At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening and management of a stunning private estate near Marlborough.
- Company: A prestigious private estate offering a unique opportunity for leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, separate accommodation, and flexible start date.
- Other info: Not a typical 9-5 role; flexibility needed for weekends and holidays.
- Why this job: Shape a major residence and deliver exceptional service in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience managing large properties and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 150000 £ per year.
A significant private estate in Wiltshire is seeking a General Manager / House Manager to lead the opening of its main house and then run it. This is a rare chance to shape a major residence from the ground up: defining the team, systems and standards, then delivering exceptional service once the family is in residence.
You will take ownership of the house’s operational readiness, working closely with the owner, the estate leadership, project and interior design teams, facilities, security and contractors. The role moves between construction-phase coordination, facilities and M&E oversight, service planning, recruitment and hands‑on delivery. The owner is closely involved and moves at pace, so clear, concise communication is essential.
This is not a Monday‑to‑Friday role. Weekends, school holidays and key periods are required when the family or guests are in residence, with time off taken in quieter periods.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced hospitality professional who has run very large properties, such as a luxury or country house hotel, a large private household, a private members’ club or a major estate, with experience opening, launching or transforming a complex property or hospitality operation. They will have a strong practical grasp of building systems, maintenance, compliance and contractor management, and be a natural leader who can build and develop a high‑performing team. They will be happy to get stuck in, resilient and flexible, highly organized, calm, discreet and commercially minded.
Duties include:
- Leading the operational mobilisation and opening of the main house
- Defining the staffing model, systems, service standards and operating structure
- Recruiting, building and managing the household team as requirements become clear
- Creating house manuals, procedures, rotas, reporting lines and routines
- Working with project, maintenance and M&E teams to understand the building, plant and systems
- Supporting contractor handover, capturing defects, snagging, warranties and servicing requirements
- Overseeing facilities, planned maintenance and the day‑to‑day presentation of the house
- Preparing the house for the family, guests and events, and being on shift when they are in residence
- Managing contractors and suppliers, and coordinating with security, gardens, housekeeping, kitchens and the wider estate
- Helping develop budgets, cost controls and resourcing plans
To be considered for this role, you must:
- Have run very large properties: a luxury or country house hotel, a large private household, a private members’ club or a major estate
- Have good academics, at least strong A Levels
- Speak English fluently
- Hold the right to work in the UK
General Manager / House Manager – Near Marlborough, Wiltshire – £110,000–£150,000 GPA (DOE) employer: Poppy Lane Placements Ltd
Poppy Lane Placements Ltd offers a dynamic work environment in Fulham, where you can thrive as a Senior Financial Accounts Manager within a close-knit team dedicated to innovative design and project delivery. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development alongside competitive benefits, including a pension scheme, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction and design sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager / House Manager – Near Marlborough, Wiltshire – £110,000–£150,000 GPA (DOE)
✨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 Poppy Lane Placements Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Poppy Lane Placements Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Poppy Lane Placements 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 General Manager / House Manager – Near Marlborough, Wiltshire – £110,000–£150,000 GPA (DOE)
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 Poppy Lane Placements 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 Poppy Lane Placements 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!
