Careers At Sworders

Sworders' staff are the core strength of our business. As we expand we are always looking for the best talent to strengthen our momentum.

We set ourselves high expectations and employ those who want to challenge and improve themselves. If you think you have what it takes to join our skilled and personable team we would like to hear from you. Current opportunities are advertised on this section of our website and we also welcome speculative applications. Please click here to contact us.

CURRENT VACANCIES (3)

Shipping Coordinator

­­­­Reports to: Head of Delivery
Department: Logistics
Location: Sworders Saleroom, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8GE

Salary: On application, subject to experience

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Outline summary

As Shipping Coordinator, you will oversee Sworders' shipping operations, working closely with the Head of Logistics and managing the shipping department. The role involves ensuring the efficient operation of the shipping department, maintaining excellent communication with clients, Sworders' portering team, and external shipping providers.

You will ensure databases and spreadsheets are accurately maintained, monitor and improve processes, and support the department with analysis and reporting. Your proactive approach and excellent organisational skills will ensure a high-quality service is delivered to clients, supporting Sworders' reputation for excellence.

In addition to overseeing shipping, you will actively participate in Sworders events, support company initiatives, and adhere to internal policies and procedures, including compliance with data protection, confidentiality, and AML regulations.

 

Responsibilities

Coordination and Management of the Shipping Department

  • Ensure the shipping department operates efficiently and effectively, meeting all client and internal expectations
  • Manage and oversee the shipping department, delegating tasks, providing support, and monitoring performance to ensure smooth operations
  • Regularly review and optimise processes to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the shipping workflow
  • Act as the primary point of contact for shipping-related queries from clients, internal teams, and external providers, ensuring timely and professional responses
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Sworders’ shipping partners, to ensure seamless communication and service delivery

To work effectively within the delivery team to support the operations of Sworders Delivery Service

  • Act as point of contact for customers with questions and queries on Sworders delivery service
  • Presale - working with Sworders shipping agents, to obtain shipping category allocations for each lot consigned for sale
  • Accurately upload shipping information into Sworders database, prior to the lots going live on Sworders web site
  • Monitor requests for bespoke quotes from potential bidders and liaise with shipping providers to provide quotations
  • Ensure working relationships with providers remains positive and information flows effectively

Ensure Sworders database and spreadsheets are kept up to date

  • Keep monitoring spreadsheets updated with relevant information
  • Post-sale - identify if requests were purchased by a prospective buyer and update Sworders database
  • Post-sale - monitor bespoke quotes from Bradleys, update monitoring spreadsheet and Sworders database and communicate effectively with buyers

Liaise with the portering team to ensure information is passed to facilitate collection by external shipping providers

  • Identifying items for collection once shipping has been requested and paid for, and inform providers as needed
  • Liaise with the portering team to ensure information about paid collections is passed without delay, to allow sufficient time for organisation prior to collection
  • Cross reference and agree invoices against spreadsheets on a weekly basis

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures

  • Ensure familiarity and compliance with Sworders staff handbook and comply with all Sworders internal policies and procedures, including but not limited to Data Protection and Privacy Policies, Anti-Money Laundering processes
  • Attend sworders events where appropriate and availability allows
  • Provide support for Sworders initiatives and have a positive attitude to change and development

 

Person Specification

Essential Skills

  • Excellent organisational skills with outstanding attention to detail
  • Proven ability to manage and oversee a team, ensuring tasks are delegated and completed effectively.
  • Experience of coordinating shipping operations in a fast paced environment
  • Takes responsibility for own workload and is proactive in improving services
  • Proven track record of working to deadlines
  • Outstanding customer service skills
  • A good team player with excellent communication skills
  • Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft applications, particularly Excel

Desirable Skills

  • An understanding of how databases work

 

What We Offer

Family First

  • Flexible working: We are committed to providing flexibility in how and where work is performed to support our diverse workforce

Wellbeing

  • Employee Assistance Programme: A confidential service offering resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
  • Company events: Seasonal parties, school connections, charitable initiatives, and more
  • Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day, including the flexibility to take as long as needed for lunch

Development

  • Education & Growth: We support and encourage staff to expand their skills and experiences through both internal and external opportunities

Sustainability

  • Climate Perks: We offer paid 'journey days' to staff who choose land or sea travel over flying for holidays, empowering employees to act on their values

…and much more!

 

If you are enthusiastic and looking to establish yourself in an exciting role please send your CV with a brief covering letter outlining why you are perfect for Sworders to Jo Winter – jowinter@sworder.co.uk

Cataloguer

­­­­Reports to: Head of Homes and Interiors Department
Location: Stansted
Salary: On application, subject to experience

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Outline summary

We are seeking an experienced cataloguer to work predominantly within the Homes & Interiors (H&I) department, with the flexibility to support other departments as required.

Play an integral part in supporting the department to undertake cataloguing of items consigned for sale, be proactive in researching items to ensure accuracy. Provide condition reports for items consigned that accurately reflect each item’s status, updating information on Sworders database.

Support the successful operations of the department, liaising with clients where appropriate, responding to queries via telephone and email, consigning items within the offices for appraisal.

 

Responsibilities

Work within the department to undertake cataloguing of items consigned for sale, be proactive in researching items to ensure accuracy.

  • Cataloguing items for auction in compliance with in-house cataloguing styles, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Conducting research on consigned items, referring to specialists, when necessary, to enhance item descriptions and value.
  • Reviewing catalogued items for accuracy and raising issues or inconsistencies with the Head of Department.
  • Providing detailed condition reports for lots, including capturing and uploading additional images to the Sworders database.
  • Maintaining familiarity with upcoming sale items, identifying and resolving issues or uncatalogued items early in the process.
  • Proofreading catalogues and ensuring all sales are prepared and uploaded to the website within agreed timeframes.

Support the logistics and sale preparation to ensure the successful presentation of items for sale, including uploading of information and images to Sworders database.

  • Unpacking new consignments and managing their integration into the H&I room.
  • Overseeing furniture deliveries and maintaining accurate records of locations within Go.
  • Ensuring the H&I room is organised, tidy, and all items have receipt numbers.
  • Assisting the logistics team with clearing shelves post-sale.
  • Collaborating with the photography team to ensure items are ready for imaging.
  • Setting up ‘Special Sections’ and tiles on Go for the online catalogue.
  • Assisting with moving and photographing furniture and rugs when needed.

Support the successful operations of the department, liaising with clients, responding to queries, and consigning items within the offices for appraisal.

  • Responding promptly and professionally to client queries via telephone and email.
  • Liaising with administration teams to ensure efficient client service and compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
  • Supporting client engagement during appraisals and consignment within the office.
  • Providing telephone bidding support on sale day.

Show integrity and have a willingness to learn, develop personal knowledge and skills to support the department and personal growth, keeping up to date with commercial fashions, trends, and hammer prices.  

  • Participating in team meetings, sharing ideas and feedback to support department growth.
  • Collaborating with valuation, administrative, and marketing teams to ensure the successful presentation of items for sale.
  • Staying updated on trends, commercial fashions, and hammer prices to support cataloguing and personal development.
  • Proactively identifying areas for personal growth and undertaking research or training to enhance knowledge and skills.

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures. 

  • Adhering to Sworders' internal policies and procedures, including Data Protection, Privacy Policies, and AML processes.
  • Attending Sworders events and supporting initiatives where appropriate.

 

Person Specification

Essential skills

  • 3 years’ experience of cataloguing in a fast-paced environment
  • Client focused with a drive to deliver excellent service
  • Excellent organisational skills with outstanding attention to detail
  • A good team player with excellent communication skills
  • Flexibility to take on additional tasks/responsibilities
  • Self-motivated with the confidence to work on your own initiative
  • The ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
  • Enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft software and Go

Desirable skills

  • Has experience of working within an Auction house

 

What We Offer

Family First

  • Flexible working: We are committed to providing flexibility in how and where work is performed to support our diverse workforce

Wellbeing

  • Employee Assistance Programme: A confidential service offering resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
  • Company events: Seasonal parties, school connections, charitable initiatives, and more
  • Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day, including the flexibility to take as long as needed for lunch

Development

  • Education & Growth: We support and encourage staff to expand their skills and experiences through both internal and external opportunities

Sustainability

  • Climate Perks: We offer paid 'journey days' to staff who choose land or sea travel over flying for holidays, empowering employees to act on their values

…and much more!

 

If you are enthusiastic and looking to establish yourself in an exciting role please send your CV with a brief covering letter outlining why you are perfect for Sworders to Jo Winter – jowinter@sworder.co.uk

Jewellery Valuer

­­­­Reports to: Head of Jewellery Department
Department: Jewellery
Location: Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8GE

Salary: On application, subject to experience

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Outline summary

We are looking for an experienced jewellery valuer and cataloguer to collate and run our interim Jewellery Sales and to work alongside our head of department with our Fine Jewellery Sales.

You will provide effective jewellery valuation service to clients, both in person valuations and online requests, taking account of commercial fashions, trends, and hammer prices to ensure information provided is fair and achievable.

Provide jewellery valuations for insurance and probate, where required, ensure information provided accurately reflects the market and all relevant legislation is adhered to. Take part in valuation days and events at Sworders Stansted and London offices, as well as external events, where appropriate.

Maintain a commercial view of the jewellery business, support the department head with the development of business leads and consignments to aid department growth, increase average hammer prices and turnover.

Liaise with clients and foster effective relationships to enhance Sworders business. Provide first line contact to clients wishing to consign jewellery and ensure they are kept up to date with valuations and sale allocations. Undertake cataloguing of items entered for auction, researching where necessary to ensure accuracy of information.

Work effectively as part of a team, assist in the planning and development of auctions to ensure success, including inputting ideas for presentation of items for sale and supporting the development of junior staff. Provide materials for social media campaigns, writing blogs and internet content to enhance online visibility. Assist in the set up and presentation of jewellery sales within the auction rooms and take part in preview days and events.

Actively show support for Sworders events and incentives, taking part where availability allows. Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures, including, but not limited to Sworders Privacy Policy, Data Protection and Confidentiality Policies, AML requirements, and Sworders Staff Handbook.

 

Responsibilities

Provide jewellery valuation services to clients, ensuring confidence in Sworders valuation services to foster effective relationships

  • Undertake visits to client properties for the purpose of valuation for sale, probate or insurance, as required and provide appropriate reports, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to, Inheritance Tax Act 1984, Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Data Protection Regulations 2018
  • Take part in valuation days and events in Sworders offices and off site, where appropriate
  • Keep up to date with recent fashions, trends and auction prices to ensure the information provided is fair and achievable
  • Provide inhouse jewellery valuations to clients
  • Liaise with administration teams in relation to client business, as required
  • Ensure information is obtained from clients to comply with AML requirements
  • Respond to email jewellery valuation requests without undue delay
  • Catalogue items consigned for auction, undertaking any research necessary, provide accurate condition reports and ensure compliance with Sworders in house style

Build effective relationships with clients for long term engagement with Sworders, sustaining effective business relationships. Maintain a commercial view of the business, supporting the department to aid department growth. 

  • Provide first line response and contact for clients wishing to consign items for sale
  • Foster effective relationships with agents and business getters to secure jewellery items for forthcoming sales
  • Effectively manage client relationships, providing point of contact to manage queries
  • Maintain a commercial view of the business
  • Support the department head with the development of business leads and consignments
  • Deal with any issues as they arise to ensure sustainable relationships and prevent escalation of complaints
  • Ensure client contact information is accurately recorded on Sworders database

Support the successful development of the department and in the operations relating to the presentation of sales

  • Work effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues in the development and presentation of successful auctions
  • Develop and support the department junior valuer
  • Comply with Sworders policies relating to jewellery items accepted for auction and thresholds
  • Support the team with lotting sales and work independently, if necessary, to ensure sales are ready for export onto websites within set timeframe, liaising with the administration team where appropriate
  • Present ideas and support the presentation of sale items so they are well presented to potential buyers, in online catalogues and sale listings
  • Assist in the setup of the auction for viewing and participate in viewing events, where needed
  • Undertake research and provide content for social media campaigns, blogs and internet content to reach a wide audience and increase online traffic

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures

  • Ensure familiarity and compliance with Sworders staff handbook and comply with all Sworders internal policies and procedures, including but not limited to Data Protection and Privacy Policies, Anti-Money Laundering processes
  • Attend sworders events where appropriate and availability allows
  • Provide support for Sworders initiatives and have a positive attitude to change and development

 

Person Specification

Required skills

  • Possess a gemmology qualification or equivalent
  • Possess a diamond grading qualification
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • A good team player
  • Knowledge and understanding of the jewellery industry with valuation and cataloguing experience
  • A positive attitude to change and development
  • Client focused with a drive to deliver excellent service
  • Flexibility to take on additional tasks/responsibilities
  • Self-motivated with the confidence to work on their own initiative without the need for direction
  • Enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Process driven
  • The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

Desirable skills

  • Registered valuer with NAJ or JAV
  • Auction house or retail valuation experience
  • Confidence in talking with the public
  • Knowledge in the use of Microsoft
  • Experience of building effective relationships with external partners

 

What We Offer

Family First

  • Flexible working: We are committed to providing flexibility in how and where work is performed to support our diverse workforce

Wellbeing

  • Employee Assistance Programme: A confidential service offering resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges
  • Company events: Seasonal parties, school connections, charitable initiatives, and more
  • Breaks: Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day, including the flexibility to take as long as needed for lunch

Development

  • Education & Growth: We support and encourage staff to expand their skills and experiences through both internal and external opportunities

Sustainability

  • Climate Perks: We offer paid 'journey days' to staff who choose land or sea travel over flying for holidays, empowering employees to act on their values

…and much more!

 

If you are enthusiastic and looking to establish yourself in an exciting role please send your CV with a brief covering letter outlining why you are perfect for Sworders to Jo Winter – jowinter@sworder.co.uk