The Role
The Associate Specialist/Specialist is responsible for bringing in business, cataloguing and coordinating the sale and property, requiring in-depth knowledge of client relationship management and relevant markets for the art category working in close collaboration with a global team of specialists. This role focuses on 20/21 Century Art
Specific duties & responsibilities will include but are not limited to
- Develop business contacts and strategic opportunities, including developing auction and private sales strategies, with International Director and business manager.
- Identify and maintain relationships with all client categories (collectors, dealers, corporations, institutions), including the ability to work with major clients in the sale of high value property.
- Function as liaison with overseas specialists and Client Advisory team, working on appraisals as a means of generating new long-term business opportunities and reconnecting with inactive clients.
- Review incoming photo inquires with department to determine property sale potential and value (pricing sessions).
- Write and prepare catalogue essays. Research property including authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history.
- Work on catalogue production and layout.
- Prepare condition reports of consigned property prior to the auction.
- Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction.
- Coordinate pre-sale exhibition set-up.
- Work with buyers during sale week to market and pre-sell the sale.
- Participate in pre-selling upcoming auctions through targeted marketing efforts.
- Coordinate and produce materials and information for Press and Marketing.
- View and visit competitors auctions and track overall results.
- Actively participate in events, art fairs, and other functions to represent Christie's.
- Other duties as assigned.
The Candidate
- Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience in fine arts.
- Minimum of 5-8 years paid work experience in related field.
- Knowledge of the auction business.
- Demonstrated ability in appraising property and business-getting.
- Knowledge of E-mail, Spreadsheet, Word Processing and Presentation software (Microsoft Office preferred).
- Ability to learn new internal systems and programme quickly.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken English and Mandarin.
- Customer-service oriented with strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work within a team environment
