Live-in House Manager in Suffolk

Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 6.30pm (when the family are in residence) and 9am to 6pm (when the family are away). Due to the nature of the role the House Manger will be expected to work flexibly outside these hours including being available at weekends when there are guests or business meetings taking place.  (Please note the number of weekend days may be significant at times. Days in lieu will be received for days worked). The role will involve some travel to the other family properties.
 

Overview: Reporting into the Principals and working closely with the Private PA, this position is responsible for the smooth domestic running of Coldham Hall house and grounds.
 

Management responsibilities: The House Manager is responsible for managing and implementing the daily, weekly and monthly schedules of the domestic staff team (Housekeepers/Laundress and Chef + any seasonal, ad-hoc domestic staff) and grounds staff. They are also responsible for managing the recruitment of domestic and grounds staff with input from the family. The House Manager will also carry out performance reviews for the domestic team, manage and log staff holiday, sickness, working hours and lieu days.
 

Detailed job description:

" Review of required staffing levels 

" Preparing and updating job descriptions and responsibilities for all domestic and grounds staff

" Acting as first point of contact for all guests arriving at the house

" Overseeing the household domestic team and grounds staff, offering hands on assistance where necessary including serving refreshments and meals

" Answering the house phone

" Implementing a daily and weekly rota to ensure all domestic duties are achieved (laundry, cleaning of rooms to suit the schedule of the Principals, preparation for guests)

" Taking a hands-on approach to all of the household duties assisting and supporting the team

" Liaising with the Chef regarding meals and future events (communicating times and dates to help with forward planning)

" Managing the domestic household budget

" Purchasing goods for the household and keeping receipts to submit monthly domestic expenses to the Private PA

" Overseeing all Contractors and Suppliers

" Identifying maintenance requirements for the property and coordinating remedial work either with Estate Facilities manager or external contractors as required

" Coordinating any farm/estate requirements with the external land agent and farmer

" Overseeing the care of the china, antiques and other specialist items

" Managing the wine cellar and bar

" Writing and updating household manuals - e.g. room by room instructions re cleaning/layout/provisions

" Being responsible for the security of the property including documenting processes to address issues which might arise

" Health & Safety review and documentation to ensure compliance with any statutory requirements

" Working closely with the Private PA team
 

Essential: Must have a valid UK driving licence, a clean enhanced DBS check/ two references including most recent employer.  
 

The candidate would ideally be someone who has worked at a hotel or a private estate and is used to ensuring high standards both through effective management of their team and a hands-on approach. The role will also require strong time management skills and organisational skills, an eye for detail and a self-motivated individual. 

 

Unless otherwise specified a minimum of 2 years relevant experience is required to receive the advertised rate of pay

Randolphs is an employment agency and employment business authorised to advertise the role on behalf of our client