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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage housekeeping, cook healthy meals, and oversee other staff in a beautiful manor.
- Company: A lovely family home in picturesque East Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation included, and a chance to work in a stunning location.
- Why this job: Join a friendly family and enjoy a varied role with flexibility and responsibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in housekeeping and cooking, plus a positive, adaptable attitude.
- Other info: Live-in position with a self-contained cottage and the opportunity to bring pets.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Excellent, proactive and experienced Housekeeper/Cook required for a beautiful and busy Manor House in the countryside near Lewes, East Sussex. This is the family’s main residence, and they also host large summer events and smaller gatherings during the shoot season. Additional staff are employed, and the role includes overseeing other full and part-time live-out housekeepers to maintain the property to a high standard.
The family are informal, with a busy lifestyle and children aged 4 and 9. They are seeking a discreet, reliable person with strong common sense, high standards, and someone who would enjoy a varied role in a picturesque location. This position suits someone confident in leading by example, willing to help with any task, and able to offer flexibility during busy periods. The ideal candidate will have a positive, adaptable approach and be happy to assist wherever needed.
Duties to include:
- Hands-on housekeeping, cleaning, laundry and ironing (most of this is carried out by other housekeepers, but you must be willing to assist during busy times.)
- Hands-on management of general house upkeep and organisation of household systems.
- Bed making
- Running errands as required
- Managing house guests
- Occasional support with the children if needed (a nanny is employed and the mother is very hands-on)
- Cooking for the family; they enjoy fresh, healthy, seasonal meals cooked from scratch, including some batch cooking. The ability to cook game would be an advantage.
- Preparing canapés for summer events for 30–100 guests on occasion would be beneficial
- House sitting and dog sitting (3 well-behaved dogs) when the owners are away.
Partners and pets will be considered. Driving essential. Must have own car, although a car is provided for work purposes.
Hours: 9–5 Monday–Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility is required due to the nature of the role.
Accommodation: A self-contained 2-bedroom cottage on the grounds. Bills included.
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 gross per annum
Start date: January 2026
Job Reference: 130268
Consultant to contact: Shannon Anderson
If you are not already registered with Greycoat Lumleys and would like to apply for this job, please email your CV to shannon@greycoatlumleys.co.uk
Live in Head Housekeeper / Cook Job employer: Greycoat Lumleys
Contact Detail:
Greycoat Lumleys Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Live in Head Housekeeper / Cook Job
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the family and their lifestyle! When you’re applying for a role like this, it’s all about fitting in with their informal vibe. Show us that you understand their needs and can adapt to their busy lifestyle.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your cooking skills! Since they enjoy fresh, healthy meals, maybe whip up a dish or two that highlights your culinary talents. We want to see how you can bring your flair to their kitchen!
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Make sure to highlight your ability to juggle tasks and step in wherever needed. We love candidates who can lead by example and are willing to pitch in during busy times.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Live in Head Housekeeper / Cook Job
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A friendly tone can make a big difference and help us get a feel for how you'd fit into our informal family environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience that matches the job description. Focus on your housekeeping and cooking skills, and any experience managing others. This will show us that you understand what we're looking for in a candidate.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples! If you've cooked for large gatherings or managed a household before, share those experiences. We love seeing concrete examples of how you’ve excelled in similar roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greycoat Lumleys
✨Know the Family's Lifestyle
Before your interview, take some time to understand the family's informal lifestyle and busy schedule. This will help you tailor your responses to show how you can fit into their dynamic and support their needs effectively.
✨Showcase Your Cooking Skills
Since cooking is a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your culinary experience. Bring along examples of meals you've prepared, especially if they include fresh, seasonal ingredients or game. If possible, consider preparing a dish to share during the interview!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As you'll be overseeing other housekeepers, highlight any previous experience in management or teamwork. Share specific examples of how you've led by example in past roles, ensuring that you convey your ability to maintain high standards while being adaptable.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the nature of the job, expect questions about your flexibility and adaptability. Prepare to discuss how you've handled busy periods in the past and your willingness to assist with various tasks, including childcare and event preparation.
