Live-In Head Housekeeper – Berkshire/Hampshire Border – Self-Contained 1BR Cottage -  £46K - £50K

Family Description And Location

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced, hands-on Live-In Head Housekeeper to join a large, semi-formal 14-bedroom country residence situated on the Berkshire/Hampshire border.

The property is the permanent home of a family of four with two school-age children. The family also have two dogs, so the successful candidate must be genuinely comfortable around animals and happy to assist with their care when required.

This is a well-established household with an existing team including an Office Manager, PA, Chef, Daily Housekeeper, Live-In Housekeeper, Mother's Help and Maintenance Man, together with wider Estate staff.

The property forms part of a shooting estate and the household regularly entertains family, guests and shooting parties.

Job Description

The family are looking for a highly experienced, practical and hands-on Head Housekeeper who will take overall responsibility for the housekeeping standards and presentation of the property while working closely alongside the existing housekeeping team.

This is very much a hands-on position. The successful candidate should be happy to lead by example and work as part of the team rather than solely supervising others.

Duties will include:

• Overall responsibility for housekeeping and cleaning throughout the property
• Leading and supervising the housekeeping team, currently consisting of one Live-In Housekeeper, one Daily Housekeeper and a Mother's Help
• Creating and maintaining daily, weekly and deep-cleaning schedules
• Ensuring consistently high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the house
• Preparing guest bedrooms and bathrooms
• Morning opening-up and evening closing-down of the house
• Turndown service
• Laundry, ironing and wardrobe care
• Basic sewing repairs
• Care of antiques, fine finishes, delicate surfaces and woodwork
• Maintaining household inventories and keeping the House Bible up to date
• Stock control and ordering household supplies
• Training, mentoring and developing housekeeping staff
• Preparing housekeeping rotas and encouraging a positive team environment
• Front-of-house duties and formal table service
• Assisting with family entertaining, events and shoot parties
• Cellar organisation and upkeep
• Liaising closely with the Chef, House Manager, Maintenance team, Head Gardener, and Estate Office
• Maintaining a clear snagging and maintenance log
• Acting as a key holder and assisting with Estate security and fire procedures
• Liaising with the Head Gardener and Chef regarding flowers, garden produce, and household requirements
• Preparing simple family meals on the Chef's days off when required
• House sitting and pet sitting when the family are away
• Assisting with the care of the family's two dogs
• Supporting other members of the household team wherever necessary

The Chef undertakes the majority of the household cooking.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate should have previous experience as a Head Housekeeper or Senior Housekeeper within a large private household, country estate or yacht environment.

They should be:

• Highly experienced in both formal and informal private households
• Extremely hands-on and willing to lead by example
• Confident managing and motivating a housekeeping team
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Experienced in laundry, ironing and wardrobe care
• Knowledgeable in the care of antiques, fine finishes and delicate surfaces
• Comfortable with formal service and table service
• Experienced working alongside Chefs, House Managers, Estate Offices, Maintenance and Garden teams
• Flexible and willing to assist with events and entertaining
• Discreet, reliable and professional
• A genuine animal lover and confident around dogs
• Comfortable living and working within a rural country estate environment
• Comfortable around country pursuits and shooting parties
• Excellent spoken English is essential.

Due to the rural location, a full driving licence and own car are essential. Estate vehicles are available for work-related errands and duties.

Days of work and Salary

• The position is based on a 40-hour working week over five days.
• Weekend working will form part of the normal rota, with two consecutive days off during the week.
• When the family are travelling or out of the country, weekends may occasionally be given off on a rota basis.
• Working hours will be staggered according to the requirements of the household and may include split shifts where required to cover evening service and turndown.
• Flexibility will be required around family events, entertaining and shoot weekends.
• Salary: £46,000–£50,000 gross per annum, depending on experience.

Accommodation

• Excellent live-in accommodation is provided in the form of a self-contained one-bedroom cottage on the Estate.
• Well-behaved partners and dogs would be considered; however, the property is not suitable for dependants.

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