A live-in House Manager / Housekeeper with cooking experience is required for a beautiful country residence located between Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water. The principals are a couple in their early 60s with a close-knit grown family, who are now focusing more on family life, travel and spending increased time in London.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and experienced candidate who enjoys taking ownership and management of the smooth running of a household and becoming a valued part of the principals’ lives. The role will suit someone who enjoys cooking, principally simple dinners for the couple when they are in residence, but also dinner parties for between 6–8 guests once or twice a month.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall housekeeping and management of the property, whilst also ensuring the principals and their guests are well looked after when in residence. The role requires someone flexible, organised and capable of caring for the household and pets (3 dogs and 2 cats).
Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the property, running the house and grounds to the needs of the family and reporting to the principals accordingly
● Take ownership of reorganising and maintaining the smooth running of the household
● Ensure the house is prepared for the principals’, their family and guests’ arrival at all times
● Carry out all housekeeping duties to ensure cleanliness and general housekeeping are maintained to a very high standard throughout the home to include polishing silver and furniture, and the care of clocks
● Responsible for the high standards required for laundry, clothes care and ironing
● Care of the principals’ clothing, wardrobe management and fine fabrics
● Oversee outsourced laundry for larger household linens and bedding
● Keep the house well-stocked with necessary supplies including food pantry, animal food, wine cellar, household and cleaning products, whilst discussing significant purchases with the principals
● Ensure proper supplies of oil, firewood, flowers and other household provisions are maintained for the family’s arrival and the smooth running of the property
● Liaise with and oversee household contractors including gardeners, plumbers, electricians, pool maintenance and window cleaners, ensuring works are completed efficiently and handling any household issues that arise
● Running errands, grocery and household shopping, occasional driving duties, including train station collections and pick-ups from dinners or parties
● Start and maintain household vehicles when the principals are away for extended periods
● Confidently house sit whilst the principals travel, ensuring the property remains secure, well managed and fully operational in their absence
● Assist with food preparation and cooking of meals, liaising over menu planning and supporting the principals with cooking when required
● Cook simple suppers for the principals when they are resident and assist with preparing and serving three-course dinners for 6–8 guests once or twice per month
● Care for three elderly dogs including feeding, regular walks/outings, grooming appointments, vet visits and administering routine medication/wormers
● Ensure the two stable cats are regularly checked, fed and provided with fresh water
● Confidently care for the pets whilst the principals travel, ensuring their routines and wellbeing are consistently maintained.
● Be security aware, ensuring that the property and grounds are always cared for and secure
The principals spend regular time in London during the week and travel abroad for periods of up to two weeks at a time, therefore flexibility and the ability to work independently are essential. The successful candidate will need to be invested in the family, enjoy creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for both the principals and their visiting family and friends.
General Requirements:
Be adaptable, proactive, friendly, and take pride in your work.
Possess a discreet, confidential and professional manner with a good sense of humour at all times.
Maintain professional boundaries, knowing when to step back and be discreet.
Be security aware ensuring that the property and grounds are always cared for and secure.
Keep excellent organisational and time management skills.
Good initiative, attention to detail, a natural flair and a passion for a job being well done are all critical.
Anticipate the principals’ needs with a warm and friendly manner, assisting with all requirements and resolving issues proactively.
Be confident managing the household independently and taking full responsibility when the principals are away.
Work Schedule:
In general, you will work 40 hours per week, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but with flexibility required to suit the principals’ travel and entertaining schedule, including approximately two Saturdays per month (time off in lieu will be given for this). However, given the nature of this role, when the family are not in residence, you will have flexibility in how you organise and manage your time, provided that the needs of the household are met.
The role will involve house and pet sitting responsibilities when the principals are away and so a love of animals is key. There is a girl who comes in to look after the horses who will be able to share this responsibility with you in order that you are given appropriate time off each week.
Accommodation:
A private 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom first floor flat with all bills included (water, council tax, electricity, WiFi and TV licence). Space for own car provided, with access to other household vehicles when undertaking duties for the principals.
Salary
£45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience.
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
