Head of American Art, US

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses with an 18th-century heritage and a forward-looking approach to the art market. With flagship salerooms in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Hong Kong, Bonhams presents more than 400 specialist sales annually across over 60 categories, including fine art, jewelry, motor cars, and entertainment memorabilia. Our success is driven by expertise, relationships, and a commitment to delivering a bespoke client experience. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking exceptional talent to help shape the future of our business.

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. Reporting to the General Manager, Classics, the role carries full accountability for revenue growth, client development, and the overall success and market position of the department.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Leadership

• 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.
• Identify and secure significant property through both existing relationships and proactive new business development.
• Represent Bonhams as a senior ambassador in the market, enhancing brand visibility and credibility.
• Provide expert, high-touch advisory services to clients with professionalism, discretion, and responsiveness.

Sales Leadership & Commercial Strategy

• 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.

Consignment Acquisition & Valuation

• Source and secure property for auction, private sale, and appraisal services.
• Conduct research, authentication, and valuation of artworks to the highest professional standards.
• Prepare insurance and fair market appraisals in accordance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Negotiate consignment agreements aligned with company policies and commercial objectives.

Auction Curation & Execution

• Curate and deliver best-in-class auctions, exhibitions, and selling strategies.
• Oversee catalogue production, ensuring accuracy, scholarship, and timely delivery.
• Participate in pre-sale exhibitions, client outreach, and live auction representation (including telephone bidding).
• Maintain consistent client communication throughout the sale lifecycle.

Scholarship, Content & Proposals

• Ensure excellence in connoisseurship, cataloguing, and research.
• Oversee and contribute to catalogue essays and marketing content that elevate sale positioning.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of consignment proposals in partnership with Proposals and Marketing teams.

Leadership, Team Management & Operations

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, collaborative team of specialists and support staff.
• Set departmental strategy, budgets, and performance objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Ensure efficient operations and alignment with financial and organizational goals.

Marketing & External Engagement

• Partner with Marketing and Press teams to develop impactful campaigns and storytelling.
• Represent Bonhams at industry events, exhibitions, and client engagements.
• Contribute to thought leadership and market visibility in American Art.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or advisory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in American, Western, and/or California/Western Art.
• Proven track record of business getting, consignments sourcing, and revenue generation.
• Established and active network within the American art market.
• Experience managing teams and leading complex sales initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial judgment paired with deep academic knowledge and connoisseurship.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to originate and close business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client relationship skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized with strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and effective across global teams.
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Compensation & Benefits

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.

Bonhams offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development resources
• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

Equal Opportunity & Legal

Bonhams is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. 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. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks, in accordance with applicable laws.