Head of Auctions - Senior Auction specialist

Career Opportunities: Head of Auctions – Senior Auction Specialist (2249)

Job Title: Head of Auctions – Senior Auction Specialist

Location: London, UK

Reporting to: MD International & Auctions / Director of New Ventures

The Role in a Nutshell: Overseeing the end-to-end management of BB&R’s new Fine Wine & Spirits auction business.

This role will deliver profitable and sustainable revenue growth through developing client relationships on both the buy and sell sides and maximising the opportunities within the core BB&R business, ensure smooth auction operations, shaping the future of our auction business.

Purpose of the Role: The Head of Auctions – Senior Auction Specialist aims to maximise revenue, optimise auction performance, and strengthen client relationships both within BB&R’s current customer base and throughout the wider Fine Wine & Spirits industry. This role also ensures the smooth operation of our auctions, from cataloguing, authentication, and valuation to marketing and execution.

What Will You Do?

• Manage the end-to-end auction process, coordinating all activities for seamless execution to enable significant growth.
• Source wine and spirits collections for sale at auction, negotiating terms and timings, managing the business-getting pipeline to deliver/exceed revenue and gross profit targets, leading to substantial growth in the UK auction business.
• Sell wines & spirits to current and new clients through client network and the wider BB&R organisation to achieve industry high sell through rates and secondary market prices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with HNW clients (known and new to BB&R), offering personalised service and advice on maximising the value of their collections.
• Provide expertise in the valuation of wines and spirits for auction, assessing market trends.
• Coordinate with the Global Account Manager Team to source new consignments and expand auction offerings, ensuring a pipeline of future sales.
• Oversee the pricing, inspection and cataloguing of Fine Wine & Spirits, ensuring accurate pricing.
• Work alongside the Quality & Authentication Team, providing support and expertise.
• Work alongside the Marketing & Content Team to develop marketing strategies to promote each auction, maximising exposure, and participation.
• Work closely with the Technology Team to ensure the smooth running of online auctions.
• Analyse auction performance, tracking sales data and adjusting strategies to meet targets.
• Support the Finance Team to ensure accurate billing and invoicing processes.
• Upskill internal teams, providing guidance and ensuring professional development.
• Designing and hosting exceptional dining and tasting events for HNW clients, acting both as a wine and spirits expert and a key ambassador for BB&R.

What Will You Bring to the Role?

• Experience in and knowledge of the auction market.
• Strong knowledge of the wine and spirits market, including trends.
• Excellent project management skills, ensuring timely execution of all tasks.
• Exceptional client relationship management experience, delivering bespoke services.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Knowledge of online auction platforms and digital tools for auction management.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for working with clients and stakeholders.
• A passion for Fine Wine & Spirits and understanding of industry nuances.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• A flexible approach to managing priorities and workload.

We support our colleagues with a wide range of benefits: you will start with 24 days\’ holiday, and 3 additional days over the Christmas period and 1 Personal Day, Private Medical cover & Health plan, Life Insurance, Pension, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), generous Employee discount (up to 40% off products), and many more.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.