House Manager / Housekeeper / CookWeekend-Focused Position | Near Stow-on-the-WoldA wonderful opportunity has arisen for an experienced, highly organised and proactive House Manager / Housekeeper / Cook to support a lovely, down-to-earth family with three young children (who are cared for by a nanny).
The principals divide their time between their beautiful Cotswold home and their Oxford townhouse. The role will be primarily based at the Cotswold property, although you may also be required to assist in Oxford on occasions.
This is very much a weekend-focused role, with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays being the key working days when the family are together in the Cotswolds. The successful candidate will become the person who quietly keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, allowing the family to relax and enjoy their time together.
The family is looking for someone who will become an invaluable and integral part of their lives and someone who naturally takes ownership, anticipates what needs doing and enjoys creating calm from the inevitable busyness of family life. They often describe the role as finding a "second wife" and someone who genuinely enjoys organising every aspect of a busy household with warmth, discretion and enthusiasm.
The position is exceptionally varied and would suit someone who enjoys diversity, takes pride in high standards and is happy turning their hand to whatever is needed. You will be supported by a Housekeeper at each property.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of the family homes.
- Hands-on housekeeping alongside the existing Housekeepers, ensuring the properties are always beautifully presented.
- Organise and running a cleaning schedule to include deep cleaning.
- Laundry, ironing and wardrobe management, including the care of fine clothing and delicate fabrics.
- Care of antiques, silver, artwork and personal possessions.
- Preparing delicious, nutritious family meals and cooking for informal entertaining and small dinner parties.
- Menu planning, grocery shopping and keeping kitchens and pantries well stocked.
- Household shopping and running errands.
- Preparation and management of household and cellar inventories
- Assisting with family administration, including school correspondence, diary coordination and general household organisation.
- Liaising with tradespeople and contractors.
- Driving (school runs) and other household errands as needed.
- Organising small family gatherings and ensuring everything runs seamlessly.
- Preparing the home for the family's arrival and ensuring everything is left organised for the week ahead.
- Flower arranging and adding the thoughtful finishing touches that make a house feel welcoming.
- Ad hoc childcare to allow the parents to go out on occasions
- Providing support wherever needed to ensure family life runs effortlessly.
The Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience within a private household is essential.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Naturally proactive and able to anticipate the family's needs.
- A confident cook, capable of preparing delicious family meals and relaxed entertaining.
- Warm, approachable and enjoys supporting a busy family.
- Flexible, adaptable and practical, with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Exceptionally discreet, trustworthy and professional.
- A confident driver with a full, clean driving licence.
- Someone who genuinely enjoys creating calm, organised and beautifully run homes.
Hours
This is a weekend-focused role, with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays forming the core working days. There may be occasional flexibility required at other times by mutual agreement, but the weekends are the family's priority and where your support will make the greatest difference.
This is a rare opportunity to become an integral part of a lovely family, taking genuine ownership of two beautiful homes and helping ensure every weekend runs effortlessly.
Pay: £50,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
