Work With Us: Retail Assistant Position
Job Description
Pieces of Eight Gallery
2021
3-4 days a week. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Must be available to work Saturdays with the addition of Sundays in December
*dependant on Victorian restrictions
Casual employment
ABOUT US
Pieces of Eight Gallery showcases exclusive and limited collections of contemporary jewellery, vessels and small sculpture, crafted by more than 40 Australian and international artists. Established in 2005 by jeweller Melanie Katsalidis, Pieces of Eight has built a worldwide following of devoted clientele who share in our passion for intelligent, innovative design.
The gallery works with artists both emerging and established to offer an exclusive collection of pieces – from the exquisitely beautiful and wearable, to the conceptual and experimental. We also specialise in private commissions and love working with our customers to create bespoke engagement and wedding rings, as well as precious jewels of personal significance.
From our home base in Melbourne’s Russell Place, Pieces of Eight collaborates with guest curators and artists to present an exceptional program of exhibitions, artist talks, VIP events and more.
ABOUT YOU
We’re seeking a highly motivated and creative professional to join us at our Pieces of Eight gallery space in Melbourne’s CBD. We require someone who is available to work weekdays and weekends. A passion and knowledge of jewellery is essential in order to best communicate our brand values and work within our dedicated team. You are a hard worker, creative thinker, lover of jewellery and art. You are passionate about clear communication and are motivated by seeing your hard work translate into beneficial outcomes for our artists and clients. You can work independently, be time efficient and are an excellent multitasker. You’re a real team player too and enjoy collaborating with your colleagues.
You’re confident to solve problems and find solutions when the need arises. Being organised and working to a schedule is one of your strengths, as is time management and being flexible when needed. You’re able to make instant connections with clients and make them feel welcome as well as secure that you have the expertise of knowledge they are looking for.
You have a minimum 5 years retail experience. Nurturing and closing sales comes naturally to you and you strive to have excellent outcomes for all clients and an ongoing relationship with them to encourage them to return. You feel aligned with our brand values and are excited to be part of our team.
Retail Assistant Role (Casual employment, weekday + weekend)
The role of the Retail Assistant (RA) is the core of retail operations. This is a casual role, with the potential of extending to additional days as the business requires. We require someone who is available to work weekdays and weekends, including additional hours in December. The RA is responsible for all retail and gallery duties relating to sales, client relations, the day-to-day running of the gallery, and all customer inquiries, orders and quotes. Whilst sales and customer service are the key aspects of this role, so too is the smooth running of the gallery. The presentation of the gallery is to be maintained as well as ensuring the gallery makes and exceeds sales targets and continues growing.
If you believe you have what it takes, please send a single page cover letter providing a summary of your background and how you feel you are best suited to the role. Please also include your CV and email tessa@piecesofeight.com.au.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Retail operations
Manage all aspects of gallery operations including - but not limited to - opening and closing procedures, merchandising, gallery cleaning, scheduling client appointments and managing deliveries by artists, inventory and loss prevention, safety and security.Process, package and post online sales; ensure website inventory accurately reflects gallery stock.
Ensure gallery policies and procedures are followed to achieve operational excellence and efficiency, and to maximise the customer experience.
Engage in effective and creative visual merchandising in the gallery to drive sales and create a positive customer experience.
Rotate products and displays on a regular basis.
Maintain gallery standards, including housekeeping on the sales floor and in back of house including the kitchen, lane and storage areas.
Client/Artist Relations
Best represent featured artists and their work.
Develop a deep understanding of each artist’s creative background, ideas and individual knowledge of their works.
Liaise between clients and artists including - but not limited to - client inquiries, orders, repairs and quotes.
Ensure artists fulfil their contractual obligations to the gallery and maintain deadlines.
Planning & Marketing
Be the voice and best representative of the retail gallery and customers. Communicate feedback on trends, issues, opportunities or accolades to the Director and administration staff.
Keep the Director and administration staff informed of gallery status and operations.
Liaise with the Digital Manager to provide feedback on customer trends and requests. Provide ideas for EDM, Journal and online content based on these observations.
Contribute to content creation for social media (Instagram and Facebook) and manage subsequent client enquiries on relevant platforms.
Desired Skills & Experience
Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum of 5 years of sales and customer service experience in a retail environment
Experience in jewellery, contemporary jewellery, gemstone and/or diamond knowledge preferred
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred
Key Competencies
Possess a passion and proven skills in customer service excellence
Effective communicator both verbally and in writing; able to connect and build rapport with customers and staff
Excellent administrative and organisational skills
Effective time management and planning skills
Ability to problem solve, critical thinker
Proactive, self-directed
Flexible and adaptable
Team-oriented
Conflict resolution skills
Interpersonal skills
Results-driven, goal-oriented
Organised, detail-oriented, meticulous and thorough, well presented
Technical Skills and Experience
Customer service skills
Jewellery and gemstone knowledge
Visual and product merchandising knowledge
Inventory management for retail operations
Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word & Excel
Administration skills and a good knowledge of Google Mail/Docs/Sheets
Proficient with Point of Sale (POS) systems; KPI experience a plus
Knowledge of social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) preferred
About Pieces of Eight
Pieces of Eight Gallery showcases exclusive and limited collections of contemporary jewellery, vessels and small sculpture, crafted by more than 40 Australian and international artists. Established in 2005 by jeweller Melanie Katsalidis, Pieces of Eight has built a worldwide following of devoted clientele who share in our passion for intelligent, innovative design.
The gallery works with artists both emerging and established to offer an exclusive collection of pieces – from the exquisitely beautiful and wearable, to the conceptual and experimental. We also specialise in private commissions and love working with our customers to create bespoke engagement and wedding rings, as well as precious jewels of personal significance.
From our home base in Melbourne’s Russell Place, Pieces of Eight collaborates with guest curators and artists to present an exceptional program of exhibitions, artist talks, VIP events and more. Supporting this is our jeweller’s workshop, providing select practitioners with a platform for creative expression and ideas generation.
If you share our passion for adornment of the most precious kind, keep following our social media channels for daily inspiration.