Domestic Couple Job Description
Considering a career as a domestic couple?
Here are our answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked by candidates thinking about becoming domestic couples in the UK and Internationally.
What does Domestic Couple mean?
A Domestic Couple is a readymade team who can look after a private household working on their own or as part of a team. The role is normally varied and good Couples need to work well on their own carrying out their own individual tasks as well as helping each other.
Working together to ensure the smooth running of the household. Commonly a Housekeeper and Gardner / Handyperson combination.
For example, you can be a Gardener one day and the next day need to meet and greet the family and guests.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a couple?
This can be wide ranging and is often tailored to client preferences. A standard minimum dynamic of the roles and responsibilities of a domestic Couple would be Housekeeper and Gardner. Usually one works inside and one outside. In some more formal homes you might also be asked to carry out Butler duties, waiting at table and meeting and greeting guests. Driving is also important and most roles will require at least one if not both to drive.
All Housekeeping duties, cleaning, washing, ironing
Cooking
Shopping for the household
Organise and manage contractors and suppliers
Maintenance duties interior and exterior
Gardening
Driving and looking after the cars
Cleaning of swimming pool and garden areas
Front of House including table service (can be formal or informal service)
Security of the house
Looking after pets
Ad hoc jobs on the grounds and property
What skills do you need to be a good couple?
As with any Domestic service job, one needs flexibility to changing seasonality and demands of the Job. Previous private experience is often highly valued by potential employers preferably as a Couple.
Able to work together
Self-starters
To be Hands on
Manage your own time
Flexibility
Good work ethic
Be able to manage your own time
How much do domestic couples make?
The roles are advertised as joint salaries for 2 people, both working full-time.
Europe – €2.5K NET minimum per person per month
Scotland £40,000 - £50,000 GPA
Ireland £45,000 - £55,000 GPA
UK £50,000K to £70,000K GPA
Find out more on the average couple salaries page.
What is a live in couple?
A domestic couple who live on the property full time year round (apart from annual leave), residencies are normally onsite and can vary from a self-contained flat to separate house. A Couple is provided with accommodation as part of the role which is often on the same estate and a separate flat/cottage with your own entrance and privacy. They live onsite for security and on call reasons.
What are couple rules?
Communicate well with each other and the Principal
Discretion is essential
Be Flexible to work around the Principal’s needs
Can a couple be a career?
Yes most certainly – you can join a Household as a Junior Couple, gain more experience and take on responsibilities to progress to work in larger households. If you decided to work as a single candidate down the line your experience working as a Couple will be recognised.
What hours does a couple work?
40 hrs per week but they must be very flexible depending on the Principals’ needs. The job is give and take. They will do extra hours then less when the client is not in residence.
Working week for a couple
As a Couple you will have your days off together and holidays can be taken together – often you will be required to work weekends and have 2 days off in the week.
What are the top 5 qualities a couple should possess?
Flexibility
Good communicators
Trustworthy
Professionalism
Discretion
How do couples get paid?
You are paid as individuals – roles will be advertised as combined salaries but you’re treated as individual for tax and NI contributions.
We are always looking for good Domestic Couples. You can view our latest Couple vacancies here.
