Sales Assistant

Sales Assistant

Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
H

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 employer: Hancock Gallery

Hancock Gallery is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, where creativity and passion for art thrive. As a Sales Assistant, you will enjoy unique benefits such as opportunities to invest in artwork, a private pension scheme, and comprehensive health cover, all while being part of a supportive team that values personal growth and fosters strong relationships with clients and artists alike.
H

Contact Detail:

Hancock Gallery Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant

✨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 or call 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

Sales Experience
Customer Relationship Building
Strong Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Proactive Approach
Independence
Team Player
Artwork Handling
Packing Skills
Liaising with Artists
Flexibility for Events
Full Driving Licence
Payment Handling
Knowledge of Shopify

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've had 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.

Highlight Your Sales Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous sales or retail experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can confidently engage with customers and help them find the perfect piece of art. Use specific examples to show how you've successfully built relationships in the past.

Be Personable and Professional: Your written application should reflect your personality! We value a friendly and approachable tone, so don’t be afraid to let your character come through. At the same time, keep it professional and ensure your spelling and grammar are spot on.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Hancock Gallery!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hancock Gallery

✨Know Your Art

Familiarise yourself with the artists and artworks that Hancock Gallery showcases. 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 for clients, as this is crucial for the Sales Assistant position.

✨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 Teamwork

Hancock Gallery values team players, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>