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Live-in Head Housekeeper Job

Head Housekeeper (Live-In Job), East Sussex

Our client, a historic private estate and family home set within the South Downs, is hiring for a Head Housekeeper to support their corporate business. The estate hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year, including weddings, filming and photoshoots, corporate hires, public openings, seasonal events, Airbnb accommodation, and family stays.The busiest period runs from April to October, during which the house and grounds operate at full capacity and require exceptional presentation, coordination, and attention to detail.Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head Housekeeper to take responsibility for the presentation, organisation, and smooth day-to-day operation of housekeeping across the estate.This is a key leadership role, particularly during the peak season, requiring flexibility, calm decision-making, and a strong eye for detail. The Head Housekeeper leads the housekeeping team while remaining fully hands-on, delivering consistently high standards across wedding accommodation, event spaces, historic interiors, and short-let properties. As this is a live-in role, the successful candidate will be resident on the estate and available for required overnight duties during wedding stays.

Location: South Downs, East Sussex

Start Date: Monday 23 March 2026

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum DOE

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, with additional hours required during the main season

Working Pattern: Thursday to Monday

Accommodation: Live-in — private, self-contained two-bedroom apartment (single occupancy)

Key Responsibilities

Wedding Accommodation

  • Lead the full delivery of wedding accommodation for up to 19 guests

  • Prepare bedrooms and communal spaces to a high standard ahead of guest arrival

  • Manage all in-house laundry, including washing, drying, ironing, folding, and storage

  • Coordinate high-volume linen changes before, during, and after stays

  • Be present on site throughout wedding weekends, including overnight duties

  • Set up and maintain the continental breakfast area

  • Liaise with in-house catering for extended or cooked breakfast services where required

  • Coordinate closely with Weddings and Events teams on timings, arrivals, departures, and guest needs

  • Deliver efficient and detailed changeovers within tight timeframes

Hands-On Housekeeping

  • Carry out cleaning and housekeeping duties alongside the team

  • Maintain exceptional standards across the main house, wedding venue, Airbnb properties, and guest areas

  • Respond to reactive cleaning and resets during overlapping estate activities

  • Clean and care for delicate historic surfaces, furnishings, and objects in line with conservation guidance

  • Work with the Curator to safely move and reposition furniture, chattels, and valuable contents

Wedding & Event Venues

  • Ensure wedding and event spaces are clean, polished, stocked, and event-ready

  • Reset venues to a high standard following each event

Short-Let Accommodation

  • Manage all cleaning, changeovers, and in-house laundry for two short-let properties

  • Maintain linen stock and guest supplies

  • Coordinate readiness alongside wedding accommodation and estate scheduling

Filming, Photoshoots & Corporate Hire

  • Prepare and maintain rooms used for filming, photoshoots, and corporate events

  • Support reactive resets and presentation throughout bookings

  • Work closely with Operations and Security to ensure safe and coordinated use of the house

Team Leadership & Management

  • Lead, train, and support a part-time housekeeping team

  • Build and manage rotas covering weddings, events, deep cleans, and estate activity

  • Provide clear direction and hands-on support, fostering a calm and organised working environment

Estate Coordination & Planning

  • Work closely with Weddings, Events, Operations, Security, House Opening, and Tearoom teams

  • Maintain the central house diary covering weddings, accommodation, filming, public openings, and family stays

  • Plan ahead for peak periods and anticipate operational needs

  • Order supplies, manage stock budgets, and maintain accurate records

What We’re Looking For

Experience

  • Previous experience in a senior housekeeping role within a private estate, high-end hospitality, or similar environment

  • Proven experience managing high-standard changeovers under pressure

  • Experience leading a small team while remaining hands-on

Skills & Personal Qualities

  • Calm, organised, and confident decision-maker

  • Warm, professional, discreet, and guest-focused

  • Strong communication, organisation, and prioritisation skills

  • Physically capable with excellent attention to detail

  • Respectful and mindful when working within a historic family home

Driving & Eligibility

  • Must be a driver with own vehicle

  • Confident driving manual estate vehicles

  • Right to work in the UK required

  • References will be requested

Accommodation & Benefits

  • Live-in role with a private, self-contained two-bedroom apartment (single occupancy only)

  • Second bedroom suitable for home office or occasional guest use

  • Accommodation includes council tax and utilities

  • Unique opportunity to work within a historic estate environment

  • Varied, fast-paced role with significant responsibility and autonomy