Our clients, a fun, informal, family based near Burford, are seeking an experienced House Manager to oversee their busy household and attend to their various needs. The family is looking for a proactive, adaptable candidate who can manage the day-to-day running of the home, handle last-minute requests, and maintain a high standard of service. The property will soon undergo renovations, and the successful candidate will also assist with liaising with contractors and overseeing the property in the family’s absence. The household includes 2 young adults and an extended family that regularly visits, so the role requires someone who can manage a bustling environment.
Duties outlined but not limited to:
- Attending to the family’s daily requirements with discretion and professionalism
- Some light cooking / family style meals as and when needed
- Serving meals, beverages, and ensuring family needs are met
- Hosting and greeting guests, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience
- Overseeing maintenance of the property and grounds. Proactively identifying issues and using initiative to address them without being asked.
- Supervising household staff
- Coordinating with contractors and suppliers during property renovations. Project management as needed.
- Attending to the pool and tennis court to ensure they are maintained and ready for use
- Liaising with PAs re family schedules, including appointments and events (e.g. Shoot Days, Tennis Tournaments, Dinner Parties, large scale parties.)
- Assisting with various household duties both indoors and outdoors
- Proactively making restaurant reservations on weekends the family are in residence and without plans
- Weekly walk-through of the house and gardens to check all appliances and tech are working, and ensuring the garden, kitchen, tennis court, swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge, etc., are all in good order
- Chauffeur bookings as needed.
- Caring for 2 much-loved dogs (a dachshund and a cocker spaniel) and taking them to the groomer and vet regularly (candidates must be dog lovers) and care when the family are travelling.
Additional Duties:
- Some driving when the family is in residence (pub/restaurant/dinner party drop-offs and pick-ups, airport transfers)
- Car maintenance (service, MOT, tax, etc.), keeping petrol topped up, and electric vehicles charged
- Household admin – insurance policies, utilities, council tax, TV licence, bills, and invoices
- Overseeing gardeners, contractors, and property projects (renovations, etc.)
Key Attributes:
- This role will require the candidates to wear many hats, so individuals must be adaptable and unpretentious.
- The family is spontaneous and lives life to the fullest, so plans can change at short notice. Candidates must remain calm and not get flustered when changes occur.
- Discretion and trust are of the utmost importance.
- Candidates must be self-sufficient, confident in making decisions independently when appropriate, and unflappable.
- A ‘can-do’ attitude is essential, and candidates should avoid bringing problems to the principals unless they have solutions.
- Local networking and connections are important; the candidate should be well-liked and respected in the local community.
- Emotional intelligence is key, knowing when to step in and when to fade into the background.
- The family requires someone who can be on hand without hovering, allowing them to enjoy a relaxed family atmosphere.
- The principals are extremely approachable but have busy businesses, so candidates should understand when to give them space during work hours.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Previous experience in a similar role (Butler, House Manager, or similar position)
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced and spontaneous environment
- Excellent communication skills, both with the family and external parties
- A positive and adaptable attitude, able to anticipate needs and act accordingly
- Full, clean driving license is essential
- Ability to work independently and take initiative when required
- Experience with managing a household and overseeing maintenance tasks
- Discretion and a high level of confidentiality
Additional Information:
- This role can be live-in or live-out for the right candidate.
- The family is looking for someone who can start in May 2025.
- The working days will be Thursday to Monday with Tuesday and Wednesday off. The family are often away at weekends and during the week.
- 9am to 5:30pm but the House Manager will be on call when the family are in residence
Salary: Starting at £55,000 and upwards. Open to negotiation based on experience and the right candidate.
REF: S&W#3027083
