A busy family based near Corbridge, Northumberland, NE43 are looking for a Head Housekeeper to join their family estate. You must have a full driving license for this role. This is a live in role, with beautiful private accommodation provided to you as part of the package.
Package Offered
- £35,000 - £45,000 gross per year depending on experience
- Working 5 days a week. Typically you'll work on the weekends as this is when the family are normally in residence
- When the Principal is in residence you are expected to work flexible days and hours, and work weekends too, but with time off later to make up
- Working 40 hours per week
- Accommodation and a car can be provided for work duties.
- Open to candidates with partners, children and animals, with beautiful on-site accommodation provided
Family Background
The family are in residence every other weekend, half-terms, and holidays as they are in their London residence full time. When the family are in residence the family consists of three children aged 3, 6 and 7 years old, 3 fish and dogs so you must be happy to be around animals for this role. This is a beautiful, historic, 16 bedroom fully staffed stately home. During the shooting season when the estate is very busy, the family employ 3 part-time housekeepers, a butler/houseman, and a chef. When the shoot season is over, and the family life returns to normal, the majority of these additional staff do not work each day, so the Head Housekeeper is integral to the household running smoothly all year round.
Duties
You will be responsible for managing the daily upkeep of the home and overseeing the team of housekeepers and work alongside the Butler. The house should always be tidy and presentable. During the busy periods, it's all hands on deck, and you will need to roll up your sleeves for the daily duties, as well as managing the other housekeepers.
You will need to be very confident taking care of wardrobe management in the home. Including laundry and ironing for the family, including managing all external dry cleaners. You should have experience with flower arranging with a great eye for detail. The family enjoy having their beautiful home well presented and cared for, and you should have previously worked in large properties with antiques and fine art. You should be a strong housekeeper, as well as excellent at team and household management.
During the shooting season (August to October), the household is extremely busy so you should be flexible and happy to help out the family where needed. During the summer months, the family will entertain friends and family and the estate will become more relaxed. Ideally, you should be able to cook family style easy meals for the times the family are in their relaxed family setting.
As you will live on site, you will be in charge of the property when the family are in London or travelling, so the expectation to understand this and step in to manage should there be a need, or emergency in the property whilst the family is away is important to understand.
The successful candidate should have strong initiative and an eye for detail. You should be confident with all aspects of house management and be able to assist with the clean and care for the home to a high standard. You should be a team player, always willing to go the extra mile and be looking for a long-term role.
Location/Accommodation
The family home near Corbridge, Northumberland, NE43. This is a live in role. You can opt to have a four bedroom or three bedroom property on the grounds. The family is open to you bringing partners, children and pets.
Days/Hours
- Working 5 days a week. Typically you'll work on the weekends as this is when the family are normally in residence
- When the Principal is in residence you are expected to work flexible days and hours, and work weekends too, but with time off later to make up
- Working 40 hours per week
Languages
You should speak a good level of English.
Special Skills
You should be an experienced and skilled house manager for this role. You should be self-motivated will excellent communication skills.
Interview/Start date
The family are interviewing now for the right person. We are recruiting safely within the COVID-19 regulations.