Asian Art Administrator (Mandarin-Speaking) | Newbury

Location: Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Job Type: Full-Time

Dreweatts is a prestigious auction house with a rich history in fine art and antiques. We are a leader in the Asian art market and seek a dedicated and detail-oriented Mandarin-speaking Asian Art Administrator to support our Asian Art and Client Services Departments. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced specialists in a dynamic environment, ensuring the smooth operation of auctions and providing top-tier client services.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support:

• Auction Logistics: Carry out administrative tasks related to auction logistics, including consignment, pre-sale and post-sale notifications, registrations, ID checks, and shipping coordination.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of consigned items, sales, and client interactions to ensure a smooth auction process.
• Cross-Department Coordination: Coordinate with other departments to ensure efficient and seamless operations of the auction house.
• Lotting and Online Sale Preparation: Assist with lotting artworks and preparing the sale to be displayed online, ensuring accurate details and quality imagery.
• Condition Reports: Coordinate and send condition reports to clients, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
• Post-Auction Coordination: Liaise with clients during the post-auction process, facilitating payments, shipping arrangements, and follow-up communications.

Client interaction:

• First Point of Contact: Serve as the first point of contact for email, telephone, and in-person inquiries, providing exceptional service to clients and answering questions.
• Client Support: Assist clients during auction previews and auctions, ensuring a smooth and positive experience.
• Telephone and Internet Clerking: Assist with telephone bidding and online bidding clerking during live auctions, ensuring all bids are processed accurately.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service, handling inquiries and requests promptly and professionally.

Trainee Cataloguer:

• Research and Cataloguing: Assist with the research and cataloguing of Asian artworks, ensuring accurate descriptions, provenance details, and condition reports.
• Lot Preparation: Support the preparation of lots for the auction catalogue, ensuring all artwork information is properly recorded and the cataloguing process is completed on time.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Work alongside specialists to ensure detailed and accurate descriptions of artworks, including their historical context and market value.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Catalogue Preparation: Collaborate closely with the head of the department to prepare auction catalogues and organize viewings.
• Team Participation: Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions about auction preparations, lotting, and client relations.
• Department Support: Provide additional support to the Furniture and Works of Art department as needed to ensure smooth department operations and client satisfaction.

Skills Required

• Fluent Mandarin: Must be fluent in both spoken and written Mandarin to communicate effectively with Mandarin-speaking clients.
• Good English: A good command of the English language both spoken and written.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong ability to interact with clients professionally, providing exceptional service and handling enquiries with ease.
• Organisational Skills: Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• IT Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and familiarity with auction-related software or databases an advantage but not essential.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with a flexible and collaborative approach to working in a team environment.
• Client-Focused: Dedicated to maintaining high levels of client satisfaction, particularly during the auction and post-auction processes.

How to apply: To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and salary expectations, to Mandy Dooley, mdooley@dreweatts.com

Dreweatts is an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees.