A beautiful large country estate near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7, are looking for an experienced Head Housekeeper. You should have a full driving licence for this role and experience in private households is essential.
Package Offered
- £50,000 - £70,000 gross per year
- Live in our live out depending on your preference - a 2 bedroom cottage can be provided
- 2 full days off during the week (most likely Tuesday and Wednesday)
Family Background
A professional family of five, living in a beautiful country estate Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7, surrounded by ancient parklands and a deer park are looking for a new long-term experienced Head Housekeeper.
They are looking for an experienced Head Housekeeper who has experience in private households to help the principal to implement processes across the house. The large mansion consists of 18 bedrooms and various other properties situated within an 11-acre garden. The estate offers high-quality office space and houses to rent. The estate also provides a stunning backdrop for events and charity fundraisers. The estate currently has four housekeepers (three full time and one part-time) and a butler. The family have three lovely daughters and three beloved dogs so you must be happy around animals.
Duties
You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of all aspects of day-to-day housekeeping in the house with the current housekeeping staff. You will be hands-on and hardworking and ready to roll up your sleeves to ensure all needs are met to the highest standards. You will be responsible for the leadership of the current housekeepers and the preparation of staff rotas. You will work closely with the principal to implement processes across the home.
- Oversee the smooth running of the Mansion House, Family areas and all other non-staff Estate properties
- Day to day management of other house staff
- Hands-on as well as managerial
- Undertake aspects of cleaning with the current housekeeping staff
- Maintenance of house manuals
- Front of house service
- Ensuring stocks and supplies are carefully managed
- Polishing brass, silver, antiques and fine furniture.
- Food shopping
- Arrange dry cleaning
- Reporting/handling of maintenance issues
- Animal care
- Running errands
- Flexibility to do ad-hoc journeys when chauffeurs are unavailable
- Assist with ad-hoc tasks as directed
- Cooking for the family is desired but not optional
Location/Accommodation
This role is near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 and you have the option to live-in or live-out. Accommodation of a two-bedroom, cottage on the estate can be provided, and the client is happy for you to bring partners and pets.
Days/Hours
- 2 full days off during the week (most likely Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Work every weekend
- You should be flexible and happy to do overtime as required
Languages
You must speak an excellent level of English to be able to communicate with the family and staff.
Special Skills
Experience working in private households is essential. You should be experienced in the running of a large country house and have excellent knowledge of dealing with private families and their needs. You should understand high end hospitality and should have a calm and organised approach to your work and management of staff. High levels of integrity are a must.
Start Date
The family are interviewing now. We are recruiting safely with the COVID-19 government guidelines.