Job Description
Job Title
Shipping Assistant
Reporting To
Shipping Manager, with local workflow/mentoring support from the Sales Floor 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:
The Shipping Assistant plays a key role in delivering an efficient, high-quality shipping service to Ewbank’s buyers and vendors, ensuring goods are securely packaged and dispatched on time in line with their value, fragility, and shipping method. Working as part of a small team, the role supports both UK and international shipments and contributes directly to a commercial revenue stream and the company’s client experience.
The role also offers exposure beyond core shipping duties, including assisting the Shipping Manager with additional shipping tasks and client queries, providing cover during periods of absence, supporting online bidding clerking on auction days, and gaining insight into other auction house departments, with opportunities to assist in auction preparation and lotting where required.
Job Requirements:
Knowledge & Experience
* Previous experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential
* A general interest or awareness of the auction industry
* IT literacy
Training, Education & Qualifications
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Skills, Abilities & Personal Qualities
* Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities
* Excellent organisational skills
* Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain due care
* Ability to multi-task in fluctuating periods of calm and high activity
* The ability to take initiative and be proactive to ensure tasks are completed on time and to Company’s deadlines
* Ability to work as part of team. Demonstrates a willingness to provide cover during team absence and/or periods of busy workloads
* Good communication skills
* Positive and hardworking attitude
* Committed to providing great customer service
* Ability to resolve problems to a satisfactory conclusion, but seeks guidance when required
Owing to the nature of the work performed within shipping, there will be a physical nature to the role in the lifting and movement of boxes both to and from the shipping area, assistance from Porters when moving heavy items is available.
Responsibilities and procedures:
* Verifying items picked from the auction room align to the invoice provided, identifying discrepancies when required.
* Securely packing clients’ purchases (or returned items) in the most appropriate manner to ensure quality standards are maintained and ensure safe passage of the item once shipped
* Photographing high value items prior to packaging as proof of shipment.
* Labelling packages correctly, ensuring these are safely attached to the item to minimise risk of non-deliver and that address details align to the invoice.
* Following procedures for safeguarding of clients’ assets and minimise the Company’s risk for loss or damage of items whilst in the shipping process.
* Maintaining adequate supplies of packaging and stationery required to perform the shipping function to prevent out of stock situations.
* Keep shipping area organised, clean and safe at all times.
* Occasionally assist on the sales floor with viewing days, particularly during quarterly Fine auctions.
* Ad-hoc administrative and shipping activities of a similar nature as and when required.