Auction Room Assistant

Whittaker & Biggs have a new vacancy for an Auction Room Assistant to join our growing team. We hold fortnightly, 2-day auctions with between 1200-1500 lots per event. We sell a variety of items, from jewellery and watches, furniture & antiques to tools, electronics, music & sporting goods which makes our auction house a unique and interesting place to work. We are a relatively small tight knit team who enjoy getting together with the rest of the Whittaker & Biggs group at Christmas, a brew & cake in the mornings and the occasional pint after work on a Friday.

What you’ll gain from Whittaker & Biggs

• Invaluable knowledge and learning opportunities in the field
• Working alongside a great team of passionate, motivated and knowledgeable people, who are changing the stereotype of auctioneers through their innovative attitude
• The opportunity to see and research incredible items that are brought into our auction, some of which you wouldn’t have another opportunity!
• Opportunity to see and assist in the auction process from start to finish
• Experience the real buzz of a live auction!
• Opportunity to meet with some of the country’s leading collectors, dealers and enthusiasts

Our ideal candidate is a positive, self-motivated, and hard-working person who works well individually and as a team.
Previous auction room experience is not necessary as training will be provided however an interest in auctions/buying & selling does help.
This is a customer facing role so good communication skills are a must have.
Computer literacy is also essential as our operating system is fully online; training on our operating system will be provided.
Due to the nature of the role, the successful individual must be able to prioritise their workload and be able to work to deadlines to ensure the auction sales run smoothly.
There is opportunity for progression within this role depending on the successful applicants’ strengths.

Main Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the handling and movement of items in the auction room.
• Liaising with clients and dealing with enquiries over the phone & via email
• Assisting with the admin within the office.
• Assisting with the cataloguing of the auction including typing & photographing lots
• Assisting with item collection, dealing directly with vendors and purchasers
• Assisting with house clearances when required

You must be flexible in your approach to work, supporting with all tasks relating to the
Auction Rooms activities.

Considerations, attributes, and experience

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• There is a requirement to lift and move large items of furniture and other goods.
• Up to date IT skills are essential, including use of a smart phone camera.
• The working environment for this role will include working both inside and outside.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• A full clean driving license is advantageous but not essential.

Hours of work: 39.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday and alternate Saturdays mornings.
This is a full-time position and an exciting opportunity to join a young and innovative team who are passionate about their work. If you are a motivated and detail-orientated individual with a passion for this varied and exciting industry, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Salary: TBC

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £10.42 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Congleton, CW12 1QY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
• Administrative experience: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 16/06/2023
Reference ID: Auction Room Assistant