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. Please click here to contact us.

Head of Homes & Interiors

­­­­Reports to: James Pickup, Director
Department: Homes & Interiors
Location: Sworders Saleroom, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8GE
Salary: On application, subject to experience

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Outline summary

As Head of Homes & Interiors, you will be responsible for the commercial success of the department, ensuring it meets business objectives and continues to thrive in an evolving market. You will oversee the successful running of the auctions, managing a team and working with the board to deliver change and continual improvement in its operational efficiency and effectiveness.

This is a hands-on role for a motivated individual with a strong background in the auction world that can demonstrate excellent leadership and organisation skills.

 

Responsibilities

 

Oversee the effective operations of the department

  • Manage the efficient operation of the regular live auctions, to tight deadlines
  • Ensure the department is effectively structured to support the overall operations of the team and adherence to company
  • Work with the board on the development of the auction structure and processes and drive agreed changes
  • Develop strategy and procedures to support the growth of the department in line with company objectives, agreeing strategy and targets with the board
  • Provide effective up to date reports and plans at organised meetings and otherwise as requested

 

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

  • Comply with Sworders policies relating to items accepted for auction and thresholds
  • Develop and support valuation days to aid business getting and secure consignments
  • Ensure items consigned are in line with Sworders policy
  • Work to increase average lot values, raise hammer prices, resulting in increased profit margins
  • Refer items to specialist departments for appraisal, where appropriate
  • 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
  • Ensure sale items are well presented to potential buyers including online catalogues and sale listings
  • Act as point of contact for clients with complaints or concerns and ensure appropriate action to ensure resolution and prevent escalation
  • Comply with sworders policy on completing online entry forms wherever possible

 

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

  • Keep up to date with recent trends, and auction prices to ensure the information provided is fair and achievable
  • Provide front of house valuations to support valuation days
  • 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 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

  • Provide first line response and contact for clients wishing to consign items for sale
  • Build effective relationships with agents and business getters to secure items for forthcoming sales
  • Effectively manage relationships, providing point of contact to manage queries
  • Deal with any issues as they arise to ensure sustainable relationships and prevent escalation of complaints
  • Ensure client, agents and business getter’s contact information is accurately recorded on Sworders database and is identified for mailing lists and marketing materials

 

Work with other departments and teams to effectively promote the department and auctions

  • Produce informative materials and imagery for Sworders website, for social media campaigns and advertising to reach a wide audience and increase online traffic, enhancing the department online visibility
  • Support the logistical arrangements relating to items entered for auction, specifically for their storage or photography needs
  • Work with the photography department in the production of images for catalogues, online listings, and marketing images
  • Assist in the setup of the auction for viewing and participate in viewing events, where needed
  • Ensuring the H&I room is organised, tidy, and all items have receipt numbers.

 

Provide support and guidance for the professional development of the team

  • Proactively identify areas within the team where knowledge can be increased, putting appropriate support mechanisms in place, including sharing of knowledge, training and mentoring, to aid staff personal development
  • Undertake regular team meetings, ensure team members are kept up to date with plans and events affecting the department
  • Actively involve members of the team in the development of printed and/or online listings and marketing materials

 

 

Person Specification

Essential skills

  • A clear knowledge and understanding of the auction business
  • A minimum of 3 years valuation and cataloguing experience
  • A positive attitude to change and development
  • A positive approach to developing staff
  • Client focused with a drive to deliver excellent service
  • Flexibility to take on additional tasks/responsibilities
  • Self-motivated with the confidence to work on own initiative without the need for direction
  • A good team player
  • Enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Process driven
  • The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Confidence in talking with the public

 

Desirable skills

  • Knowledge of Microsoft software
  • Driving licence and vehicle

 

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