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Sales & Relationships Lead
Full-Time
Position: Sales & Relationships Lead (Full-Time)
Location: London, U.K.
Start: As soon as possible
Job Summary:
We are seeking an exceptional, commercially minded Sales & Artist Relations Lead to join Alf Studios in London and take a leading role in developing relationships with musicians, clients, dealers and partners around the world.
This is a hands-on sales and relationship role for someone who is naturally confident with people, understands the world of classical music and fine instruments, and enjoys turning relationships into real opportunities.
Working closely with Gregg Alf and Leo Alf, the successful candidate will take responsibility for developing new enquiries, maintaining existing client relationships, organising instrument trials and showings, working with our international dealer network, and following opportunities through from first conversation to completed sale.
A significant part of the role will take place outside the office: meeting musicians, attending events, visiting dealers and travelling internationally with instruments. We are looking for someone who enjoys being on the ground, building relationships personally and representing the studio with warmth, confidence and good judgement.
This is not primarily a marketing or administrative position. The central responsibility is simple: build strong relationships and help place instruments with the right players.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain relationships with professional musicians, collectors, dealers and prospective clients
Respond to and qualify new enquiries, understanding each player’s needs and circumstances
Manage client relationships from initial conversation through trial, commission or purchase
Organise and conduct instrument trials, private showings, studio visits and presentations
Follow up consistently and sensitively with prospective clients
Discuss pricing, commissions and purchasing arrangements within agreed parameters
Develop relationships with violin dealers, consignment partners and other representatives internationally
Represent Alf Studios at conferences, exhibitions, competitions and musical events
Travel within the UK and internationally to meet players, partners and prospective clients
Identify opportunities for small gatherings, presentations and other ways of introducing instruments to musicians
Maintain clear records of active opportunities, conversations and agreed next steps
Work closely with the workshop team to ensure the appropriate instruments and information are ready for clients
Provide Leo and Gregg with regular market feedback and contribute to broader sales strategy
Help develop a thoughtful, long-term network around Gregg Alf and Alf Studios
The
Candidate Requirements:
Naturally confident, personable and comfortable developing new relationships
Strong commercial instinct and a genuine motivation to sell
Able to move a conversation towards a decision without being pushy or transactional
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate comfortably with professional musicians, dealers and high-value clients
A strong understanding of classical music and the professional music world
Experience as a string player, instrument specialist, artist manager or within the violin trade is highly desirable
Comfortable discussing sound, instruments and the needs of professional players
Highly organised and dependable, with strong follow-through
Able to manage a number of long-term relationships and opportunities simultaneously
Comfortable working independently and taking initiative
Willing and able to travel regularly in the UK and internationally
Discreet, polished and responsible when handling valuable instruments and sensitive client relationships
Confident using email, Google Drive and CRM or sales-management systems, and quick to learn internal systems
Fluent in English, both spoken and written; additional languages are an advantage
Based in or near London, with the legal right to work in the UL
The Ideal Background
The right person may already work in the violin trade, but they do not necessarily need to.
We would also be interested in hearing from a professional musician, artist manager, arts professional or experienced relationship-led salesperson who has strong musical understanding and would like to build a career in the world of fine instruments.
Above all, we are looking for someone with the unusual combination of musical credibility, social confidence, commercial drive and dependable follow-through.
Working at Alf Studios
Alf Studios is an international violin-making studio centred around the work of Gregg T. Alf, one of the most recognised contemporary violin makers of his generation.
The successful candidate will work directly with Gregg, Leo and a small international team of makers and administrators, with considerable opportunity to help shape and grow the studio’s commercial activity over the coming years.
This is a role for someone who wants to become an important part of that next chapter.
Remuneration
Base salary in the region of £35,000–£40,000, depending on experience, with a substantial uncapped commission structure on top. Strong performers should expect total earnings materially above the base salary.
Application Process:
To apply, please click on this link to submit your application.
For any enquiries, feel free to contact us at violins@alfstudios.com