At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team in maintaining impeccable housekeeping and household operations.
- Company: High-profile family in Central London seeking an exceptional Head of Housekeeping.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious household and make a real impact on their daily lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end housekeeping or yacht service, strong leadership skills, and a polished presence.
- Other info: Flexible working days with potential live-in options.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of Private Residence Operations & Housekeeping
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A high-profile, active family residing in Central London seeks an exceptional Head of Private Residence Operations & Housekeeping. This pivotal role calls for a polished, highly experienced professional with a chief steward/ess background from a super yacht or a similar high-end private household. You will be the linchpin of the home's operational excellence, combining hands-on housekeeping with sophisticated front-of-house and household management duties.
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\\nThis is a unique opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, leading a dedicated team while personally ensuring the utmost standards of presentation, service and discretion.
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Key Responsibilities:
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- Hands-On Housekeeping & Impeccable Standards: Lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation across the entire residence. This is a hands-on role where you will actively participate in daily housekeeping duties alongside your team.
- Team Leadership & Management: Directly manage and mentor a team of 3+ housekeepers, overseeing their schedules, training, and performance to ensure seamless operations and consistent adherence to household standards. Potentially assist with oversight of other household staff (e.g., drivers, chef, security) in coordination with the family office.
- Refined Hosting & Guest Relations: Act as a welcoming and gracious host for family and guests. Provide impeccable yacht-style service for all entertaining, from intimate family dinners to larger events (up to 30 guests, held quarterly). This includes elegant table settings, sophisticated food and beverage service (including silver service), and ensuring a seamless guest experience.
- Personal Assistance & Support: Work closely with the family's Senior Private PA on personal errands, managing select correspondence, and assisting with household-related event coordination and planning.
- Wardrobe & Valet Management: Expertly manage and maintain family wardrobes, including organisation, packing/unpacking for travel, liaising with dry cleaners and tailors, and ensuring garments are impeccably cared for.
- Household Operations & Maintenance Oversight: Proactively manage all household inventories, supplies, and stock levels. Coordinate and oversee external contractors, vendors, and service providers for maintenance and repairs, ensuring efficient and timely
\\n\\tcompletion of tasks. - Financial & Administrative Acumen: Manage household budgets, petty cash, and administrative tasks with meticulous attention to detail.
- Discretion & Confidentiality: Uphold the utmost level of discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.
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The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:
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- Proven experience as a Chief Steward/ess on a superyacht or in a similar Head Housekeeper/Household Manager role within a large, high-end private residence.
- Exceptional front-of-house presence: Polished, articulate, and presentable with a naturally welcoming demeanour.
- Extensive hands-on housekeeping expertise and a genuine willingness to be actively involved in daily tasks.
\\n\\tSophisticated service skills: Demonstrable experience in high-level entertaining, including formal dining, silver service, and exquisite table decoration. - Strong leadership abilities with experience managing and motivating a household team.
- Highly organised and proactive, with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs.
- Tech-savvy and able to quickly adapt to smart home systems and other household technologies.
- Flexible and adaptable to the fluid demands of a private family residence, including working 5-6 days a week with flexible hours.
- Excellent communication skills with fluent, impeccable spoken and written English.
- A discreet, trustworthy, and calm temperament.
- Comfortable working with young children.
- Pet – friendly
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5 or 6 days per week, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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£60,000 – £80,000, depending on experience and number of working days .
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Live-in or Live-out
Head of Housekeeping and Operations employer: Antonia Saunders
Contact Detail:
Antonia Saunders Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housekeeping and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the high-end household sector. Attend events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio of your previous work, whether it’s photos of beautifully set tables or testimonials from past employers, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a hands-on interview! For a role like Head of Housekeeping and Operations, you might be asked to demonstrate your housekeeping skills or even set a table. Practice these tasks beforehand so you can shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housekeeping and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your background in high-end housekeeping or as a Chief Steward/ess. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those impressive details!
Be Personable and Polished: Since this role involves hosting and guest relations, let your personality shine through! Use a warm tone in your application to reflect your welcoming demeanour and polished presence.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. Share examples of how you’ve managed and motivated teams in the past, showcasing your ability to maintain high standards.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the dynamic environment we offer. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Antonia Saunders
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of housekeeping and operations. Brush up on your knowledge of high-end service standards, especially if you've worked on a superyacht or in a luxury household. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and motivated others in previous positions. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them while maintaining high standards. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a dedicated team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your understanding of confidentiality and discretion. Share anecdotes that highlight your ability to handle sensitive information and maintain professionalism in various situations. This will reassure the family that you can be trusted with their private matters.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might encounter in the role. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific housekeeping challenges or guest relations situations. This shows that you can think on your feet and are ready to tackle the dynamic environment of a private residence.