Customer Service Representative – Japanese and English (Interim)

Remote from: Portugal
Salary, yearly, EUR: 18,000 - 23,000
Department: Customer Success
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 14 Jul 2026
Apply before: 14 Aug 2026
Experience level: Midweight
Views / Applies: 33 / 1

About company

About Catawiki

Catawiki's mission is to make special objects available to everyone.

Consumer Goods
2008

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

This role involves providing exceptional customer support to buyers and sellers on Catawiki's auction platform, handling inquiries via chat, email, phone, and social media, and mediating disputes. The position requires fluency in Japanese and English, strong analytical skills, and flexibility to work weekends and public holidays. It is a 7-month interim contract based in Lisbon with a competitive salary. The ideal candidate has 1-4 years of customer service experience and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight The role involves managing customer disputes and multi-channel communication, requiring problem-solving and language skills, but it is structured and entry-level, leading to a moderate difficulty level.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered salary of 18,000-23,000 EUR annually is competitive for an interim customer service role in Lisbon, especially given the Japanese and English language requirements. It falls within the typical European market range for bilingual customer support positions.

Core Skills Required

Customer Service Japanese English Dispute Resolution Multichannel Communication Analytical Skills Fast-Paced Environment Team Collaboration Problem Solving Bilingual

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Customer Service Representative - Japanese and English (Interim) position at Catawiki. With over [X] years of experience in multilingual customer support, I have developed strong skills in dispute resolution, multi-channel communication, and delivering exceptional service. My fluency in Japanese and English allows me to effectively assist diverse customers, and I am adept at navigating fast-paced environments while maintaining empathy and accuracy.

I am particularly drawn to Catawiki's unique marketplace and its mission to connect people with extraordinary objects. I thrive on solving complex problems and believe my background in handling customer inquiries and complaints aligns perfectly with the role's requirements. I am eager to contribute to the team and help enhance the customer experience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support Catawiki's success.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample Interview Questions

How would you handle a situation where a buyer and seller disagree over the condition of an item?

I would first listen to both parties to understand their perspectives, then review any provided documentation or photos. I aim to mediate a fair solution, such as a partial refund or return, while adhering to Catawiki's policies. Clear communication and empathy are key to ensuring both sides feel heard and satisfied.

Can you describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer and how you resolved the issue?

In my previous role, a customer was upset about a delayed shipment. I apologized for the inconvenience, investigated the cause, and provided a timeline for resolution. I offered a discount on their next purchase as a goodwill gesture. The customer appreciated the proactive follow-up and remained a loyal client.

How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple customer inquiries simultaneously?

I quickly assess urgency and impact. For example, a buyer with a payment issue takes precedence over a general inquiry. I use tools like CRM ticket systems to track and organize requests, and I communicate expected wait times to customers. I stay calm and focused, ensuring no query is neglected.

Why do you want to work at Catawiki specifically?

I am passionate about Catawiki's mission to create a marketplace for unique objects. I admire the company's focus on customer delight and the dynamic, fast-paced environment. The opportunity to use my Japanese and English skills while helping customers with special items is very appealing.

This role requires working weekends and holidays. How do you maintain work-life balance?

I understand that customer service demands flexibility. I plan my personal activities around the schedule and ensure I get enough rest. I appreciate that Catawiki offers a supportive team environment, which helps maintain motivation. I see the varied hours as part of the role's nature.

At Catawiki, every day brings the extraordinary! Whether it’s Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 Car, a Woolly Mammoth’s Skeleton, Lady Gaga’s Jumpsuit or Usain Bolt’s running shoe, we encounter exceptional objects every day.

We’re a one-of-a-kind marketplace for buying and selling special objects. Each week, more than 100,000 unique items are auctioned, all carefully curated by our passionate in-house experts.

Having sold over 25 million unique objects, our mission is to become the world’s most popular destination for special objects. As a growing, diverse and sustainable scale-up, we proudly live by three core values. If these values resonate with you, we’d love to explore how you can join us.

Taking ownership and driving impact
Being open to change and feedback
Being passionate about our mission and our customers.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This position is for an Interim fixed-term 7-month contract (starting September 2026), with possible extension depending on performance and business needs.

What does the role involve?

At Catawiki, you have the opportunity to engage and delight our broad variety of customers (Sellers and Buyers) by solving complex challenges and managing disputes and complaints. You make sure that customer queries are addressed and resolved in a correct and timely manner via diverse channels (chat, email, phone, social media). When there is a dispute between a seller and a buyer, you will mediate between the customers and find a solution that works for both.

The customer service department plays an essential role in Catawiki, as our customer service representatives ensure that our customers return to our platform on a regular basis and thereby directly help grow the business. The customer service department is also a crucial link between departments, closely working with Sales and our Experts as well as other departments to improve the overall Customer Experience. Through their close customer contact, CS brings valuable feedback on possibilities for improvements in our services.

This is who you are

You are motivated by providing delight to our customers, you can communicate clearly, and providing excellent customer support is your main goal. You will try your utmost to find fitting solutions to all problems, and you do this in a patient and empathetic way. In addition, you are:

1 to 4 years of direct experience in Customer Service or Content Moderation. Experience with Live Channels is highly valued.
Professional speaking and writing skills in Japanese and English; strong communication skills.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Preferably, previous experience in a customer service environment or a customer-related role (hospitality, tourism, retail, call-centre, etc.).
Ability to quickly switch between various customer channels, like phone and e-mail communications.
Ability to positively interact with your team and other departments.
Available to work 40 hours per week.
You are willing to commute to our Lisbon office and work in the office at least 2 days per week.
You are flexible with working at least 2 weekends a month and on some public holidays.
This role is based in Lisbon, Portugal.

Hear what our current CS Representative say about the role:

“As a CS International Representative at Catawiki, I enjoy being part of a team that strives to provide an excellent level of service to our buyers and sellers. Working with customers who are passionate about their special objects keeps the role engaging and fulfilling. No two cases are the same, and we are continually learning and adapting to the fast-paced, exciting environment that working at Catawiki brings. It is valuable to be a part of such a diverse and inclusive company where our voices are valued and heard. We are equipped with the tools and support to thrive as specialists and grow within Catawiki.”.

In return

A competitive Annual Gross Base Salary of 18.000€–23.000€ depending on your level, competencies, and overall experience.
Health Insurance from day 1 (including dental coverage), with access to multiple hospitals and clinics and a vast wellness network.
A Work From Home Allowance to help with your monthly household bills.
Commuting between your home and our office is covered by Catawiki.
Amazing Office right in the centre of Lisbon.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

Create a visible impact by working at scale in a global organisation serving millions of customers across 80+ categories. In our flat structure, every role has a broad scope and directly impacts both our customers and the business.
Learn and grow through our Learning & Development initiatives, including clear development plans and mentorship programmes to support your career progression.
A culture of connection defines us. We’re a passionate, diverse team of 800+ Catawikians representing 60+ nationalities. We foster an inclusive and queer-friendly environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their full self to work.
Celebrate life’s moments with us. You’ll receive a €100 Catavoucher when you join, a €50 Catavoucher on your birthday, and an extra day off each year to “Pursue Your Passion”. We also offer additional leave for key work anniversaries and important life events. Benefits may vary by location.

Our Offices and Way of Working

Our vibrant offices in Amsterdam and Lisbon are designed to inspire collaboration. Most Catawikians operate in a hybrid setup, combining office-based and remote work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office, unless a role is explicitly stated as fully remote or fully office-based.

Interested?

Apply with an English CV and Cover Letter. By applying, you agree to Catawiki’s Applicant Privacy Policy. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Apply now >