House Manager Job

Location: Hungerford

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum (DOE)

Accommodation: Newley renovated cottage onsite provided (excluding bills)

Holiday Allowance: 21 days per year + 8 public holidays

Schedule: 5-day working week, including weekends (days off during the week)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised House Manager to oversee the smooth running of a large private weekend residence near Hungerford, for a young family with 3 children. The house will also likely be used by the family for periods over the school holidays.

The ideal candidate will be hands-on, proactive, and willing to get involved in day-to- day household tasks when needed, including covering housekeeping and laundry on staff days off.

You will act as the first point of contact for the Principals, ensure the property is maintained to exceptional standards, and manage all aspects of household operations, from staff supervision and event organisation to security and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities

Household Management & Operations

• Maintain the property, ensuring all areas are kept to the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Plan and manage duty rotas for household staff (currently a team of 2 housekeepers).
• Provide hands-on support with housekeeping and laundry when required to cover staff absence.
• Write and maintain household manuals, policies, and procedures.
• Manage and oversee all household systems including heating, air conditioning, AV, and security systems.
• Act as first point of contact for the Principals, ensuring smooth communication and execution of their needs.
• Maintain household morale and ensure staff are motivated, working safely, and efficiently.

Staff & Contractor Management

• Supervise, train, and support household staff, including managing payroll, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Oversee external contractors, service providers, and suppliers, ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
• Liaise with and book maintenance services as required.

Housekeeping, Laundry & Inventories

• Oversee cleaning and care of silver, china, antiques, and specialist items.
• Manage household and wine cellar inventories, including restocking and procurement of goods.
• Oversee wardrobe management, packing/unpacking, and valet duties where required.

Hospitality & Service

• Provide exceptional service to family members, household guests, and visitors.
• Organise and manage family and social events, including dinner parties.
• Serve meals and refreshments (including silver service/butler service and wine service). Serving and clearing up, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily for the family.
• Arrange basic flower displays.

Personal Assistance & Errands

• Manage family cars (insurance, MOT, servicing, cleaning).
• Undertake occasional driving duties (train station, airport).
• Run errands and manage household purchases.

Pet Care & Lifestyle Support

• Provide dog care as required.
• Support Principals and guests with day-to-day requests to ensure a seamless household experience.

Administrative Duties

• Oversee household budgets, purchasing, and bill payments.
• Keep accurate records of expenses, maintenance, and inventories.
• Maintain compliance with all household documentation and reporting.

Skills & Attributes Required

• Hands-on approach, happy to step in and assist with housekeeping, laundry, and other tasks when required. Team player.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Minimum 2 years recent experience managing a large private house (8–12 bedrooms) Experience should be in a regularly used family or weekend residence.
• Strong leadership skills, able to motivate and encourage staff.
• Financially minded with budgeting and purchasing experience.
• Professional, approachable, and discreet with excellent communication skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and willing to be involved in all aspects of household management.
• Experience in silver service and event organisation preferred.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.