Consignment Director - Technology

Heritage Auctions•Irving, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for acquiring high-quality consignments of collectible and historically significant technology for auction. Categories may include Apple products such as iPhones, iPods, Macintosh computers, and accessories; early personal computers; gaming hardware; telecommunications devices; calculators; cameras; audio equipment; prototypes; rare software; technical documents; and other important consumer electronics. The Director will build and expand Heritage Auctions’ client base in the Technology category, generate and close consignments, evaluate property for authenticity, provenance, condition, rarity, and marketability, and collaborate on marketing and sales strategies to grow the business. This role requires deep knowledge of technology history and collecting trends, along with strong business-development, networking, and negotiation skills.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in collectible technology, consumer electronics, the technology industry, an auction house, museum, archival setting, appraisal, retail, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of technology history and collectible electronics, including smartphones, personal computers, gaming systems, telecommunications devices, and related hardware and accessories.
Familiarity with major technology manufacturers, product generations, model variations, production history, and collector-market trends.
Proven experience acquiring and managing high-value consignments or developing business within a specialized collectibles category.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Proven success in business development, networking, and client relationship management.
Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to distinguish meaningful historical and collectible attributes from standard consumer products.
Working knowledge of online marketplaces, collector communities, and pricing trends within the technology and electronics market.
Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across departments.
Meticulous attention to detail and a professional, client-focused attitude.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
Comfort working with evolving product categories and emerging areas of collector interest.
Willingness to travel frequently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with appraisals, auctions, private treaty sales, or collection management preferred.
Knowledge of authentication, provenance research, condition assessment, and the safe handling of vintage or battery-powered electronics preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute strategies for launching and expanding the Technology category.
Source quality consignments from private collectors, estates, inventors, engineers, former technology executives, dealers, institutions, museums, and corporate archives.
Evaluate technology items for authenticity, provenance, historical importance, rarity, originality, condition, completeness, functionality, and auction value.
Identify significant production variants, prototypes, factory-sealed products, first-generation devices, limited releases, and objects connected to important people, companies, or milestones in technology history.
Negotiate Terms of Consignment and maintain strong, long-term consignor relationships.
Oversee catalog production in partnership with catalogers, researchers, photographers, operations, and marketing teams.
Ensure catalog descriptions clearly document specifications, condition, included components, provenance, restoration, and functionality when applicable.
Represent Heritage Auctions at technology conventions, collector events, trade shows, vintage computer festivals, gaming events, and industry exhibitions.
Expand the client database by attracting new consignors and bidders within the technology and electronics collecting communities.
Broker Private Treaty Sales as appropriate.
Travel as needed to meet clients, review collections, and vet property for consignment.
Review and approve catalog text, images, advertising copy, press materials, and promotional content related to the category.
Coordinate with internal teams regarding data security, battery safety, shipping requirements, intellectual property considerations, and the handling of devices that may contain personal or proprietary information.
Perform other duties as assigned.