At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional customer experiences and support sales in a vibrant art gallery.
- Company: Hancock Gallery, Newcastle's leading international art gallery.
- Benefits: Opportunities to invest in art, private pension scheme, and comprehensive health cover.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to work on exciting exhibitions and events.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and help clients discover amazing artwork while building relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or retail, strong communication skills, and a passion for art.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Hancock Gallery is Newcastle’s leading internationally focused art gallery. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and operating within the global art market, we offer clients a highly personal and rewarding experience when purchasing and investing in art. Working with both emerging and established artists, we specialise in contemporary collections as well as 20th Century Masters, offering expert guidance to collectors and investors alike. Our gallery showcases a diverse range of artwork, including original paintings, limited editions, and sculpture from the UK and beyond.
We are now looking for a Sales Assistant to join our team. This is a client-facing, sales driven role where building relationships and delivering exceptional customer experiences are at the heart of everything you do.
As a Sales Assistant at Hancock Gallery, you’ll provide a welcoming, consultative experience for every visitor, getting to know their tastes and guiding them through our collections in a friendly, confident way. You’ll play an important role in supporting sales by presenting artwork, answering enquiries, and helping clients make informed decisions. Our marketing team generates inbound interest, so you’ll follow up on leads, respond to enquiries, and help move conversations through to a sale, without the pressure of cold outreach. Building relationships is key, and you’ll help create a positive, personalised experience that encourages repeat visits. You’ll also develop a good understanding of our artists and artwork so you can speak confidently about each piece.
Alongside this, you’ll support exhibitions and events, handle artwork with care, assist with packing and coordinating deliveries, and help keep everything running smoothly, from maintaining records to ensuring the gallery is always presented at its best.
Requirements:
- Experience in sales or retail
- Strong communication skills
- Confident with customers in person, on the phone, and online
- Well organised, proactive, and able to work independently
- Positive, professional, and a team player
- Comfortable handling and preparing artwork
- Confident packing artwork for UK and international delivery
- Able to liaise with artists on collections, returns, and commissions
- Flexible to work weekends and evenings for events
- Full driving licence preferred
- Comfortable handling payments and online orders
- Knowledge of Shopify is desirable
There are also opportunities for our team members to invest in the very artwork they sell and build their own art collection, as well as a private pension scheme and comprehensive health cover.
Sales Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Hancock Gallery
Contact Detail:
Hancock Gallery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the gallery inside out! Familiarise yourself with the artists and their works so you can chat confidently with potential clients. This will help you build rapport and show that you're genuinely interested in what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone, being able to engage with customers in a friendly and professional manner is key. Try role-playing with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up on leads like a pro! When someone shows interest, don’t hesitate to reach out and keep the conversation going. A simple message can make all the difference in turning an enquiry into a sale.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Hancock Gallery.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art: When writing your application, let your love for art shine through! Share any experiences you have with art, whether it's visiting galleries or collecting pieces. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about joining our team at Hancock Gallery.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sales Assistant role. Highlight your sales experience and communication skills, and explain how they relate to building relationships with clients. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Professional Yet Friendly: Remember, this is a client-facing role, so your written application should reflect a balance of professionalism and friendliness. Use a warm tone that shows you're approachable and ready to provide exceptional customer experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hancock Gallery
✨Know Your Art
Familiarise yourself with the artists and artworks showcased at Hancock Gallery. Being able to discuss specific pieces confidently will impress your interviewers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully built relationships with customers or closed sales. Highlight how you created positive experiences that encouraged repeat visits, as this is crucial for the Sales Assistant role.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play common customer scenarios to demonstrate your consultative approach during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations, like dealing with difficult customers or presenting artwork. Think through your responses and be prepared to showcase your problem-solving skills and proactive attitude.