Job Description

About Sworders

Operating since 1782, Sworders is one of the longest established fine art auction houses in the UK, now conducting over 45 auctions each year. Specialist categories include British and European Paintings, Asian Art, Jewellery, Watches, Furniture, Silver, 20th Century Design, and Modern and Contemporary Art.

Combining exceptional personal advice with innovative, thoughtful marketing and a deep understanding of the world of art and antiques, Sworders operates internationally, providing valuation and auction services worldwide. We ensure our client's works are seen, desired, and purchased by the world's largest art markets in Europe, America, and Asia.

Outline summary

Assist in the effective and safe storage of items entered for auction, working with the sales departments and shipping department. Help facilitate effective movement of items and stock control between Sworders offices, off site storage facilities and containers.

Assist in the collection and delivery process of items, responding to client delivery and collection requests, preparing items for collection by clients, Sworders delivery partners and other logistic companies.

Assist in the lotting of items for sale and organise time effectively to setup items for presale viewing in the saleroom, or in Sworders offices, working with the departments to ensure visual interpretation and outstanding presentation, to maximises selling potential.

Provide support for the photography department in the movement of goods for photographing.

Take a pro-active approach to health and safety around the offices, ensure areas are free from obstruction and raise issues with the Health and Safety Officer, where relevant.

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures. Show support for Sworders events and initiatives taking place within the offices, having a proactive approach to client engagement.

Responsibilities

Assist in the effective storage of items entered for auction or intended for collection.

Identifying items for storage, ensure accurate stock control numbers are easily identifiable.

Record and maintain stock control processes to ensure items are located for sale or collection.

Ensure items are properly labelled and stored in the correct area/ given to the correct staff.

Update Sworders database with information relating to stock control and location.

Assist in the collection and delivery process.

Support clients and logistic companies in the delivery of items to the saleroom

Work with logistic companies to ensure items are available for collection via Sworders shipping service, or by other collection agents or purchasers.

Check on a regular basis collections and delivery appointments and ensure items are ready for collection.

Keep all appropriate paperwork and electronic records up to date, recording information into Sworders database.

Accurately record client's data and log consignments into the offices

Respond to client enquiries within set timescales.

Assist in the lotting of items for sale and organise time effectively to setup items for presale viewing.

Accurately lot items for sale, as appropriate.

Help staff to set up salerooms for viewing, including moving furniture, hanging pictures, and setting visual environments.

Undertake ad hoc requests for running errands, including repairing and repainting walls, damaged by hanging pictures and other items.

Provide support for the photography department in moving items required for photography and marketing images.

Take a pro-active approach to Health and Safety

Ensuring the safety of clients, keeping high traffic areas clear of obstructions, identify areas of potential hazard or trip and take action to make safe.

Ensure compliance with H&S, report any damage or breakages to the office manager.

Keep areas tidy and free from obstruction.

Secure front reception areas at the end of business day

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures.

Ensure familiarity and compliance with Company Van, to ensure safety of staff and items.

Follow Sworders staff handbook and comply with all Sworders internal policies and procedures, including but not limited to Data Protection and Privacy Policies, Anti-Money Laundering processes.

Attend sworders events where appropriate and availability allows.

Provide support for Sworders initiatives and have a positive attitude to change and development.

Person Specification

Essential skills

Good time-management and multi-tasking skills

Experience of handling items

Excellent communication skills

Ability to lift heavy items (with assistance)

Be willing to learn and take direction

Happy working individually and as part of a team

UK Driving License

Desirable skills

Good knowledge of Microsoft applications

Hold a C1 licence

Experience of using and managing a company van

What We Offer:

Family first

Flexible working, we are committed to providing flexibility in how and where work is performed to accommodate our diverse workforce

Wellbeing

Enhanced annual leave with additional days for long service and Christmas.

Employee Assistance Programme, our range of confidential services and resources is here to help you navigate personal and professional challenges

Company events, seasonal parties, connections with schools, charitable contributions and more

Breaks, encourage staff to have a break during the day including the flexibility to take as long as you need

Development

Education, we offer and encourage our staff to further develop their experiences, both through internal and external avenues

Sustainability

Climate perks, we offer employers offer paid 'journey days' to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying - empowering staff to act on their values

Free onsite parking: at our main Auction House

...and much more!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Free flu jabs Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person