Specialist, 20th and 21st Century Art, China
Christie's · Beijing
PRIMARY FUNCTION/POSITION SUMMARY:
The Specialist is responsible for bringing in business, cataloguing and coordinating the sale and property, requiring good knowledge of client relationship management and relevant markets for the art category working in close collaboration with a global team of specialists.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Duties include but are not limited to the following):
- 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.
- Active participation in sourcing and selling of the department sales.
- Function as liaison with overseas specialists and CDD group, 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.
- Work on special projects as assigned by Manager and the team leader
- Other duties as assigned by Manager.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in applicable Art History; M.A preferred.
- Chinese language proficiency required.
- Minimum of 5 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 Christie’s systems including COS, JDE, intranet and website.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communications.
- Superior client service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work within a team environment
What’s Great About Working For Us
- Discretionary Bonus
- Annual Leave and Company Holidays
- Commercial Medical Insurance and Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Comprehensive Wellness Allowance and Wellness Programs
Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time, and some regional variances to benefits may apply.
Visit us at Careers at Christie’s for more information.
Closing Date
31 December 2026