Van Driver, Wine & Spirits

To apply for the Van Driver position at Sotheby's in New York, candidates should have a valid driver license and preferably commercial driving experience with small trucks or vans. Additionally, 1-3 years of related driving work experience is favored. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate and maintain equipment safely are essential traits we look for.

As a Van Driver at Sotheby's, your primary responsibilities will include delivering luxury items safely and efficiently between our warehouse, retail store, and clients' residences. You'll make about 15 deliveries a day, ensure orders are accurately documented with signatures, and provide feedback on delivery routes. Maintaining the security of the van and items during transit is also a crucial part of your role.

Sotheby’s Van Driver position includes a one-month temporary trial period. During this time, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your driving abilities, customer service skills, and overall fit for the role. If you perform well, you will seamlessly transition into a permanent position, contributing to our team in delivering exceptional service.

In the Van Driver role at Sotheby's, you can expect to make an average of 15 deliveries each day. However, the exact number of deliveries may vary depending on the season and specific operational demands. Adjusting to a flexible schedule is crucial to accommodate all our clients' needs.

Success as a Van Driver at Sotheby’s requires excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and strong problem-solving abilities. You also need to be detail-oriented and team-oriented, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional client service. Physical readiness to lift items and work with delivery equipment is another essential skill in this position.

The expected hourly pay for the Van Driver position at Sotheby’s ranges from $30 to $35. This role may also require overtime work, which would be compensated at the applicable overtime rate. In addition to competitive hourly wages, successful candidates will be eligible for benefits as required by law.

While commercial driving experience is preferred, individuals with limited driving experience may still apply for the Van Driver position at Sotheby’s. It’s important to showcase any relevant customer service and driving skills you possess in your application to demonstrate your potential for success in this role.

Highlight your relevant driving experience and customer service skills. Explain how your attention to detail helps ensure safe and accurate deliveries, and share examples of how you’ve successfully interacted with clients. Connecting your personal values with Sotheby’s commitment to exceptional service can also strengthen your response.

Discuss strategies you use to communicate with both your Operations Team and clients during delays. Emphasize your proactive problem-solving skills and how maintaining transparency helps manage client expectations. Providing specific examples from past experiences will illustrate your capability in handling such situations effectively.

Explain your approach to securing items in the van, such as ensuring they are packed correctly and strapped down safely. Discuss the routine checks you perform to maintain van security, along with the importance of being vigilant on the road to protect both the products and yourself.

Provide a narrative of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a client. Include what actions you took to ensure a positive experience, how you resolved any issues that arose, and the positive feedback you received from the client as a result of your service.

Express your willingness to work flexible hours as necessary, emphasizing your adaptability and commitment to meeting client needs. Mention any prior experience you have in roles requiring flexibility and how you’ve managed your schedule to accommodate those requirements naturally.

Share your understanding of Sotheby’s rich history and its reputation as a premier luxury brand. Highlight the company’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and exceptional service in the art and luxury market, and express your excitement about potentially contributing to these values.

Outline your process for confirming and recording deliveries, including taking adult signatures and proof of delivery photos. Emphasize your attention to detail and the importance of maintaining accurate records for both operational efficiency and client trust.

Discuss your commitment to road safety, such as adhering to traffic regulations, maintaining focus while driving, and regularly checking the vehicle's condition. Mention how these practices minimize risks and ensure the safety of the items you are transporting and yourself.

Explain your approach to organizing deliveries based on proximity, urgency, and customer preferences. Discuss any tools or strategies you use to optimize your route planning effectively and how you adapt when last-minute requests arise.

Describe your problem-solving approach when encountering delivery issues, such as contacting the Operations Team and informing the client promptly. Highlight the importance of remaining calm under pressure and finding solutions while keeping the clients updated.