Senior Spirits Specialist/Spirits Specialist

About Bonhams

Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses, with a heritage dating back to 1793 and salerooms across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

About the department

The Bonhams Wine & Spirits department is a global market leader in fine and rare collectible bottles, recognized for record-setting auctions and trusted relationships with the world's most sophisticated collectors. With flagship sales in Hong Kong, London, New York, and Paris, Bonhams has established itself as a major force in the secondary market for rare whisky, cognac, rum, and other investment-grade spirits.

As the global market for collectible spirits continues to expand, Bonhams is investing in the development of its Spirits presence in the United States, with a particular focus on top-tier consignments, private collections, and ultra-high-net-worth collectors.

About the role

The Senior Spirits Specialist / Spirits Specialist will play a central role in driving the growth of Bonhams' Spirits business in the United States. This is a highly commercial and client-facing position responsible for sourcing major consignments, cultivating relationships with leading collectors, and delivering exceptional auction results.

The role combines market expertise, business development, and client advisory, while contributing to the strategic development and structuring of the Spirits department in the US.

The successful candidate will work closely with the global Wine & Spirits leadership team and will be expected to build strong relationships with top collectors, investors, and VVIP clients in the rare spirits' market.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Consignment Sourcing

Drive the commercial growth of Bonhams' US Spirits business by actively sourcing high-value consignments and private collections.

• Develop relationships with leading collectors, investors, and trade partners in the rare spirits market.
• Identify and secure major consignments of rare and investment-grade spirits for auction and private sale.
• Build and manage a pipeline of high-value opportunities across the United States.
• Represent Bonhams as a trusted advisor to collectors and sellers.

Client Development & VVIP Engagement

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth collectors (B2C) and trades (B2B)

• Provide tailored advice to clients on buying, selling, and building rare spirits collections.
• Develop long-term partnerships with key collectors and trade professionals.
• Represent Bonhams at industry events, tastings, and private client engagements.
• Deliver a discreet, high-touch service to VVIP clients.

Auction Curation & Specialist Expertise

Contribute to the creation of world-class spirits auctions.

• Curate exceptional auction selections that reflect both rarity and market demand.
• Produce authoritative catalog descriptions and specialist commentary.
• Collaborate with cataloging, marketing, and operations teams to deliver high-quality sales.
• Ensure the highest standards of scholarship and presentation.

Valuation & Appraisal

Provide expert valuations and strategic advice to clients.

• Conduct appraisals of rare spirits collections for auction, private sale, and advisory purposes.
• Assess provenance, rarity, age, condition, and market positioning.
• Advise clients on optimal timing, sales strategy, and market positioning.
• Support estate and collection management discussions.

Market Intelligence & Strategic Insight

Act as a specialist voice within the rapidly evolving global spirits market.

• Maintain deep knowledge of global trends in collectible whisky, cognac, rum, and other rare spirits.
• Track market performance, collector behavior, and emerging investment categories.
• Provide insight to support auction strategy and client advisory.

Building the US Spirits Department

Play a key role in the development and structuring of Bonhams' Spirits activity in the United States.

• Contribute to the long-term strategy for the department.
• Help establish Bonhams as a leading platform for rare spirits in the US market.
• Collaborate with global Wine & Spirits specialists to expand the department's reach and reputation.

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred with minimum 5+ years' experience in the rare/collectible spirits industry, auction experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in consignment sourcing, sales, and client advisory within the secondary market for investment-grade spirits.
• Deep knowledge of global spirits categories (e.g., whisky, cognac, rum) and strong expertise in valuation, market positioning, and collector dynamics.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated business development capability and an entrepreneurial mindset to build and grow a category.
• Established ability to build and manage relationships with high-net-worth collectors and industry stakeholders.
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills; able to represent the brand with authority and professionalism.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with experience working across international teams.
• Genuine passion for rare spirits and the global collector market.

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance - HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

• 20 days paid time off (PTO)

• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day

• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave (after one year) and flexible work arrangements

• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year)

• Life insurance with AD & D

• Short- and long-term disability

• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Employee assistance program (EAP)

• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library

• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program

• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in Bonhams. Applicants who best match the position qualifications and team needs will be contacted.

$90,000 - $130,000 annually, DOE