales as well as working with regional and European offices and salerooms to ensure the same standard of customer service is provided throughout the company.
• Be flexible to work for evening events and weekend viewings when required.
• Perform any ad‑hoc duties or deliver projects assigned by your manager or the Senior Client Service Administrator.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your Manager.

Key Skills & Experience

• Understanding of auction house procedures
• Computer literate with proven experience of using CRM systems
• Trilingual French, English and Italian
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexible team player
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Mandarin And/or French Preferred But Not Essential

Some Of Our Benefits Include

• Travel Allowance
• Learning and Training Funding Programme
• Welfare and Retirement Plans

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.