Auction Team Supervisor

Auction Team Supervisor

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

Start Date: TBC

Starting Salary: €38,500

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 Team Supervisor is responsible for supporting the effective day-to-day operation of the Auction Team in Utrecht, with a strong focus on people management, performance and team development. The role combines hands-on auction activity with day-to-day supervision, planning, quality control and reporting to ensure auctions are prepared and processed accurately, efficiently and to a consistently high standard.

Working closely with management and colleagues across the Auction Team, Client Services, Curation and E-Commerce Photography, the Supervisor will coordinate workloads, manage and support team performance, provide regular feedback and coaching, complete 1-to-1s and appraisals, and ensure company processes, authentication procedures and service standards are followed.

Key Responsibilities

Team Supervision & Planning

• Provide effective day-to-day people management, guidance and supervision to Auction Team colleagues, leading by example and helping maintain a positive, engaged and productive working environment.

• Work with management to develop daily and weekly plans, balancing listing, photography, consignment and wider auction workloads against business priorities.

• Monitor individual and team progress and performance, providing regular feedback, coaching and workload updates to management.

• Support the training, development and ongoing performance of Auction Team staff across relevant functions and procedures, identifying development needs and opportunities.

• Manage day-to-day attendance, conduct and performance matters in line with company processes and policies, escalating more complex concerns to management and HR where appropriate.

• Complete regular 1-to-1 meetings and appraisals with team members, setting clear expectations, reviewing performance and objectives, recognising good performance and agreeing actions or development support where required.

Auction Preparation & Quality Control

• Oversee listing, authentication and photography activity in preparation for monthly online auctions for Whisky, Rum and Wine Auctioneer.

• Work closely with the Head Curator to ensure authentication procedures and policies are followed and updates are communicated to the team.

• Coordinate with E-Commerce Photographers to support the timely completion of photography requirements.

• Carry out listing and photography checks, pre-auction and live-auction checks, and specific checks for high-value listings.

• Ensure incoming consignments and Goods In records are processed accurately, including the correct handling of damages, rejects and auction deadlines.

Performance, Reporting & Administration

• Monitor, record and report individual and Auction Team KPIs, proactively addressing performance against agreed standards and supporting colleagues to improve and achieve expectations.

• Manage and monitor relevant Salesforce queues and ensure required actions are completed.

• Monitor Microsoft Teams requests, ensuring actions are progressed and colleagues are kept updated.

• Manage relevant auction administration, including unsold/relist records and associated customer communication.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure relevant documentation is handled in line with GDPR and company requirements.

Process Improvement & Collaboration

• Work closely with management to identify and implement improvements to auction processes, efficiency and quality.

• Maintain strong working relationships with Client Services and other departments to improve auction processes and the overall seller and buyer experience.

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

• Maintain an organised, safe and tidy working environment and ensure health and safety and housekeeping requirements are followed.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Strong people management, performance management and team motivation skills, with the confidence to provide constructive feedback, coach colleagues and manage performance effectively.

• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems; Salesforce experience is desirable.

• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, employee development and building a positive, accountable team culture.

• Experience in a similar auction, operations, warehouse or supervisory role is desirable.

• Knowledge of whisky, spirits and wine, or a strong interest in developing this knowledge.

• Reliability, integrity and a professional approach to customers, colleagues and confidential information.

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 €38,500

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