VP, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches presso Freeman's | Hindman

Description

Company Culture

At Freeman's | Hindman we believe that people are enriched and energized when they are surrounded with objects of significance and meaning. Freeman's | Hindman is one of the leading and fastest growing fine art auction houses in the U.S. Our values are evident in how we approach the marketplace, providing unmatched service, a focus on excellence, and holding the utmost respect for our clients and the items we steward. As a globally recognized brand, we conduct over 150 auctions each year for everything from contemporary paintings and fine jewelry to French furniture and rare books. With 6 salerooms and business offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Naples, New York, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, Scottsdale, St. Louis, and Washington, DC, we stay locally relevant while passionately catering to our global sellers and buyers.

Position Summary

The VP, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches serves as a trusted leader within the department. In close partnership with the Department Head, Deputy Chairman, and other senior team members, this role is responsible for developing a growth-oriented strategy for the national Jewelry department, with particular focus on the Midwest and West Coast regions. This includes contributing to top-level consignments, national partnerships, marketing initiatives, staffing decisions, and other strategic matters.

This position is expected to work seamlessly with the Trusts, Estates, and Private Client Group (TEPC) and is charged with generating auction consignments, particularly from private individuals in the Midwest and West Coast. The Senior Specialist will collaborate closely with the Department Head and take on management responsibilities within the Chicago-based office, overseeing workflow and processes, and providing mentorship to Cataloguers and support staff.

As a representative of Freeman’s | Hindman's expertise in the Jewelry field, the Senior Specialist plays a central role in cultivating long-term relationships with private collectors, institutions, and industry professionals. The goal is to consistently secure high-quality consignments that contribute to and exceed annual sales targets. Responsibilities also include evaluating, authenticating, negotiating, and curating property for auction. This role may involve overseeing research, managing sales preparation, and identifying new growth opportunities.

A strong and passionate representation of the Freeman’s | Hindman brand is expected in all professional interactions, both internally and externally.

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.
• 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 Accounts (FSA).

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a senior contact for client inquiries from the Midwest and West, providing guidance on auctions, consignments, and appraisal services.
• Proactively develop new business opportunities to maintain and grow client relationships, with a focus on private individuals.
• Travel to support TEPC (Trusts, Estates, and Private Clients) efforts and other business development opportunities.
• Evaluate and secure consignments for auction, including pricing and closing negotiations.
• Perform gemological analysis for property evaluation, including gemstone identification, carat weight calculation, and grading.
• Assist in valuing property for IRS purposes (estate tax, gift tax, donation) and insurance appraisals, in coordination with Hindman Appraisals LLC.
• Oversee the cataloging process for consigned property, including researching authenticity and provenance, and reviewing inquiries to determine sale potential.
• Work with other Specialists to promote auctions by assisting clients at previews, speaking to them about property, tracking interest, and executing bids on auction day.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop strategies for reaching new consignors and ensuring seamless client service.
• Manage junior staff in the Chicago office, focusing on skill development and working closely with the Department Head to address staffing needs.
• Participate in department meetings and actively contribute to the success of each sale.
• Given the global nature of our business, flexibility to work outside of standard business hours or across departments may be required to meet client needs.

Education & Experience

• Graduate Gemologist degree required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the jewelry industry; hands-on experience with diamonds, colored stones, and signed jewelry is expected.
• 5–8 years of appraisal experience, with a strong working knowledge of current market pricing for a wide range of jewelry.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary, antique, and vintage jewelry required.
• Auction house experience is strongly preferred.
• Active involvement and strong connections within the jewelry industry, such as membership in organizations like WJA, GIA Alumni, GemX, or ASJRA, is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and effectively manage team members across locations.

Skills

• Strong sense of professionalism with excellent communication, client service, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to initiate and generate new business, including cultivating a dedicated client following.
• Exceptional presence and ability to project expertise and authority in jewelry—especially when representing Freeman’s | Hindman at public and private events such as panels, presentations, and speeches.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a growth-minded strategic approach.
• Exceptional organizational skills and teamwork.
• Proven track record of consistently delivering results.