About the role
Department Assistant - Wine, Handbags & Accessories (Temp)
The Company
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 Departments or in our Operational focused 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 constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.
Why This Role Matters
The Department Assistant will be based in the New York Wine, Handbags & Accessories departments and offers exposure to the auction industry and the world of rare and exciting luxury pieces. This role provides support to Specialists and Business Management, assisting with consignment, auction preparation, and exhibition. The successful candidate must be a dynamic problem solver, organized, calm under pressure and be able to communicate with professionalism and clarity to key stakeholders across the departments.
How You Will Make An Impact
General department administrative tasks as assigned by line manager
Keeping all data up to date in Christie’s internal systems
Research lots including authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using publications, libraries and online resources
Respond to inquiries from clients for condition reports, images and fact sheets
Assist Cataloguers with cataloguing, condition checks and images as needed
Assist Sale Coordinators with managing sale logistics and department inventory
Support Sale Coordinators and Specialists on exhibitions tasks throughout the building, including set up and breakdowns
Work closely, efficiently, and effectively with other specialist departments as needed
This role will require working all dates of the exhibition during Luxury Week, including the weekend
What You Will Bring To The Team
Passionate commitment to client service and the ability to manage the details of a service level with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication
Capacity to be proactive, self-start and organize multiple projects at all times while remaining calm under pressure
Superior client service skills. Candidate must be able to engage with a range of clients from external vendors to top clients, senior management as well as peers with consistency and grace
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail
Willingness to work long hours and to go above and beyond to work in and support a team environment
Interest in the luxury market, with focus on handbags or wine preferred
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Closing Date: October 19th, 2026
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary overtime pay.