The Senior Housekeeper is expected to be a member of the management team on the estate reporting directly to the Principals, and help managing a large number of staff - 7 in total - to ensure the day to day running of a premier private estate (15,000 sq feet) as well as personally organise and sustain order in the house, including Principal’s wardrobes and personal items. The Senior Housekeeper is expected to work with a 3rd party household management agency that will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the house. You will be expected to be hands on and lead by example if appropriate to the situation.
The family usually travel abroad during school breaks. This downtime does not affect the salary and general duties.
Duties:

Assisting the management of a full house team as per the Principal’s instructions.
Ensuring that the house is in best possible condition at all times.
Welcoming guests and attending to their needs.
Assisting with the budget and expenditure reports as well as effective stock control for all in house needs.
Agreeing purchases with other team members as well as 3rd parties and controlling delivery times.
Work in partnership with the 3rd party household management agency to ensure house performance is flawless (all maintenance issues and requirements to be outsourced via the agency). Overseeing 3rd party contractors when required.
Attend estate management meetings and share best practice with the team.
Occasional purchase of personal items for Principals.
Managing laundry and linen inventory
Care and maintenance of high end items such as clothes and jewellery.
Developing standards and cleaning manuals for staff to follow detailing products used on different items/finishes. Constantly reviewing housekeeping standards and cleaning supplies.
Dealing with any security issues and escalate to the Security Manager and 3rd party Management company in all instances.
Preparing plans for family events and private functions.
Ensuring Health and Safety guidelines are followed and staff are trained and aware of their responsibilities.

Candidate requirements:

Exceptional attention to detail, very high hygiene standards.
Polite, professional and confident
Extensive previous experience in similar households.
Excellent team building skills
Private Event Management highly desirable.
Excel knowledge is highly desirable but not essential.
DBS check is essential
Flexibility to work overtime is highly desirable.

Start date:       as soon as possible
Hours:              Monday to Friday with flexibility.
Location:         Hampstead
Salary:             £30,000- £40,000 gross per annum. DBS Check will be required.