Full Time Saleroom Assistant and In-House Valuer - Fine Art Department

Posted: Tue 06 Feb 2024

A great opportunity has arisen at the Firm's Head Office in Cambridge for a Full Tine Saleroom Assistant & In-House Valuer.

Why Cheffins?

Cheffins is a privately owned independent partnership and one that believes interviews are life-changing events. 

We focus on fair and objective hiring, we work hard to create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment that embraces the uniqueness and value that each person can bring to the business.   We want everyone to be themselves.

The ideal candidate will have been working in an auction environment for at least three years and be an enthusiastic, adaptable and dedicated team member with good organisational skills, as this role involves facilitating the Saleroom Managers with the running of all sales. 

The position is office based Monday to Friday.

Our values:

Welcoming, we’re friendly and make everyone - without exception - feel safe, included, valued and at home at Cheffins. 
Considered, we provide effective advice and support to our clients and colleagues.  We’re open-minded and considerate of people’s experiences and stories.
Committed, we care about our work, clients, colleagues, communities and the environment. We always act with respect, kindness and responsibility.
Knowledgeable, our staff combine technical and market expertise, with a willingness to listen and fully consider people’s views, values and ideas.

How we will reward you?
We offer a competitive salary and rewards package including,

• 23 days annual leave, plus bank holidays with entitlement increasing with length of service
• All offices shut down over Christmas and the New Year as we recognise that our people need a break
• Long Service Awards
• Annual All Staff Reward scheme
• Contributory Pension 
• Health Cash Plan through Medicash, with a focus on Wellbeing (including, complimentary therapies, skinvision, digital physiotherapy, health & stress support, virtual GP, mProve yourself, gym discount and discounted shopping)
• Life Assurance
• Optical cover
• Flexible working opportunities and we are always happy to discuss how this could work for you.
• Payment for professional memberships and development opportunities
• Menopause policy
• Employee Volunteering days
• Family friendly policies

Our focus is to encourage you to continue with your learning and development and we are committed in supporting you to be the very best version of yourself to help you achieve and fulfil your potential

Social events include Christmas and Summer get togethers, charity events, team building opportunities, we actively encourage our people to gain life experiences. 

What will it take to be successful?

• At least three years relevant auction experience
• A proven ability to provide appropriate and accurate verbal valuations on a wide range of objects
• A good overall level of education (A level or equivalent)
• Excellent written and verbal skills essential
• Fully computer literate
• A full driving license and use of own vehicle which is covered for business use, would be an advantage
• An ability to work as part of a small team, taking direction from saleroom managers but also able work under own initiative
• A willingness to engage in any required role within the business

Please note this role requires an extensive amount of manual handling   

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will work in the saleroom, helping to run the monthly Interiors Sales, where the role includes administration, monitoring incoming and outgoing deliveries, lotting and photographing of goods for online sale catalogues, supervising sale viewings, liaising with customers and handling all types of lots for sale such as furniture, paintings, ceramics etc., some of high value. 

The position also comes with responsibility for our weekly in-house valuation days (with support), where you will be expected to provide verbal advice and guide prices to members of the public for potential sale purposes.  Other occasional duties may be at our nearby storage facility so a driving licence may be beneficial though is not a necessity.

Main purpose/scope of the role:

• The management and undertaking of in-house valuations at our weekly valuation days
• The co-management of goods inbound and outbound, both physically and electronically
• The safe handling, locating and storage of often high value items
• To physically lot goods for sale and take clear photographs suitable for an online catalogue
• To unpack, sort and catalogue goods destined for sales
• To assist with general portering duties around the saleroom and wider offices

What happens next?

This role could be the best move you make.  Take your time to apply.  Be honest and tell us all about who you are, what motivates you, your life experiences and what you would like Cheffins to offer you.

Before we get to meet you, take your time to look at our website and learn a bit about Cheffins.  Think about what you have achieved and how that fits with the role and person we are looking for. 

The interview will not be an interrogation, it will be relaxed and an opportunity for us to learn about you and for you to learn about us.  

We look forward to receiving your application.  

Please note applications submitted without a covering letter and completed application form will not be considered.