Auction & Acquisition Advisor

K&L Wine Merchants•Redwood City, CA

About The Position

The Spirits Auction & Acquisitions Advisor manages the acquisition of rare and collectible spirits from private collections for consignment. The role oversees the full consignment process, from sourcing collections and cultivating seller relationships to verifying provenance, authenticity, and bottle condition and coordinating intake with operations. Using internal sales history and external market data, the Advisor provides collection estimates and sets competitive auction reserves across whiskey, Cognac, Armagnac, rum, agave, and other collectible categories. Spirits are the primary focus, though the Advisor may assist with wine collections as needed. Success involves meeting department goals, collaborating across departments, and delivering a client experience that builds repeat business and supports long-term company growth.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of rare and collectible spirits, including American whiskey, Scotch and Japanese whisky, Cognac, Armagnac, rum, and agave spirits, and knowledge of industry and secondary-market trends.
Familiarity with spirits authentication practices, including bottle codes, closures, tax strips, and common counterfeiting indicators.
High attention to detail and insightful data analysis.
Strong computer skills, including Office 365, Slack, and common carrier shipping software.
Ability to handle complaints and resolve conflicts professionally and decisively.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Flexibility to work early or late, or varied days, on occasion.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong time-management and organizational skills.
Professional spirits certification (WSET Spirits, CSS, Bourbon Steward, or similar), or equivalent knowledge gained through work experience.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in spirits auction, retail, distribution, bar programs, or other related customer-facing environments.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; stand and walk for up to 8 hours per day; and repeatedly lift, push, pull, bend, stoop, twist, and kneel.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and maintain relationships with spirits consignors and collectors, serving as the primary point of contact for a client’s sale.
Source, evaluate, and secure spirits consignments through proactive outreach, client consultations, and relationship building in the collector community.
Assess collection provenance, condition, and current market value; advise consignors on timing, sale format, and estimated returns.
Authenticate bottles by examining labels, bottle codes, closures, tax strips, and original packaging; identify counterfeit, refilled, or tampered bottles and escalate concerns.
Research distillery, bottler, release, and cask or batch details to create accurate lot descriptions and support valuations.
Meet or exceed department goals by developing new business opportunities and maximizing existing relationships.
Maintain customer service standards across communication platforms and handle complex client interactions professionally and diplomatically.
Oversee inbound collection logistics by organizing schedules, coordinating with carriers, and updating clients.
Collaborate with operations to ensure timely processing, accurate condition reporting, and sale readiness.
Monitor rare spirits market trends, secondary-market pricing, competitive auction activity, and internal sale results to guide consignors and optimize results.
Perform other duties as assigned.