Job Description
Job Title
Salesroom Assistant
Reporting To
Salesfloor Team Leader
Location
Burnt Common Auction Rooms, London Road, Send, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7LN
Company Full Time Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, with 1 hour for lunch.
(PLUS 4 Saturdays per annum, 9.00 am to 2.00 pm to support our quarterly Fine Auctions and 4 Tuesdays per annum, working an additional 2 hours for late night viewing until 7.00 pm. Fine Auctions to occur March, June, September and December each year.)
Employment Status
Full-time (flexible or part-time working considered)
Application Process
Please submit a CV and Cover Letter by 9am on Tuesday 24th March.
We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once a successful candidate has been identified.
About the Company:
Ewbank’s are a Premier International Antiques, Fine Art, Memorabilia and Collectables Auctioneers and Valuers based in Surrey and selling all over the world. Ewbank’s hold quarterly Fine Auctions; and regular specialist sales of Jewellery, Entertainment, Memorabilia, Vintage Posters, Silver, Clocks, Watches, Fine Art, Classic and Modern Cars, Ceramics, Antique Furniture, Works of Art, Trading Cards, Interiors and Modern Design, Contemporary/20th Century Art, Asian Art, Militaria, Garden, Comics, Fine Wines, Toys, Models & Collectables, Video Games and even more besides. Ewbank's also hold regular Pre-Loved, Vintage and Antique Auctions. As Surrey's leading independent auctioneers we pride ourselves on being a family firm providing the best service, knowledge and expertise, Ewbank’s are members of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA) Ewbank’s also adhere to the highest ethical standards when selling our client’s goods and believe in the importance of transparency.
Job Purpose Summary:
To support the day-to-day operation of an efficient sales floor across the full auction cycle, from receipt and “lotting up” of items, auction layout and viewing days, through to post-auction collection by buyers or vendors. Working as part of a small team, the role contributes to the delivery of over 100 auctions annually, often with multiple sales running concurrently.
The role provides broad exposure to all aspects of the auction process and, with experience, offers opportunities to support valuers and auctioneers with basic cataloguing and research, take on increased responsibilities within salesroom and auction set-up operations, and develop a career within the auction industry.
Job Requirements:
Knowledge & Experience
* Previous experience in a comparable role would be advantageous, although not essential as on the job training will be provided. More important is a general interest in the world of antiques, art and collectables.
* Confident in the use of IT systems, willingness to learn in-house specialist software.
Training, Education & Qualifications
* Ideally educated to a minimum of A Level or equivalent qualification.
Skills, Abilities & Personal Qualities
* Well-developed customer services skills.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Team player with the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplined team. Demonstrates a willingness to provide cover during team absence and/or periods of busy workloads.
* Able to work to deadlines, in an organised and logical approach.
* Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
* Numeracy, possessing strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain due care and accuracy at all times.
* Ability to multi-task in periods of high activity, remaining calm and controlled.
* The ability to take initiative and be proactive to ensure tasks are completed on time and to Company’s deadlines.
* Reliable, positive and hardworking attitude.
* Ability to resolve problems to a satisfactory conclusion, but seeks guidance and advice when required.
Owing to the nature of the work performed on the salesfloor, there will be a physical nature to the role in the lifting and movement of boxes both to and from the salesfloor area, assistance from Porters when moving heavy items is available.
Responsibilities:
* Follow company procedures to ensure consistent salesfloor operations across lotting, viewing, and post-auction clearance.
* Work closely with valuers and auctioneers to accurately “lot up” items, resolving any discrepancies with descriptions.
* Prepare and maintain the salesfloor for pre-auction viewing, ensuring strong presentation, security, and accurate lot location reporting.
* Assist customers during viewing days and support online bidding clerking and occasional telephone bidding on auction days.
* Manage post-auction collections, ensuring items are released accurately and only after payment confirmation.
* Prepare items for shipping, verifying lots against invoices and recording details appropriately.
* Maintain a clean, organised, and safe salesfloor.
* Support valuers, auctioneers, and the Shipping Manager with ad-hoc operational tasks, including providing measurements or lot details for shipping estimates.
* File collection invoices and receipts in centralised systems and comply with all company policies and procedures.