Careers At Sworders

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

Financial Controller

­­­­Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Stansted

Salary: On application, subject to experience

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Outline summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Financial Controller to oversee the day to day financial operations of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers. This role requires strong financial management expertise and the ability to develop and improve internal financial processes, ensuring robust reporting and compliance with financial regulations.

As a key member of the senior management team, you will provide strategic financial guidance, oversee financial planning, and manage financial risks to support the continued growth and success of the business. You will also be responsible for managing and mentoring the finance team.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Oversee the day today financial operations of the business.
• Manage the preparation of monthly management accounts and ensure timely reporting to directors.
• Develop management accounts information to include KPIs, variance reporting, and financial analysis.
• Prepare and monitor yearly budgets, tracking performance against actual results and highlighting key issues.
• Oversee treasury functions, cash management, and bank reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and continuously improve financial processes to maintain accurate financial records.
• Import financial data from operational auction software and ensure robust reporting procedures.
• Support the client accounts team technically and oversee bank transfers from client accounts.

Payroll

• Oversee the preparation of payroll information for external processing.
• Ensure accurate payroll returns and prepare tax analysis for P11D’s and PSA returns.
• Manage pension payments and reporting.
• Handle all aspects of VAT returns and reporting, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Finance Support

• Work with department heads to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve purchasing efficiencies.
• Liaise with external accountants for the preparation of year-end accounts and corporate tax calculations.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making and business planning.
• Work on ad hoc financial projects as required.

Team Leadership

• Train, mentor, and manage the finance team (currently one person).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure financial processes support wider business objectives.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, or ACA) or extensive experience in a similar role.
• Strong proficiency in accounting software and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent financial management skills, with a strong understanding of accounts payable and receivable processes.
• Experience in preparing management accounts and financial reports.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive approach to decision-making within a fast-paced business environment.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working within an auction house or similar industry.
• Knowledge of auction finance systems and client account management.

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 an experienced financial professional looking for an exciting opportunity within a dynamic and growing business, we’d love to hear from you! 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

Art Handler

­­­­Reports to: Saleroom Manager
Department: Logistics
Location: Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8GE

Salary: On application, subject to experience

Outline summary

Assist in the effective and safe storage of items entered for auction, or intended for collection, working with the sales departments and shipping department to facilitate effective movement of items and stock control between Sworders offices, off site storage facilities and containers.

Assist in the collection and delivery process of items, responding to client delivery and collection requests, preparing items for collection by clients, Sworders delivery partners and other logistic companies.

Assist in the lotting of items for sale and organise time effectively to setup items for presale viewing in the saleroom, or in Sworders offices, working with the departments to ensure visual interpretation and outstanding presentation, to maximises selling potential.

Provide support for the photography department in the movement of goods for photographing.

Take a pro-active approach to health and safety around the offices, ensure areas are free from obstruction and raise issues with the Health and Safety Officer, where relevant.

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures. Show support for Sworders events and initiatives taking place within the offices, having a proactive approach to client engagement. 

Responsibilities

Assist in the effective storage of items entered for auction or intended for collection.

• Identifying items for storage, ensure accurate stock control numbers are easily identifiable.
• Record and maintain stock control processes to ensure items are located for sale or collection.
• Ensure items are properly labelled and stored in the correct area/ given to the correct staff. 
• Support with driving the company van in line with Sworders policies and procedures.
• Update Sworders database with information relating to stock control and location.

Assist in the collection and delivery process.

• Support clients and logistic companies in the delivery of items to the saleroom
• Work with logistic companies to ensure items are available for collection via Sworders shipping service, or by other collection agents or purchasers.
• Check on a regular basis collections and delivery appointments and ensure items are ready for collection.
• Keep all appropriate paperwork and electronic records up to date, recording information into Sworders database.
• Accurately record client’s data and log consignments into the offices
• Respond to client enquiries within set timescales.

Assist in the lotting of items for sale and organise time effectively to setup items for presale viewing.

• Accurately lot items for sale, as appropriate.
• Help staff to set up salerooms for viewing, including moving furniture, hanging pictures, and setting visual environments.
• Undertake ad hoc requests for running errands, including repairing and repainting walls, damaged by hanging pictures and other items.
• Provide support for the photography department in moving items required for photography and marketing images.

Take a pro-active approach to Health and Safety

• Ensuring the safety of clients, keeping high traffic areas clear of obstructions, identify areas of potential hazard or trip and take action to make safe.
• Ensure compliance with H&S, report any damage or breakages to the office manager.
• Keep areas tidy and free from obstruction.
• Secure front reception areas at the end of business day

Adhere to Sworders internal policies and procedures. 

• Ensure familiarity and compliance with Company Van, to ensure safety of staff and items.
• Follow 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

• Good time-management and multi-tasking skills
• Experience of handling items
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to lift heavy items (with assistance)
• Be willing to learn and take direction
• Happy working individually and as part of a team

Desirable skills

• Good knowledge of Microsoft applications
• Hold a C1 licence
• Experience of using and managing a company van

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