Live-out Head Housekeeper near Newbury, Berkshire

On behalf on our private clients we are looking for a robust and dynamic live-out head housekeeper for a large estate new Newbury, Berkshire.
 
You should have experience in large private estates and be ready to fit in with a fast-paced, active workforce.
You will be managing a team of 3/4 permanent members of staff but you will also be completing housekeeping duties to a high standard.
 
You should be flexible and prepared to work (paid) overtime when the family are in residence, you should thrive under pressure.
 
Live-in accommodation can be arranged for the right candidate.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly organised and motivated individual that considers themselves to be a versatile and professional all-rounder. You will work closely with and be responsible to the Estate Manager.
 
Main Duties/Responsibilities:
 

• Principal point of contact for all Housekeeping. 
• Full time management and supervision of 3/4 permanent members of house staff and up to 4 further seasonal staff during busy periods, ensuring they are executing their duties as required.
• Oversee all aspects of Estate Housekeeping including cleaning, laundry, wardrobe management, and ironing.
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships across the estate. 
• Managing employee workloads, assigning and delegating work appropriately.
• Knowledge of working with fine couture, large amounts of bed linens, significant antiques, art and silverware (specialist employed for advice and training).
•  Record and Account keeping for area of responsibility.
• Assist with the recruitment of staff when necessary.

 
Person specification:
 

• Previous experience in a large private estate (Country Estate has 30 bedrooms across several properties), working directly for a family.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Computer literate.
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to interact with individuals from a range of backgrounds.
• Creating a fun and inclusive working environment to achieve the highest of standards.
• Proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Keen to develop own skills and be willing to be actively involved in house service.
• Willing to take responsibility and ownership for tasks.
• Hands-on work ethic that leads by example and invests time and effort to train and develop the other staff.
• Strong sense of discretion, appreciating the confidentiality of the estate, family and high-profile guests.
• Ability to work autonomously when required, whilst still possessing strong team work skills.
• Above all a good sense of humour, sociable, energetic with a cheerful zest for life.

 
The ideal applicant must understand the concept of being anticipatory, service orientated, respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the owners, willing to take direction, follow instruction and offer support.
 
Full time position based on a 40 hour working week (overtime paid for all hours worked above this) that will vary between week days & weekends depending on the families itinerary but will require significant flexibility over public holidays, evenings and weekends when guests are in residence (particularly May to early July). Ability to drive is essential due to location.
 
Salary negotiable dependent on experience.
 
Unless otherwise specified a minimum of 2 years relevant experience is required to receive the advertised rate of pay
Randolphs is an employment agency and employment business authorised to advertise the role on behalf of our client