At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a busy entrepreneur with personal and household management tasks.
- Company: Join a dynamic family led by a successful female entrepreneur and investor.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and occasional travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting environment that values organisation, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-net-worth households is essential; French skills are a plus.
- Other info: Must be adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to handle confidential information.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Our Principal, a successful female entrepreneur and investor, and her family - currently based in the UK - is looking for a PA/household manager to provide support in her busy daily life in the UK and abroad. The candidate should be able to unite the roles of a dedicated personal assistant and an experienced professional household-, staff- and property manager.
The role allows for a hybrid model, where some admin tasks can be performed remotely, however regular on-site, in-person work (Kent area; London; France) is vital to complete the core tasks successfully. The role reports to the family office based in ZΓΌrich, with direct communication line to the Principal.
Working Monday to Friday [some weekend work will be necessary]. Managing own hours to meet requirements.
The main responsibilities include:
- Personal assistant:
- Managing diary of the Principal, including kids' appointments. Ensuring all bookings are properly and proactively made.
- Full responsibility for the travel arrangements of the family and household staff: visas where required, flights, accommodations, transfers, itineraries, guides, bookings and check-ins, etc. Ensure correct classification of the travel expenses in line with UK RND requirements.
- Being the main point of contact for all ID, permit and travel documents for the family, ensure secure storage and control expiry dates.
- Manage all required insurances and other recurring contracts, regularly controlling coverage and cost-efficiency.
- Perform analyses, searches, specific projects on request of the Principal and/or family office.
- Own a comprehensive and detailed list of all open agenda items surrounding personal matters and projects of the Principal, ensure timely completion.
- Ensure proper management and care for the household pet (dog), including but not limited to vet appointments, transportation, care, occasionally looking after a pet during Principal's family travel.
- Ad hoc requests, errands, urgent unforeseen tasks are essential part of the role.
- Create from scratch and keep up to date comprehensive household manuals/ "house bibles" for the properties of the Principal.
- Proactively ensure all maintenance works are timely scheduled, performed and documented. For UK properties: coordinate repairs/renovation projects where necessary from A to Z, liaising with contractors, ensuring highest standard of quality and optimizing cost-efficiency. For overseas properties: liaise with the local keepers/managers, applying the same standards.
- Oversee the UK house readiness for arrival of the family from travels.
- Oversee the closing of the UK house, if no other personnel present, after family departure.
- Oversee French property and personnel, including visits to the property.
- For each property, keep all property-related expenses accounted for, under control and within budget. For overseas properties β liaise with the local keepers/managers, receive all data from them and ensure completeness, quality and availability of the central records.
- Oversee UK- and France-based personnel (housekeeper(s), driver) β including sourcing candidates, recruitment, interviews, onboarding, training, providing timely constructive feedback and, where necessary, coordinate dismissal. Serve as the central point of contact for the household staff on behalf of the Principal. Quality control.
- Manage administrative tasks related to the household staff, incl. contracts, payroll, etc.
Successful candidate requirements:
- Substantial experience working in a similar role within a (U)HNWI household, with respective references.
- French language skills would be of significant advantage and are a definite preference.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and assignments outside of standard hours when necessary. Occasional overseas travel could be required but is rather limited.
- Strong project management and time-management skills with ability to prioritize and create step-by-step project plans, run projects independently from A to Z. Strong knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
- Problem-solving, proactive and self-driven personality with a can-do attitude. Systematic approach and focus on creating procedures for repeatable tasks. Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, to take on responsibility and eager to find solutions.
- Exceptional attention to detail is a must.
- Knowledge and experience of property management, including construction and renovation projects.
- Excellent communication skills. Build strong working relationships with providers, contractors, staff, etc β while maintaining firm personality able to negotiate for the benefit of the Principal.
- Experience with managing staff, providing feedback and creating a friendly working environment.
- Being able to draw upon the local network in the UK in matters related to the job duties (i.e., agencies, insurance brokers, handymen, concierges, etc) is an essential asset.
- Complete paperwork and all required permits for working in the UK.
- Absolute discretion when handling sensitive, confidential information and private matters.
PA/House Manager employer: Massey's Agency
Contact Detail:
Massey's Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land PA/House Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) sector. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with others who have experience in similar roles. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with property management best practices, especially in the UK and France. Understanding local regulations and having contacts in the area can give you an edge when discussing your qualifications during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your organisational skills by creating a mock schedule or project plan that showcases how you would manage the Principal's diary and household tasks. This practical example can impress during discussions.
β¨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your French language skills if you're not already fluent. Even basic proficiency can be a significant advantage and shows your commitment to meeting the family's needs, especially for their property in France.
We think you need these skills to ace PA/House Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in personal assistance and household management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex schedules, travel arrangements, and staff oversight.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the unique needs of a high-net-worth individual. Mention your flexibility, problem-solving skills, and any experience you have with property management or working in similar environments.
Highlight Language Skills: If you have French language skills, be sure to mention them prominently in your application. This is a significant advantage for the role and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Project Management Experience: Include examples of your project management skills in your application. Detail how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, especially in high-pressure situations, to demonstrate your ability to prioritise effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Massey's Agency
β¨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a PA/House Manager, your ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully organised schedules, managed travel arrangements, or coordinated household staff in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the diverse responsibilities of the role.
β¨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The job requires a proactive and self-driven personality. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. This will show that you can think on your feet and adapt to changing priorities, which is essential for this position.
β¨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a must for this role. Bring examples of how your meticulous nature has benefited your previous employers, whether through managing budgets, overseeing property maintenance, or ensuring all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
β¨Prepare for Language and Cultural Questions
If you have French language skills, be prepared to discuss them during the interview. Additionally, understanding cultural nuances when managing properties abroad can set you apart. Research the areas where the Principal's properties are located to show your commitment and readiness for the role.