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Live In Head Housekeeper Job

Live-in Head Housekeeper Job, Hampshire/Berkshire Border

We are looking for an experienced, professional and hands-on Live-in Head Housekeeper to join a beautiful private country home on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. This is a fantastic long-term opportunity for a highly organised individual who enjoys working to exceptionally high standards within a busy family household.

The property is a large, semi-formal 14-bedroom country home, occupied by a family of four and their two dogs. The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the smooth running, presentation and housekeeping of the property, while leading and supporting a small housekeeping team.

The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable working within a formal private household and a relaxed family environment. They will be hands-on, discreet, proactive and confident managing a team, while working closely alongside the Chef, Estate Office, Maintenance Team, Head Gardener and wider Estate staff.

The household regularly hosts family events and shoot parties, so the successful candidate should be confident with formal entertaining, front-of-house service and the additional demands of a busy country home.

Head Housekeeper Responsibilities:

  • Overall responsibility for all housekeeping and cleaning throughout the property

  • Leading and supervising the housekeeping team, currently consisting of one live-in housekeeper, one daily housekeeper and a Mother's Help

  • Creating and maintaining daily, weekly and deep-cleaning schedules

  • Ensuring exceptionally high standards of cleanliness and presentation

  • Caring for antiques, fine furnishings, delicate surfaces and woodwork

  • Managing all laundry, ironing and wardrobe care

  • Basic sewing repairs

  • Maintaining household inventories and keeping the House Bible fully up to date

  • Stock control and ordering household supplies

  • Training, mentoring and developing housekeeping staff

  • Preparing staff rotas and supporting team building

  • Front-of-house duties and formal table service

  • Cellar upkeep and organisation

  • Liaising closely with the Chef, Maintenance Team, Head Gardener and wider Estate staff

  • Maintaining a clear maintenance and snagging log for the Maintenance Team

  • Acting as a key holder and supporting the Estate's security and fire procedures

  • Assisting with the planning and organisation of large family events and shoot parties alongside the Estate Office

  • Liaising with the Head Gardener and Chef regarding flowers, food and available garden produce

  • Basic meal preparation and preparing simple family meals on the Chef's days off

  • Preparing the house for family and guests

  • House sitting and pet sitting when the family are away

  • Caring for the family's two dogs, with a genuine love of animals essential

The ideal candidate will be mature, discreet, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to lead by example. They will take genuine pride in maintaining a beautiful country home and be comfortable balancing hands-on housekeeping with team management and wider household responsibilities.

Previous experience as a Head Housekeeper or Senior Housekeeper within a large private household, country estate or yacht is essential. The successful candidate will be flexible, hardworking and confident adapting to both quiet periods and busy times when the family are in residence or entertaining.

Candidate Requirements:

  • Extensive private household housekeeping experience

  • Previous experience as a Head Housekeeper or Senior Housekeeper

  • Experience managing and supervising a housekeeping team

  • Excellent housekeeping, laundry and wardrobe-care skills

  • Experience caring for antiques, fine furnishings and delicate surfaces

  • Confident with formal entertaining, front-of-house and table service

  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills

  • Highly attentive to detail with pride in presentation

  • Able to work independently while also managing and developing a team

  • Confident liaising with Chefs, Estate Office, Maintenance and Garden teams

  • Genuine love of animals and confidence caring for dogs

  • Comfortable working in a rural country environment and around country pursuits

  • Flexible and happy to work split and/or staggered shifts

  • Full UK driving licence and own car essential

  • Discreet, reliable and professional

  • Must have the right to work in the UK

  • Checkable and verifiable references covering the last 5 years

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience

Schedule: Full time. Split and/or staggered working shifts with two consecutive days off during the week. Flexibility is essential around the needs of the household, family events, entertaining and shoot parties.

Accommodation: Live-in accommodation is provided on the Estate. Estate vehicles are available for work-related errands and duties.

Start Date: When the right candidate is found

Vacancy Number: 239921

Responsible Consultant: Ellie Kehoe

If you wish to apply and are not registered with Greycoat Lumleys, please submit your CV to sophie@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

Please note that this is a popular role and we will only consider candidates with direct experience as outlined above, with checkable and verifiable references covering the last 5 years.

You must already have the right to work in the UK.