bonhams

bonhams

Head of American Art, US

New York, New York · Contract

No sponsorship$135k-$175kDetected 20 days ago
Project ManagementBusiness DevelopmentNegotiationValuationResearchLeadershipCommunicationProblem SolvingOrganizational Skills

About the role

  • Based in New York, the Head of American Art, US is responsible for leading and growing Bonhams' American Art business across the United States, including American, Western, and California/Western Art.
  • This is a senior, market-facing leadership role with primary responsibility for business generation, client cultivation, and pipeline development.
  • Acting as a principal business getter and subject-matter expert, the role spans the full auction lifecycle-from sourcing and valuation through sale execution and post-sale engagement-while overseeing departmental performance, strategy, and team leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a principal business getter, developing a robust national pipeline of high-quality consignments.
  • Cultivate and maintain deep relationships with collectors, dealers, advisors, curators, and institutions.
  • Lead the evaluation, pricing, and negotiation of property, ensuring commercially competitive estimates and terms.
  • Own and deliver against personal and departmental sales targets and P&L objectives.
  • Develop and execute sale strategies to drive sell-through rates, value, and profitability.
  • Partner with cross-category specialists and Client Development teams to maximize buyer engagement and outcomes.
  • Maintain strong awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and collecting patterns.
  • Curate and deliver best-in-class auctions, exhibitions, and selling strategies.
  • Maintain consistent client communication throughout the sale lifecycle.
  • Lead the preparation and presentation of consignment proposals in partnership with Proposals and Marketing teams.

Compensation

  • The expected salary range for this role (New York) is $135,000 - $175,000, plus discretionary bonus and additional variable compensation.
  • Final compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications.
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable law.
  • Pursuant to applicable laws, including the New York City Human Rights Law, the salary range listed above reflects a good faith estimate at the time of posting.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Company info

  • As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking exceptional talent to help shape the future of our business.

Equal opportunity

  • Equal Opportunity & Legal
  • Bonhams is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

This listing is sourced directly from bonhams's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.