Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
Christie’s Graduate Training Programme aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Christie’s business with heightened commercial awareness and advanced specialist skills by the end of their 18 month placement. Key to success is the individual's passion for the art world coupled with business acumen. The programme gives exposure to the workings of both the art specialist and support departments. As such, tasks are widely varied throughout the programme from meeting and greeting clients, through to deal structuring and object research. We aim to retain all our Graduate Trainees — the next generation of Christie’s business leaders.
How You'll Make an Impact
Cataloguing and Research
- Assist in the cataloguing of auction items, ensuring accurate descriptions and provenance
- Conduct thorough research on items, including historical context, previous ownership, and market value
- Collaborate with specialists to verify condition of items and their authenticity
Client Services
- Provide exceptional customer service to clients, both in-person and via digital platforms
- Assist clients with inquiries regarding auction processes, item details, and bidding procedures
- Support the client services team during auction previews and events
Auction Coordination
- Assist with the registration of bidders and the management of auction paddles
- Coordinate with auctioneers and other staff to ensure the efficient running of live and online auctions
Financial Administration
Assist in the processing of payments and the reconciliation of auction sales
Rotational Learning and Development
Participate in structured learning modules and training sessions across various departments
Engage in mentorship opportunities with senior staff and industry experts
Cohort Project
- Contribute to special projects and initiatives aimed at improving auction house operations and client experience
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management
What you’ll bring to the team
- Masters degree or higher – must be achieved by the start of the programme (August 2025)
- A blend of Commercial / Business AND Art History education is preferred
- Demonstrable passion for, and interest in, the art world
- Commercial acumen and strategic thinker
- Excellent communication skills (Fluency in English mandatory)
- Fluency in an additional language is preferable
- For Hong Kong – fluent spoken and written Mandarin is required
- Enthusiasm and dedication
- ‘Client focus’ and strong interpersonal qualities
- Tech native
- Strong passion for digital innovation
- Collaborative & team focused; ability to build a strong cross departmental network across the business
- Client service; demonstrate exceptional client management skills
What’s great about working for us
- 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
- Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in additional to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
- Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5 year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
- Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
- Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
- Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
- Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
- Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)
- Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
- Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members
- Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)
- Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury
- Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
- Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling
- Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
- Robust family first policy:16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave, Four day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leav, Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year, The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
