Head Housekeeper/House Manager

The selected applicant can expect a great work/life balance and a lovely team of staff to work with. The role requires the Head Housekeeper to work a 5-day week (Mon-Fri) unless the Principal is entertaining guests over the weekend or children are returning from college and university. Time off will be given in lieu at the earliest opportunity.

The chosen applicant must hold a driving licence as travel between UK residences is expected.

This is a special opportunity for a candidate with a yachting or private household background who is ready to take on the responsibility of a Head Housekeeper position alongside some PA/House Manager duties. You will be assisting the client’s EA in overseeing external contractors, organising maintenance and repairs, and arranging additional staff for busy periods and events.

From day to day, you will be looking after just one Principal plus any of her children who are home from college/university.

The client is very happy to offer the Head Housekeeper the opportunity to develop their skillset and can arrange courses such as cooking courses, floristry, wine training etc.

The ideal candidate will be switched on, detail-oriented and able to work independently. Additional housekeepers and a full grounds staff are in place and a chef will be brought in to cater any dinner parties or events.

The position offers live-in accommodation in the form of a 2-bedroom cottage. Pets considered.

The Principal travels frequently and is looking for a candidate who can oversee the estate in their absence with the help of the grounds staff and PA.

Allergy info: The client has a dog

Responsibilities

• Assisting the PA with household admin/management duties
• Managing and overseeing contractors
• Overseeing utilities and arranging repairs/maintenance
• Housekeeping duties. Attention to detail is essential. The client works within the property industry and has completed full refurbishments and renovations on all her properties and a superyacht, therefore we are looking for someone who will take pride in looking after a stunningly designed and beautifully styled environment at each property.
• Occasional cooking. Preferred candidates will have the ability to prepare simple salads, roasted chicken or fish, and healthy snacks such as juices, smoothies, fruit salad/skewers, and flapjacks/granola bars (bought or baked).
  Simple dishes for the Principal’s grown-up children include shepherd’s pie, lasagne, and roast chicken (which can be prepared and left in the fridge or freezer), although on some occasions they will happily eat at the village gastro pub or order a pizza or takeaway.
  The client enjoys cooking for her friends and family, so sometimes you will simply be assisting her in the kitchen. A private Chef will be brought in when required for formal entertaining.
• Liaising with EA and additional domestic staff
• Mon-Fri unless required at the weekend
• Shopping and provisioning, including basic essentials such as cleaning products, groceries, healthy snacks etc

Key requirements

• Yacht Stewardess or Head Housekeeper experience preferred
• Confident driver essential due to rural location
• Simple family cooking ability (cooking courses provided if needed)
• A sharp eye for detail and team player essential
• Self-starter, able to manage your time effectively
• Suitable candidates will be looking to progress within the private staff industry to a Head Housekeeper position
• UK passport/the right to work within the UK (proof of settlement status required)