Senior Specialist

Company Description New Art Est-Ouest Auctions, established in 1984 as Japan's first international auction house, has played a significant role in bridging the Japanese and Western art markets. The company specializes in a broad scope of art, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, antiques, jewelry, and contemporary art. With expansions into Hong Kong in 2008 and Singapore in 2013, the auction house has continually innovated while preserving tradition. New Art Est-Ouest Auctions is a leader in the Asian art auction industry and strives to connect collectors and connoisseurs globally.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and well-connected art professional to join our Modern & Contemporary Art department as a Senior Specialist / Specialist in Hong Kong. This is a commercial, client-facing leadership role focused on:
• Consignment acquisition
• Client development
• Market expertise You will play a key part in driving the department’s growth by securing high-quality works, expanding our collector base, and contributing to auction strategy. You will have the autonomy of a senior specialist with the potential to grow into a Head of Department as we expand. This role is for someone who can work independently, is very familiar with the art market, and – if experience permits – has the expertise to lead a team, acquire high-quality artworks, and directly facilitate sales growth.

Key Responsibilities
• Consignment Acquisition & Business Development
• Proactively prospect, negotiate, and secure consignments that align with the auction house’s positioning and sales strategy. Leverage and expand your existing collector network – and ours – to reach private collections, estates, and corporate sellers.
• Client Relationship Management
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with existing and inactive clients. Re-engage lapsed collectors and generate new business opportunities through trust, market insight, and exceptional service.
• Market Research & Valuation
• Conduct in-depth research on artworks, including authenticity, bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history. Provide accurate appraisals, valuations, and pricing recommendations. Monitor and analyze art market trends to advise internal teams and clients.
• Marketing & Auction Support
• Contribute to targeted marketing efforts to attract buyers and promote upcoming sales. Coordinate with the marketing and press teams to produce materials for auction previews, catalogues, and art-related media.
• Catalogue & Production
• Prepare high-quality catalogue notes (condition reports, scholarship, provenance). Collaborate with the production team on catalogue layout, design, and timely delivery.
• Auction Operations
• Participate in telephone bidding during live auctions. Support exhibition setup and post-auction follow-up as needed.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work closely with other specialists, client service, and operations teams to ensure a seamless client experience from consignment to settlement.
• Cross-Border Travel & Collection Management
• Travel across Asia to inspect, negotiate, and transport important collections.
• Represent the auction house at key art events, fairs, and private viewings. What We Are Looking For Essential:
• 5–8+ years of experience in the art industry, with significant auction house experience preferred.
• Deep familiarity with the modern & contemporary art market.
• Proven ability to acquire consignments and expand a client base – you can name collections or works you have personally brought in.
• Excellent commercial instincts – you understand estimates, bidding dynamics, and what sells in Japan vs. Hong Kong vs. mainland China.
• Willingness to travel across Asia if necessary.
• Language

skills:
Fluent English required; Mandarin/ Cantonese/ Japanese highly preferred.
• Self-starter mentality – you do not wait for instructions; you bring opportunities to the table. Preferred (differentiators):
• Existing relationships with Japanese private collectors or any Asian family estates.
• Experience leading a department or managing a small team.
• Appraisal certification or art law knowledge.
• Experience selling works across Asian auction platforms. Qualification: Essential:
• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Business, or a related discipline Highly Preferred:
• Master's degree (MA) in Art History, Modern & Contemporary Art, Art Business, or Cultural Management Also Valued (but not required):
• Appraisal certification (e.g., ISA, AAA, or equivalent)
• Auction house training programs (e.g., Christie's Education, Sotheby's Institute)
• Art law or valuation coursework