Enthusiastic about Design from 1860 to present day? Read on to find out more in our recent opening in our Design department in London.
OVERVIEW
This exciting full-time position, based in London, will assist and support the Specialists, Heads of Sale and Head of Department through the administration, cataloguing, research and content production of items consigned for sale. The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop a knowledge of design history from 1860 to now, and the marketplace as a whole.
As part of one of our busiest specialist departments, with auctions in London and Edinburgh, the successful candidate will have: an ability to multi-task, an attention to detail, high levels of organization, as well as a proactive, persistent approach with follow-up skills. A passion for Design is essential and a relevant experience in the area is desirable.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Client Communication
- First point of contact for the London Design department
Managing the online enquiries inbox (organising the enquiries in a suitable way; speaking with relevant specialists to value items and discuss their suitability for sale; responding to enquiries within 1-2 weeks)
Dealing with all other client and auction communications for the London department, at all stages of the process, including receipts, pre-sale notifications and condition reports, as well as post-sale and collection queries.
Supporting the wider company with incoming calls to the main line
Stock Control
- Being the main department contact for London-based stock enquiries
- Day-to-day stock control to include: unpacking/labelling incoming goods, ensuring they have been valued in a timely fashion for vendors; co-ordinating the movement of stock between offices, dealing with shipping enquires, organising consignment deliveries with couriers etc
- Managing storage areas competently and reviewing stock levels on a regular basis to ensure prompt collections
Auction-Related Duties
- Liaising with the photography department to arrange photography sessions, and assisting during these, ahead of catalogue production
- Assisting Department Head during catalogue layout period, with sale lotting, proof-reading etc
- Ensuring online auction is published on time and liaising with Sales Co-Ordinator
- Preparing condition reports and condition report photography for each auction, initially assisting Senior Specialists and Department Head.
- Assisting in setting up the saleroom ahead of the auction, lotting up the items and preparing them for viewing etc.
- Assisting with viewing in the lead up to the auction and being present at various events.
- Managing bids and saleroom amendments on third-party platforms
- Post-sale organisation and correspondence with buyer and vendors
- Assisting saleroom and viewing team with saleroom breakdown post-auction
- Handling after sale enquiries for the department’s London auctions
- Sale day duties including but not limited to; telephone bidding, assisting with clerking, spotting and managing online bidding platforms
Cataloguing & Content
- Research and catalogue property for auctions, using online databases, departmental library, as well as other library resources and outside experts
- Produce content for a number of formats, from catalogue footnotes and introductions to online articles, as required by both specialist and marketing depts
- Grow knowledge of specialist subject
- Begin valuing property, initially assisted by senior colleagues
- Attend work related events, both internal and external
- Assist clients bringing in items for sale and with enquiries at sale views
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Liaise with the marketing and events team including providing image suggestions, proofing promotional content and collaborating on social media campaigns
- Departmental communication – scheduling regular departmental meetings, taking minutes, circulating notes and managing department tasks
- Update department catalogue mailing lists and review regularly with the Department Head
- Develop a working knowledge of Top Buyers & Vendors, monitoring the database for this
- Managing the Design Department’s Instagram account, creating weekly content
- Keeping up-to-date with administrative developments and database processes
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- A passion for Design is essential and a relevant experience in the area is desirable.
- Excellent organisational skills with a keen eye for accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to deal with clients courteously and professionally
- Excellent communication and interaction skills
- Excellent time-management skills
- Be able to work individually as well as part of a team
BENEFITS
- Salary dependent on experience.
- Full time - standard company hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required at needs of company
- Based in central London gallery. Primarily office based, although there will be some WFH and offsite work.
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays) increasing to 33 with service
- Birthday day off
- Additional holidays over Christmas Office Closure
- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
- Annual Travel Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, submit a CV and covering letter - by 24th January - to Head of Operations, Laura Henderson on laura.henderson@lyonandturnbull.com demonstrating your suitability for the role and how you meet the skills and experience.