What will you be doing?

The Saleroom Manager is responsible for the successful planning, delivery, and performance of the auction house's monthly Interiors Sales. This role oversees all operational aspects of the sales process, from consignment intake through catalogue production, viewing, auction execution, and post-sale administration. The position combines team leadership, operational management, client service, and commercial responsibility to ensure sales are delivered efficiently, professionally, and profitably.

Main Purpose / Scope of the role:

Sale Management

• Lead and manage the end-to-end delivery of monthly Interiors Sales.
• Develop and maintain sale schedules, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Coordinate consignment intake, lotting, valuation support, cataloguing, photography, and condition reporting.
• Ensure catalogues are produced accurately and published on schedule across all platforms.
• Oversee auction day operations, ensuring smooth and professional execution of sales.
• Monitor sale performance and identify opportunities to improve turnover, vendor participation, and buyer engagement.

Saleroom Operations

• Manage all saleroom activities including goods receiving, storage, movement, display, and collection for Interiors and other Specialist sales.
• Ensure lots are presented to a high standard during viewing periods and auctions.
• Maintain efficient inventory control and accurate location tracking of all property.
• Oversee post-sale administration including collections and shipping coordination.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and auction house policies.

Team Leadership

• Manage and supervise saleroom and support staff involved in Interiors Sales.
• Plan staffing requirements for viewings, auction days, and collections.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture.

Client Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, buyers and other prospective clients.
• Provide professional advice regarding consignments, estimates, sale suitability, and auction procedures.
• Resolve client queries and complaints efficiently and professionally.
• Support business development initiatives to secure new consignments and expand the client base.

Commercial Performance

• Take overall responsibility for achieving monthly Interiors Sale revenue and profitability targets.
• Monitor key performance indicators including turnover, sell-through rates, average lot value, and vendor acquisition.
• Identify opportunities to increase consignments and improve operational efficiency.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns for sales.

What will it take to be successful?

Essential Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience within an auction house, fine art business, antiques trade, or related sector.
• Demonstrable experience managing auctions, sales operations, or saleroom activities.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Strong understanding of interiors, decorative arts, antiques, and collectable markets.

Essential Skills

• Excellent organisational and project management abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive sales performance.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Competent IT skills including auction management software and Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in Fine Art, Art History, Antiques, Decorative Arts, Business Management, or related discipline.
• Membership of a recognised professional body.
• Experience of online auction platforms and digital marketing channels

Please note that applications submitted without a covering letter and completed application form will not be considered.

Location: Cambridge

Closing date:

Contact name: Martin Millard

Contact email: martin.millard@cheffins.co.uk

application_form_2022.pdf