Job Description

Valuer & Cataloguer: Antiques & Works of Art

Chilcotts are seeking to recruit a valuer and cataloguer to join our growing business.

Chilcotts, Auctioneers & Valuers, is a friendly and busy independent Auction House based in Honiton, Devon. The Company has a strong reputation for providing an attentive and professional service, and holding good quality, interesting and well attended auctions. We are members of The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA).

The Company is currently expanding its smart High Street premises, and we are looking for a new team member to play a key role in the exciting next stage of the Company's development.

Ideally you will have at least two years' saleroom experience, with knowledge of antiques and works of art. You will be customer focused, with good communication skills, smart, friendly, have an eye for detail, computer literate and able to work to deadlines; there will be lifting and moving furniture involved in this role.

Working with Chilcotts will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to further develop their career: we support our staff with on-the-job training, day-to-day you will be handling a wide variety of items, and you will be able to contribute your ideas to the running of the business.

This is a full-time position, including working fourteen Saturdays (sale days) a year, with a good salary commensurate with experience; paid holiday equivalent to 5.6 weeks, and pension. To apply, please email your CV, and covering letter, including information about how you fit the 'Person Description', FAO Liz Chilcott: elizabeth@chilcottsauctions.co.uk or info@chilcottsauctions.co.uk

Detailed :

Working in the auction house offers a varied range of experiences: no two days are the same - we serve people, in person, over the 'phone or internet, from all backgrounds, with a wide range of personal circumstances and who come from all over the world; we see and handle a wide range of antiques and works of art.

As a small company, each one of our staff members is hugely important to the success of the business. Working as part of a team, you will be involved with every aspect of the Auction process from accepting items in for sale, valuing, describing and photographing lots, setting up auctions and assisting at public view, to helping buyers clear their lots after a sale. You will be able to contribute your ideas to the running of the business.

Duties will include:

Accurately describing (cataloguing) items for sale, and deciding appropriate auction estimates (valuing) Listening to customers' enquiries and requirements, either face to face, by phone, WhatsApp, or via email enquiry, advising accordingly. Carrying out valuations - in the saleroom, at regional valuation days and while on client visits, and getting in auction consignments. Developing good client relations - in addition to working with solicitors and professional clients, we serve private vendors whom return to us time after time, and recommend us to their friends and relatives; the successful candidate will need to be able to strike up a professional rapport with our customers. We do not rely on any trade suppliers for our lots. Accurately completing paperwork - Vendor Receipt forms/Auction Contract and taking any relevant notes from the vendor; making sure that the items are labelled and that the paperwork is filed appropriately. Stock Control, working with portering team - ensuring that items are checked off against Vendor Receipt forms and are put into their designated places ready for cataloguing. Entering client information accurately into the Auction Software Programme (specialist training will be given for use of the EasyLive Auction Software Programme). Product, markets, and service knowledge - any necessary training will be given, but we expect our valuers to be responsible for keeping up-to-date with market developments and deepening their knowledge of antiques and works of art. Working with the photographers to ensure that the images of your sale lots are pertinent. Setting out lots for sale, working with the portering team - ensuring that the sales are set up how you want them, that they are accessible and displayed attractively; this will include lifting furniture and practical problem solving. Assisting the public on viewing days - carefully carrying out accurate condition reports and answering queries. Helping sellers and buyers, including carrying their items from and to their cars/vans, including furniture.

Person description:

Possess a broad knowledge of, and interest in, antiques, works of art, and/or collectors items together with an understanding of history and overall cultural awareness; specialist knowledge of, or interest in, a particular area would be an advantage - please specify. Ideally at least two years' experience working in a saleroom; auctioneering experience would be an advantage, but not essential. A friendly and helpful disposition, professional, but down-to-earth, manner and smart appearance. Effective communication skills when dealing with the public and working as part of a team. Energetic, with the ability to work well under pressure. Good literacy and numeracy skills, with attention to detail. Computer literate. Ability to lift and carry heavy furniture. Self-motivated, keen to listen and learn, with an enquiring and retentive mind. Able to work as part of a team and on your own. A versatile and practical approach, not afraid to roll sleeves up and muck in with whatever job presents itself. Possess a full UK driving license. Be able to work in the UK.
Chilcotts will give training on all the above duties, how the company administrates its business activities, help to research and learn about the items that you will be handling: identifying styles, the age, construction, any damage and spotting restoration, etc. and how to lift furniture and heavy objects safely.

You will be working with a close-knit and enthusiastic team, including 3 valuers and cataloguers (including Duncan Chilcott, principal auctioneer and director) and be supported by 3 porters, a photographer and social media/marketing assistant, and an admin team of 2 people.

Future development:

To carry out professional valuations - for probate, insurance and/or family division To become an auctioneer. Management and development of your own department.

Salary and benefits:

Basic salary of 30,000-35,000 per annum for a 38-hour week (salary dependent on experience). Plus overtime available of approx. 1,500-1,800 per annum (for working on Saturday Sale-days). Training days - visits to London museums, fairs and Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers Training events. Company pension scheme. Paid holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks, including bank holidays and Christmas company shutdown. Lunch supplied on sale days, small staff kitchen with free teas and coffees To join a respected auction house with a friendly, supportive and collaborative culture. Working and living in a beautiful, yet easily accessible, part of England, close to the Jurassic Coast and surrounded by AONBs, while the proximity to Exeter gives access to the usual university city culture, shops, restaurants, etc.

Closing date for applications: 5th November

Our first round of interviews will take place during week commencing 10th November.

Good luck with your application - we look forward to reading it!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Auction house : 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person