Vice President, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches

Description

The VP, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches is a trusted leader within the department. In partnership with Department Head, Deputy Chairman, and other senior team members, is tasked to build growth-minded strategy for the national Jewelry department, with a focus on the Midwest and West Coast. This work includes involvement in top-level consignments, national partnerships, marketing, staffing and other matters. The position is expected to work seamlessly with the Trusts, Estates and Private Client Group (TEPC) and is responsible for generating consignments for auctions, with a focus on private individuals, especially in the Midwest and West Coast.

Working closely with the Department Head, this role will include management responsibilities within the homebased Chicago office, overseeing workflow, processes, as well as mentorship of Cataloguers and support staff.  

The Senior Specialist represents the expertise of Freeman’s | Hindman within the field of Jewelry. The role centers on building long-term client relationships with private collectors,   institutions and industry contacts, with the goal of securing consignments for auction to meet and exceed annual sales budgets. Passionate support for the Freeman’s | Hindman brand is expected in daily interactions, both internally and externally.

This position is also responsible for evaluating, authenticating, negotiating, and selecting a mix of property for each auction. Senior Specialist may be involved in overseeing research, preparing and managing sales, as well as for creating additional growth opportunities. 

Requirements

  Responsibilities include:

• Act as a senior contact for clients' inquiries, from the Midwest and West, regarding auctions, consignments, and appraisal services 
• Proactively develop new opportunities to maintain and grow transactions with clients, especially private individuals
• Travel to support TEPC efforts and other business opportunities
• Evaluation and closing of consignments for auction
• Gemology work associated with the evaluation of property for auction, including: gem identification, carat weight calculation, and grading.
• Manage the junior staff within the Chicago office, with an eye toward individual skill development, working closely with the Department Head to address staffing needs
• Involvement in overseeing cataloging of consigned property, researching authenticity, provenance and reviewing client inquiries to determine sale potential
• Assist, as needed, in valuing property for IRS purposes (estate tax, gift tax, donation, etc.) and insurance appraisals (together with Hindman Appraisals LLC)
• Work with other Specialists to promote auctions by assisting clients at auction previews; speaking to clients about property; developing, tracking, and communicating client interest; and executing bids at auction
• Collaborate with other departments to develop strategies to reach new potential consignors and to ensure seamless client service
• Given the global nature of our business, may work outside of normal business hours or across departments to assist clients with particular needs
• Attend regular department meetings
• Participate in actively working to sell each sale 

  Education & Experience:

• Graduate Gemologist degree required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the Jewelry Industry; experience with diamonds, colored stones, and signed jewelry expected
• Candidate should be well connected within the jewelry industry such as active membership within industry related organizations (WJA, GIA Alumni, GemX, ASJRA, etc.). 
• 5-8 years of appraisal experience
• Direct hands-on experience with current market pricing of jewelry expected
• Auction house experience strongly desired
• Working knowledge of contemporary, antique, and vintage jewelry required.
• Ability to travel and directly manage team members 

Skills:

• Strong sense of professionalism; excellent communication, client service and social skills
• Proven ability to initiate new business
• Superior communication skills and presence; ability to project expertise and authority in jewelry, especially in representing Freeman’s | Hindman at public and private events as an industry expert, such as panels, presentations and speeches.
• Track record of successful new business generation, including a specific client following
• Exceptional organizational skills; superior teamwork and administrative skills 
• Proven ability to deliver results
• Growth minded strategy
• Leadership skills 

Values:  

Excellence: Setting the standard in auction and appraisal services through expertise and meticulous attention to Detail

Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all interactions with clients, partners and colleagues. 

Judgment: Incorporating experience, empathy, and integrity to always deliver client centric decisions and actions that uphold our brand. 

Collaboration: Working together with our team and clients to achieve shared goals and exceed expectations. 

Responsiveness: Delivering timely and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every client. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match 
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision & Dental Plans (PPO & HDHP options available)
• Generous Paid Time Off 
• 12 Paid Holidays – Enjoy 12 company-paid holidays throughout the year.
• Extended Holiday Office Closure
• Up to 12 Weeks of Fully Paid Parental Leave 
• Company-Paid Short- &  Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Group Life Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)