Head of Wine Department | Dreweatts, Newbury & London

Dreweatts is a leading auction house with a prestigious reputation in the fine and rare wine market, generating sales of over £2.5 million annually through our monthly auctions and private treaty transactions. We pride ourselves on our expertise, client relationships, and commitment to excellence.

Location: Newbury & London

Position Overview: The Head of Wine Department will lead our wine division, driving business growth through strategic initiatives, cultivating relationships within the wine industry, enhancing our auction offerings and developing a fine wine private treaty business. This role requires a dynamic leader with extensive and detailed knowledge of fine wines, strong networking abilities, and a proven track record in originating new business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overall strategy for the wine department, aligning with Dreweatts' broader business goals.
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, for both auction and private treaty business, including sourcing consignments, expanding client relationships, and establishing partnerships with wineries, collectors, and trade organisations.
• Platform Oversight: Cultivate the Bid for Wine platform, ensuring it serves as an effective resource for sourcing consignments and engaging buyers.
• Market Expertise: Maintain a deep understanding of the wine market, trends,and valuation techniques, ensuring the department remains at the forefront of industry developments.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and nurture relationships with existing clients and prospects, providing exceptional service to enhance client loyalty and satisfaction.
• Auction Management: Oversee the curation and organisation of monthly wine auctions, ensuring high-quality lots and optimal pricing and presentation to maximise sales.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns that highlight auction events and drive attendance and participation.
• Networking: Leverage extensive industry contacts to enhance Dreweatts' reputation and visibility in the fine wine sector.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in the fine wine market, with a strong network of contacts within the industry including experience in selling fine wines to consumers, collectors and investors and sourcing and securing high quality consignments.
• Demonstrated success in business development within an auction house, wine broking, or related field.
• In-depth knowledge of wine valuation, sourcing, and market trends including the knowledge base to assess provenance of the highest value wines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a track record of building and managing teams.
• Experience with digital platforms, particularly in the context of auctions or e-commerce, not required but considered a plus.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Full driving license preferred.
• Flexibility in working hours to assist during busier times.
• Whilst not a necessity, experience on the rostrum is helpful.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for fine wine and a proven track record in driving business success, we invite you to apply for the Head of Wine Department position at Dreweatts. Join us in shaping the future of wine auctions and elevating our brand in the industry.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and vision for the role to mdooley@dreweatts.com

Accounts Department Assistant & Administrator | Donnington Priory, Newbury

We are looking for an accounts administrator to join our busy accounting department. This is a full time role but would consider five days a week with reduced hours for the right candidate, reporting to the Head of Accounts.

Location: Donnington Priory, Berkshire

Primary responsibilities:

• Auction Seller communication by phone and email, answering queries about payments
• Compile and create seller statements for payout after each auction
• Prepayments and accruals
• Bank reconciliations for the client and office account
• Balance sheet reconciliations for example auction hammer price reconciliations, pension, aged debtors and creditors
• Keeping the fixed asset register and depreciation and amortisation journals up to date
• Provide holiday cover for the Client Accountant and Purchase Ledger Administrator
• Adhoc duties as required to support department and business

Requirements:

• AAT qualification, or currently studying an advantage but not essential
• Previous administration experienced within an accounting department
• Intermediate/Advanced Excel
• Knowledge of Navision (Microsoft Dynamics NAV) desirable but not essential
• Flexibility and willingness to help with non-core finance adhoc duties
• Excellent Communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to multi-task

To apply, please send your CV and letter to Mandy Dooley | email: mdooley@dreweatts.com