Auction Associate

Auction Associate

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

Start Date: TBC

Starting Salary: €32,000 FTE

Contract Type: Full-time

About Us

The Whisky Auctioneer Group specialises in auctioning whisky, rum and wine whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, our websites aim to be the most comprehensive websites available for the buying and selling of whisky, rum and wine. Our exciting and fast-growing company launched in 2013 with Whisky Auctioneer then Wine Auctioneer and Rum Auctioneer followed in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

Together our Group companies aim to be the global market leaders and trusted authorities on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. We are building a team to support our strategic aims of making the market more accessible to all and sharing our passion for connecting these bottles to our customers.

Role Purpose

The Auction Associate role is a versatile role supporting the day-to-day operation of the Auction Team. This role provides support to various functions within the Auction Team, ensuring daily operations run smoothly ensuring auctions are prepared and processed to a high standard and service levels are met.

The role requires flexibility and collaboration, with the expectation that Auction Associates will support any function when required to meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Fulfilment & Logistics

• Prepare and pack high value bottles for domestic and international dispatch, ensuring accuracy, care, and compliance with shipping requirements.

• Use ShipStation to process shipments, ensuring correct documentation and shipping compliance is adhered to.

• Manage returned orders, ensuring correct documentation, investigation, and storage.

• Arrange inbound courier collections.

• Assist with In Person Collection requests.

• Support customer collections and deliveries when required, including driving company or rental vehicles in accordance with local traffic laws, company procedures and insurance requirements.

• Assist with the safe loading, transportation and handover of valuable goods, maintaining a professional customer experience throughout.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate stock control, including organisation of storage areas.

• Receive, unpack and organising all incoming items for auction, from couriers, WA drivers and customers.

• Process consignments ensuring internal processes are followed.

Auction Preparation

• Listing and authenticating items exhibited in monthly online auctions for Whisky, Rum and Wine Auctioneer.

• Photograph lots for monthly auction.

Client Services

• Deliver exceptional end-to-end client service across all channels, supporting registration, bidding, consigning, payments, and post-sale queries.

• Provide expert guidance on auction lots, valuations, market trends, and reserve pricing, ensuring accurate processing of bids and consignments.

• Coordinate closely with Auction Team functions to ensure smooth fulfilment, including shipping, in-person collections, and compliant client verification.

• Build strong client relationships by resolving issues professionally, supporting sales outreach and key accounts, and contributing to reporting and continuous improvement.

Attitude & Performance

• Provide a positive and professional customer experience, supporting clients in person and responding to enquiries as required.

• Follow all company policies and procedures, including health and safety, data protection, and security requirements.

• Support colleagues across the Auction Team and other departments where required to ensure smooth daily operations.

• Deliver on KPIs relating to the function being worked on.

• Identify and suggest improvements to processes, efficiency, and customer experience where appropriate.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.

• High attention to detail and a consistent, accurate approach to work.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• A flexible and proactive approach to varied tasks and changing priorities.

• Confidence when dealing with customers in person and professionally representing the business.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Willingness and ability to support collections and deliveries as required, including driving duties where appropriate.

• An interest in whisky, spirits and wine.

• Reliability, integrity, and a positive approach to learning and development.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. The role holder may be required to undertake other duties consistent with the level and purpose of the role, including supporting other departments as required*.*

Additional Info, Salary and Benefits

This is a Full-time post .We are offering a starting annual salary of €32,000 FTE.

Our office hours are 08:45 to 17:15, Monday to Saturday, with the expectation that the applicant will work five days a week within this schedule. Some additional evening and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines and support ad hoc events.

Increased annual leave allowance after 3 and 5years of service, a workplace pension, Employee Lease a Bike scheme

We would particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. .

Staff have the opportunity for training (e.g, WSET) and attending industry events and festivals. Support for any professional training requirements will be considered.

Closing Date:

This will be a rolling recruitment process, so may close at any time please ensure you submit your application early.

What to include:

If you are interested in applying for this role, please forward both of the following:

• Covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how you meet each essential requirement outlined in the Person Specification

• Current and up-to-date CV

Please ensure that you include both required elements of your application or it may not be considered

Please also be aware that due to the volume of applications, We are unable to respond to all applicants