Cataloger / Inventory Specialist: Furniture, Decorative Arts, Lighting

Company Overview:

Since 1939, Newel has inspired international collectors and designers with one of the most extensive decorative and fine arts resources in the world. Today, we continue that legacy as a premier destination for distinguished private collectors and industry leading designers, offering an unparalleled range of antiques, fine art, and design spanning the 17th through the 21st centuries. Our current collection includes over 12,000 exceptional works sourced from important estates, private collections, and leading designers around the globe, alongside contemporary original designs and select reproductions. Through Newel Sales , Newel Rentals , and Newel Auctions , we provide a fully integrated platform that allows clients to acquire, place, and rehome extraordinary pieces with confidence and flexibility. Newel Rentals supports the creative industries worldwide, supplying film, television, fashion, and editorial projects with museum quality furnishings and decorative arts. Newel Auctions offers a dynamic marketplace for exceptional estates and collections, maximizing value through expert curation, global reach, and deep market insight. We pride ourselves on world class service, deep expertise, and a stellar reputation built over four generations, guiding collectors, designers, and estates with integrity while honoring the past and bringing great works forward into new contexts.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a knowledgeable and meticulous Cataloger / Inventory Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience writing detailed and accurate descriptions of antiques, fine art, furniture, decorative arts, jewelry and lighting. This role requires excellent research skills and the ability to identify, describe, and value property.

Key Responsibilities:

• Writing Descriptions:

  Write comprehensive and accurate descriptions for an array of antique, vintage and modern fine art pieces, furniture and decorative arts.

• Inventory Management:

  Develop and maintain effective inventory management procedures to ensure accurate tracking and recording of all antiques, contemporary designs, and rental items.

• Cataloging and Classification:

  Oversee the cataloging and classification of new inventory, ensuring proper labeling, identification, and storage for all Newel platforms, including, but not limited to: auctions, sales and rentals.

• Collaboration:

  Work closely with the acquisitions team to streamline the process of collecting and documenting new inventory.

• Inventory Control:

  Implement strategies to optimize storage space, minimize loss, and improve overall efficiency.

• Regular Audits:

  Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy and reconcile discrepancies.

• Provenance Research:

  Conduct provenance, literature, and exhibition history research through internal and external libraries.

• Preliminary Valuation:

  Contribute to preliminary valuations and assessments of inventory.

• Cross-Department Liaison:

  Liaise with accounting and logistics teams for pre-sale and post-sale activities.

• Market Knowledge Development:

  Develop market knowledge and trends related to furniture and decorative arts.

• Day-of-Sale Participation:

  Participate in telephone bidding and other day-of-sale duties as required.

• Estate Management:

  Experience with managing and facilitating services related to complex estates and trusts
• Candidtates with photography skills, photo editing and file managment are preferred.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  Bachelor's degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Business Administration, or a related field is essential.

• Experience:

  2+ years of experience in inventory control, preferably in a similar industry, with a strong focus on writing descriptions for antiques and fine art. Auction experience is highly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong database skills and knowledge of decorative and fine art for inventory management.
• Exceptional writing and descriptive skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and effectively communicate inventory-related information.
• Familiarity with inventory management software or systems is a plus.
• Passion for antiques and contemporary designs, as well as an interest in the film, TV, staging, and photography industries.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a dynamic environment
• Understanding materials, design, and production techniques across various time periods is essential.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Dental, Health, Vision, and Life insurance
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Bonus pay

Schedule:

• Monday to

Friday Additional Information:

Candidates with a criminal record are encouraged to apply. Ability to reliably commute or plan to relocate to Long Island City, NY before starting work is preferred.

Application Process:

Pay:

$48,500.00

• $58,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person