A rural loving Housekeeper is required for a High End Traditional Rural Estate near Inverness. Accommodation is available on the Estate which is suitable for an individual, or someone with a family/pets.
Overview: Overseeing and undertaking housekeeping duties as required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of a commercial shooting/fishing lodge and holiday cottage portfolio to the high standard set by the Principals. The role will require flexibility and an ability to work at times under pressure, manage others effectively and maintain attention to detail at all times. An ability and willingness to cover all aspects of housekeeping from keeping inventories and greeting guests to hands-on cleaning is essential.
Within this broad remit, specific responsibilities will include the following:-
• Liaise closely withEstate Office staff, guests (but only when they are in residence) and The Principals as required to ensure information on and the requirements of each booking is fully understood and provide information to the Estate Office as required, including details of staff hours and (lodge only) guest numbers, oil and electricity use;
• Hire temporary staff, in liaison with The Principal, as required to assist at peak periods, train staff in their roles and ensure they carry out their duties to the required standards and behave appropriately and whenever in the lodge wear the uniform at all times;
• Undertake cleaning, bed and towel changing in morning after guests leave;
• Set fires as required in lodge (red and tartan rooms) every morning and in holiday cottages at end of each stay; (there are also additional staff to assist with this during busy times)
• Ensure empty bottles and rubbish generally is disposed of correctly and in a timely fashion;
• Launder and iron as required smaller items not professionally laundered and clean kitchen filters.
• Greet lodge guests upon arrival and provide them with the information they require for a comfortable and enjoyable stay; ensure guest names are on bedroom doors, light fire and candles and serve afternoon tea;
• Liaise with lodge chef on guests’ dietary requirements, organise shoot lunches including transport of this to and from shoots where picnics are required, oversee breakfast service and organise guests’ wine and/or other requirments;
• Ensure buildings, contents, grounds and equipment is continually monitored and problems or deficiencies are correctly reported without delay;
• Undertake fire alarm checks in the lodge and ensure all fire procedures are followed and guests and staff are aware of these;
• Manage breakfast and undertake morning clean of lodge and ensure all is in place for evening use by guests including dinner all to the required standards;
• Organise and carry out spring cleaning and prepare regular cleaning rotas to take into account guest movements;
• Ensure lodge and all holiday cottages are fully inspected at least once every week;
• Implement health and safety policy in the lodge and holiday cottages;
• Attend meetings and courses as required;
• Undertake digital inventory check after each party leaves, reporting any breakages or missing items to the Estate Office;
• Ensure welcome hampers are provided for each party (holiday cottages only) and information in all properties is kept up-to-date;
• Ensure laundry stores are kept clean and tidy, inventoried, all items are in the correct place and required laundry is in stock, liaising with laundry service as required; ensure laundry is returned by laundry service to the required standard and correctly billed;
• Ensure lodge equipment (such as kitchen appliances) are correctly used by guests, chefs and staff;
• Liaise with other members of Estate staff as required.
The post requires a high degree of adaptability due to the wide-ranging nature of the businesses on the Estate. The successful applicant may be required to carry out other Estate duties during quieter periods such as winter and spring time. The busiest time is generally May and August, with the lodge opening between May and end of January.
The housekeeper will need to be prepared and willing to work weekends, and to shift patterns/rotas. They must be good at managing their time and the other staffs time efficiently to ensure breaks are being taken. This role would be best for someone physically fit and active who loves being in a service position and would be excited about living in the Scottish Highlands.
If you are interested, please e mail ella@sugarellacooks.co.uk with your CV.