Work With Us: Retail Assistant Position
Retail Assistant (Weekday + Weekend)
Job Description
Melanie Katsalidis + Pieces of Eight @ Royal Arcade
3-4 days a week (MUST be available to work 3 Sundays in each calendar month)
Casual employment (progressing into Permanent Part Time employment)
ABOUT US
Pieces of Eight Gallery showcases exclusive and limited collections of contemporary jewellery, vessels and small sculpture, crafted by 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. 15+ years in, we have developed an iconic presence in Melbourne for independent contemporary and fine jewellery.
Melanie Katsalidis creates objects of quality that honour rare and precious materials. These enduring pieces transcend trend, time and style to become a cherished part of our client’s personal journey. We pride ourselves on the unparalleled care and craftsmanship that goes into each piece and hope that you will too.
ABOUT YOU
We’re seeking a highly motivated and creative professional to join us at our brand new Royal Arcade store in Melbourne’s CBD. We require someone who is available to work both weekdays and weekends. A passion and knowledge of jewellery is desirable 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. If you have any additional skills or experience that you think would be valuable to the business, we’d love to know about them.
Description of Retail Assistant Role (a guide, not all inclusive)
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.
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.
Client/Artist Relations
Communicate and reinforce extraordinary customer focus, professional service and standards; act in the best interest of the customer.
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
Provide relevant input, information and feedback to the Director and administration staff to assist the business in achieving longer term goals.
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
Retail experience, especially in the jewellery sector
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
Excellent sales and visual merchandising skills
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
Sales skills
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.)
Please contact us if you have any questions and be sure to follow us on social media.
Warmest wishes,
The Melanie Katsalidis + Pieces of Eight Team
