Post Sale Shipping Coordinator London

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

Post-Sale Coordinator works as part of a Post-Sale “pod” that is responsible for supporting clients through the post-sale process in accordance with company policies and best practices whilst delivering high-quality client service. This role is currently being advertised as a Zero Hour temporary role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work as part of a Post-Sale Shipping team, ensuring all post-sale actions and SLAs are met in a timely and professional manner.
• Support the wider team with sale related tasks based on client needs and manager prioritization.
• Issuing timely and accurate client communications.
• Escalate any risks or issues impacting client experience within a timely manner and recommended remedial actions.
• Ensure financial transactions (e.g., waiving charges – storage, interest) comply with corporate governance.
• Respond to general client inquiries e.g., general correspondence, phone inquiries, letters etc.
• Partner with other business areas, including Intelcia, to respond to client inquiries, resolve client issues and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
• Work with the Specialist departments to action and follow up on shipping and collection recommendations for unsold property.
• Participate in project work as requested by Head of Shipping.
• Process and allocate incoming shipping payments to client accounts and perform daily reconciliations to ensure completeness.
• Manage third party payments and the suspense/unidentified account - escalating payments to client accounts receivable managers to assist with resolution.
• Authorise the financial release of property.
• Liaise with internal and external contacts to transfer Temporary Admission Process third party collection authorizations, VAT refunds and resale certificates.
• Assist the front of house Client Service Representatives team when necessary, dealing with client payments and queries in person.
• Arrange the shipping and associated logistics requirements for all outbound property; both domestic and international.
• Monitor and execute quote requests in a timely manner in line with established service levels.
• Prepare automated quotes, process any required changes to quotes, and accept quotes in Sotheby’s systems.
• Obtain quotes from shippers and other related service providers for shipments and select the most suitable option for our internal and external clients.
• Determine where consolidation of property can occur and arrange consolidated shipments to maximize efficiency and minimise cost to the business and our clients.
• Assess and verify the requirements of a proposed shipment, including method of transport, packing, etc.; and enter or validate this information in Sotheby’s systems.
• For all accepted quotes and approved transfers of outbound property, contact vendors and issue instructions for packing, local transportation, shipping and security.
• Respond to and resolve shipping and logistics enquiries/issues, including issues related to licensing and hand carries.
• Monitor the progress of international and domestic outbound shipments of property, conferring with vendors to troubleshoot and rectify problems in a proactive and timely manner whilst ensuring that the relevant parties are kept informed accordingly.
• Responsible for all export license applications for applicable property.
• Liaise with the Shipping Manager to provide input on shippers’ performance of service level requirements and KPIs, along with client issues and feedback.
• Ensure property is shipped in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain and scan all required documentation associated with shipments in accordance with department procedures.
• Prepare customs documents and submit to the appropriate regulatory bodies or shippers, ensuring the accuracy of the information and its timely submission.
• Ensure timely collection of invoices and payment to appropriate shipping and external services vendors.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Degree holder in relevant field preferred.
• At least 3+ years’ related work experience desirable.
• Excellent client service skills with demonstrated capability in active listening, empathy, service orientation and patience.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of logistics, including current domestic and international packing methods, transportation methods and regulatory compliance is advantageous.
• Well presented with a friendly, enthusiastic and welcoming disposition.
• Logical and practical thinking, with excellent resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.
• Existing knowledge of logistics, including current domestic and international packing methods, transportation methods and regulatory compliance is desirable.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge to new scenarios.
• Understanding of how to escalate to management appropriately to ensure a smooth client experience.
• Comfortable working in a fast paced, deadline driven and reactive environment with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and to partner with colleagues.
• Prior experience with SAP & Freshdesk is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Able to work flexibly and on evenings as and when required.
• A second European language, particularly French, German or Italian, is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with fine art shipping is desirable.