#1542 - Permanent House Manager - to start April/May 2025 - near Newbury

An experienced, organised and friendly house manager is required for a large 11 bedroom newly renovated home near Newbury. Accommodation is available if the candidate is not local. This role will involve working weekends and the family are looking for someone with experience, who is flexible and able to muck in with everything required to ensure a happy team, happy home and to keep everything running smoothly.

The main family consists of 5 - 2 adults and 3 young children, plus dogs. The candidate must be a countryside lover, must love children and animals, and must be a driver. This will be a fully staffed household, and this candidate will be overseeing the whole team, but must be happy to work with them really well to ensure a happy environment. Full commitment to the service industry and to the family is essential. It is also important the candidate has had previous experience working for families with last minute changes and plans, and is able to act calmly and professionally at all times.

Jobs will include, but not limited to:-

  1. Cleaning and maintaining silver, china, antiques and other specialist items.

  2. Planning of Duty rotas for members of staff

  3. Keeping the house to the highest of standards with regards to cleaning and laundry.

  4. Maintain contents inventory.

  5. Maintain Wine cellar, restocking and inventory.

  6. Keep bar stocked and replenished

  7. Be able to liaise/book/oversee maintenance contracts.

  8. Managing contractors on site

  9. Maintaining security & Communication systems and record keeping

  10. Car management - Insurance, MOT, servicing, cleaning etc

  11. Driving duties - Train station, airport etc

  12. Basic Flower arrangement

  13. Dog care

  14. Packing/unpacking principal on arrival

  15. Organise social and family events

  16. Valet duties if required.

  17. Wardrobe management

  18. Caring for the family, household guests and visitors

  19. Running errands

  20. Cooking - Able to cook light lunch/full meals etc

  21. Serving at table - Silver service/butler service etc

  22. supervising and training household staff

  23. overseeing the work of contractors, service providers & suppliers

  24. overseeing procurement of household goods

  25. looking after guests

  26. organising dinner parties and events

  27. being hands-on with all administrative duties, including budgeting, paying bills, purchases

  28. Responsibility for all household systems including air conditioning, heating, security, AV, and all tech.

  29. First point of contact for Principals - Regularly interacting with owners to maintain direct communication and compliance with their needs.

  30. Ensuring morale is kept high throughout the household and staff are working safely and efficiently.

  31. Overseeing household staff including hiring, firing, payroll management and performance

  32. Writing of household manuals and policy documents for owner’s approval.

  33. Serving of wines and other drinks.

  34. Serving of refreshments and meals

  35. Overseeing the following roles, chef, housekeeper, nanny, pet minder, gardeners, and chauffeur if required

Skills Required • Extremely organised. • Experience successfully managing and encouraging teams. • Meticulous attention to detail. • Longevity. • Flexibility. • Financially minded and proficient with budgeting and purchasing. • Professional as well as approachable and personable. • A good communicator. • Proactive, motivated and willing to be fully hands on when needed

If you are interested in this position, please e mail ella@sugarellacooks.co.uk