At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a prestigious country estate, handling housekeeping and cooking duties.
- Company: Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd, known for high standards and quality service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £50k+, accommodation provided, and travel opportunities to Switzerland.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dog-friendly environment, and a chance to work in a stunning location.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and enjoy a unique lifestyle while working in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years of experience in housekeeping and cooking, with a strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 30000 £ per year.
A high-calibre live-in Housekeeper/Cook is sought for a hands-on, full-time role at a prestigious country estate near Banbury, North Oxfordshire. This is a part-time weekend residence with occasional summer use and a high standard of presentation and service is expected despite the informal household style.
Responsibilities:
- Day to day smooth running of the house, including all standard housekeeping duties: cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing, bed-making and turn-downs, fire setting, shopping, floral arrangements, and household admin.
- Cooking occasionally to a good dinner party standard (recipes provided), including assistance with food preparation, drinks service, serving meals, and general hospitality-related tasks.
- Evening work when the owners are in residence, with flexibility required for dinner service and guest support.
- Supervising external contractors or maintenance work when needed.
- Dog care, including walking and feeding (must be dog friendly).
- Driving is essential due to rural location, with occasional guest pickups/drop-offs at the train station or airport.
- Travel to the owners’ large 8-bedroom chalet in Switzerland 4–6 times during winter and 2–4 weeks in the summer (plus a 1-bedroom staff apartment).
- Arrive 1–2 days ahead of family and guests (typically 4–18 people), and stay on 1–2 days after departure for close-down.
- Duties include cleaning, tidying, laundry, shopping, assisting with meal prep, occasional cooking and serving, washing up and supporting daily hospitality. These periods involve the most intense and long days of work; time off in lieu will be given.
Experienced, independent, self-starting, responsible and energetic. High standards of cleanliness and discretion. Comfortable working as part of a wider estate team. Able to adapt between periods of quiet routine and busy, high-demand hosting. 5 days per week to include weekends up to 40-45hrs per week. A confident driver is essential. Use of a shared estate car for work purposes.
Accommodation: 2 bedroom apartment in the stable block adjacent to the main house; partner welcome, but regret no children or pets. Role to commence as soon as the right candidate is found.
Experienced Housekeeper/Cook sought near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, £50k+ gpa, September start employer: Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd
Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd offers a unique opportunity for a Domestic Couple to thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment on a beautiful Surrey estate. With a live-in arrangement that includes a self-contained cottage, employees benefit from a flexible work-life balance, a collaborative team culture, and the chance to develop their skills in both housekeeping and grounds management. This role not only provides meaningful employment but also fosters a sense of community and pride in maintaining a stunning property.
Contact Details:
Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Housekeeper/Cook sought near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, £50k+ gpa, September start
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Housekeeper/Cook sought near Banbury in North Oxfordshire, £50k+ gpa, September start
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Katherine Shields Private Staff Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
