Collections Agent

Collections Agent

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

Start Date: TBC

Starting Salary: €32,000

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 Collections Agent role supports the safe and professional collection of valuable goods from customers across Europe and their delivery to our office in the Netherlands. The role combines customer-facing collections and driving with operational, warehouse, fulfilment and client service support.

The role requires a high level of care, organisation and autonomy when travelling and collecting on behalf of the business, alongside flexibility to support the wider Auction Team and daily operations when required.

Key Responsibilities

Collections

• Carry out personal collections from customers across Europe.

• Safely operate company and rental vehicles in accordance with country-specific traffic laws, regulations and company policy.

• Safely load and transport valuable goods from customers' private and business properties to our office in the Netherlands.

• Liaise with customers on arrival and provide a pleasant, professional handover experience.

• Work closely with the Collections & Logistics Team to support efficient and cost-effective route planning.

• Assist with packing bottles on site to ensure safe transportation.

• Maintain accurate records and administration for collections and deliveries in accordance with company policies and procedures.

• Manage timekeeping and make appropriate autonomous decisions when driving and carrying out collections.

Vehicle Management

• Complete regular vehicle checks and submit maintenance and compliance checklists in accordance with company procedure.

• Ensure vehicles are road legal and appropriately maintained.

• Report damage or vehicle issues promptly and assist with arranging repairs or maintenance with approved service providers.

• Keep company vehicles clean, tidy and ready for use.

Operations & Auction Support

• Set up and maintain accurate and timely Goods In records within Salesforce CRM so collections are traceable and incoming goods can be tracked effectively.

• Set up collections in Salesforce and ensure records are kept up to date.

• Support the receipt, organisation and processing of incoming items for auction.

• Assist with listing and authentication of items exhibited in monthly online and specialist auctions for Whisky and Rum Auctioneer.

• Support general operational and building requirements where appropriate.

Fulfilment Assistance

• Assist the fulfilment team with dispatch for Whisky, Rum and Wine Auctions where required, helping maintain high service and dispatch standards.

• Accurately pick and pack orders and goods for customer dispatch and collection.

Client Service Support

• Provide a positive and professional customer experience when dealing with customers in person and through other channels as required.

• Support Dutch-language customer enquiries, both written and verbal, when required.

• Liaise with customers at the office and provide clear, accurate information in a professional and welcoming manner.

• Act as an additional point of contact for Dutch-speaking customers to help ensure enquiries are handled promptly and effectively.

Attitude & Performance

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

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

• Maintain high standards of accuracy, care and professionalism when handling valuable goods.

• Identify and suggest improvements to collections, logistics, operational efficiency and customer experience where appropriate.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Full driving licence. Due to insurance limitations, applicants must be aged 21 or over and have held their licence for a minimum of 12 months.

• Proven ability to deliver high-quality, client-focused service.

• Strong IT skills with good proficiency in Microsoft software and CRM systems.

• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and problem-solving skills.

• Strong customer service and communication skills, with confidence engaging professionally with customers.

• Ability to work independently and make sensible decisions while travelling and carrying out collections.

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

• Dutch language skills to support Dutch-speaking customers.

• Good general knowledge of whisky, rum and wine, or an interest in developing this knowledge, is desirable.

• An understanding of online auction operations is desirable.

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. Starting salary: €32,000

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 5 years 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.