Christie's London Photography department job

[Michael Pritchard]

Christie's London is seeking a junior specialist/sale administrator for it's Photographs Department based at King Street. Te successful applicant will: Handle all Estimate Requests, as well as Catalogue Production and Administration for 2 King St sales a year. Support HOD, Yuka Yamaji, on all aspects of the business and work closely with PA/Admin Support to maintain efficient day-to-day operation of Department. Key Responsibilities/Tasks (Duties include but are not limited to the following): • Contribute to Department’s turnover and profitability by demonstrating sound business judgement in all aspects of the business; Provide exceptional client service • As primary liaison for Department, forge strong relationships with internal resources, including Porters, Art Transport, VAT, Vendors, Cashiers, Credit Control, Photo Studio & Client Services • Maintain and build professional relationships with external resources, including Framers, Conservators, Scholars & Galleries; Promote efficient use of external network Consignment Gathering/Winning Business • Client communication – dealing with in-coming enquiries including new consignments, updating vendors and informing clients of forthcoming sales/events • Review, priorities & research Estimate Requests; Suggest estimates to HOD to ensure timely response • Execute regular ‘Sale Runner’ and Hilling sessions with HOD; Coordinate conservation • Oversee ‘Town Visit’ e-gathering process & action ‘Chase’ phone calls to win pending business Catalogue Production – Meet Image & Text Deadlines • Catalogue & Condition Report the sale; Identify Chart of Art data & ARR lots • Handle Catalogue Photography & Colour Correcting • Research Provenance, Rarity, Literature Reference, Exhibit History, Bios & Figs • Prepare Sale Binder (complete manuscripts & thumbnails) for HOD Selling the Sale – Pre-Sale Prep to Post-Sale Wrap Up • Sell the sale by executing ‘Highlights CD’ & ‘Targeted Emails’; Manage Sale Preview • Work closely with Marketing on presale promotion & Viewing signage • Pre-Sale Prep (Matting/Framing & Lotting Up) to Post-Sale Wrap Up Sale Administration • Pre-sale: create/manage consignment paperwork/client correspondence and departmental files; ensure estimates and reserves agreed prior to each sale; props-list, lotting-up sale; oversee the arrival and transfer of sale property, including pre-receipting • Post-sale: financial reports (ie pre-settlement report); sold since sales; transfers to other sites and returns; assist clients with shipping/export licenses; make sure all unsold lots are re-offered for sale or collected • Keep the sale ‘Sale Runner’ up to date at all times for reporting to Business Manager • Set up and follow up of sale debriefs for effective client management • Manage physical property locations and property system records for sale consignments, BI lots, uncollected property, property under evaluation, and transfer of consignments to other sale sites, including tracking and entry of correct VAT status Skills/Competencies Required: • BA and/or MA in Art History or History of Photography • Minimum of one years academic or practical experience in History of Photography • Work experience in commercial art environment • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel • Knowledge of a foreign language preferred Apply on line here.