Casual Worker - Client Liaison, Bids and Client Services London, England
Job description
ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby's promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
The initial contact for clients and all members of the public. This role is expected to consistently deliver the highest standards of service, being able to answer all types of general client queries or connect clients to the correct department in a swift and efficient manner.
The Client Service Representatives should have a passionate approach with a desire exceed client needs and expectations whilst promoting a highly professional and positive image for Sotheby's. The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Be the welcoming face of Sotheby's
- Greet clients and provide general information on all aspects of Sotheby' s
- Deal with all enquiries and refer clients to relevant staff members
- Oversee security of mail left at the counter and alert staff to postal arrivals
- Order catalogues or any book or commercial brochure for Front of House display areas and ensure catalogues for current sales are in-stock and available for purchase
- Provide gratis catalogues to clients or staff according to procedures
- Check weekly Luncheon lists (and liaise with Commissionaire)
- Print Auction result lists for clients
- Keep the Front of House area and Catalogue displays immaculate at all times
- Responsible for creating new Accounts, Absentee or Telephone bids for worldwide sales
- Support Paddle registration during Sales
- Support the Gallery desk during Exhibitions
- Perform valuation research liaising with relevant Specialist or provide alternative referrals
- Handle, unpack and label incoming property for Registrars
- Comply with security and audit guidelines
- Follow the Grooming standards as provided
- Provide exceptional client service on the counter in respect of all sale activities
- Assist the Bids Team as required
Issuing After-Sale Outputs at the Counter Including:
- Invoices for purchases and unsold property
- Shipping quotes/shipping invoices
- Interest and storage charges
- Issue "Merchandise in Baggage" paperwork and accept shipping instructions, plus requesting and communicating customised shipping quotes
- Process and allocate clients payments to their accounts
- Refer unidentified payments and third-party payments to Credit and Debt Collection Specialists.
- Daily processing of payments relating to the Cafe and Catalogue Desks
- Authorise the financial release of property.
- Escalate client queries (payment and shipping related) through to the relevant After-Sale Service Specialist.
- Answer phones in respect of any internal queries
- Manage ID at client level
- Process sundry invoices and VAT refunds
- Document management
- Provide other service ops colleagues support on an ad-hoc basis as and when required (e.g. to cover in the absence of bids or After-Sale Service Specialist if necessary), including quote processing, payment posting & banking, issuing output and VAT refunds.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- A well-presented, articulate and highly organised person with a friendly, enthusiastic and welcoming disposition.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to communicate with both clients and members of staff are essential
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills alongside good numeracy skills.
- Have a flexible approach to work with the ability to multitask
- A pragmatic approach to problems, with excellent resourcefulness
- Ability to work both independently and to partner with colleagues
- Able to work evenings and weekend events when required
- Reliable and capable of working well as part of a busy highly pressured team
- Enthusiastic with an ability to think on your feet and remain clam under pressure
- Client service experience from hospitality industry is essential
- Experience with a luxury brand or gallery environment is desirable
- Experience with basic bookkeeping and experience of auction processes is advantageous.
- Prior experience with SAP is preferred, but must be computer literate
- An additional language would be beneficial, but is not essential
To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here.
To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
