Household Manager / Head Housekeeper Opportunity - Near Lisbon, Portugal
Temporary accommodation or staff accommodation (shared) can be offered if required, depending on each application
A returning client is seeking an exceptional Household Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a prestigious private residence located near Lisbon, Portugal. This role requires a highly polished professional with a background in five-star hospitality, with a Private Household management experience. The successful candidate will run the home with the precision, discretion, and excellence of a five-star luxury residence ensuring seamless operations, impeccable presentation, and an anticipatory service experience for the Principals at all times.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the smooth, day-to-day running of the residence, ensuring the home operates to five-star luxury standards at all times
Create, implement, and continuously refine household systems, procedures, and schedules
Identify areas for improvement proactively and implement solutions before issues arise
Ensure the home is always guest-ready and presented to an impeccable standard
Staff Management & Leadership
Recruit, onboard, train, manage, and motivate household staff
Create staff schedules, manage rotas, oversee performance, and uphold accountability
Lead by example, setting the tone for professionalism, discretion, and excellence
Foster a culture of pride, attention to detail, and exceptional service within the household team
Principal Support
Act as the primary point of contact between the Principal, Principal’s PA and household staff
Support the Principal with ad hoc requests, personal assistance, and lifestyle management tasks
Greet Principals and guests upon arrival when appropriate, ensuring a warm, polished, and seamless experience
Anticipate needs and preferences, ensuring a highly personalised service approach
Vendor & External Management
Work with the Property manager to liaise with contractors, suppliers, and service providers, including local Portuguese vendors
Ensure all external services meet the household’s luxury standards
Oversee maintenance, repairs, and property projects with attention to detail and discretion
Standards & Discretion
Maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion at all times
Uphold impeccable personal presentation and professional conduct
Ensure the household reflects calm efficiency, structure, and understated luxury
Essential Experience
Proven experience in luxury hotel management, private members’ clubs, super-yachts & UHNW private households
Demonstrated experience managing teams, schedules, and complex operations
A service-driven mindset with a deep understanding of five-star hospitality standards
Key Attributes
Naturally proactive and anticipatory — always thinking several steps ahead
Highly organised, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
Calm under pressure with exceptional problem-solving abilities
Comfortable handling a wide variety of tasks, from strategic oversight to hands-on support
Polished, confident, and discreet with excellent interpersonal skills
Takes pride in excellence and holds themselves and others to the highest standards
Language, Location & Right to Work
The role is based near Lisbon, Portugal
Portuguese language skills are preferred; fluency in English is essential
EU passport holders only
Benefits
Salary of circa €50,000 to €60,000 Gross per annum
Live out or Staff accommodation (shared) can be offered
5 days per week
Consultant: Andy Hodges
Job: 203654