Residence Manager, London, UK

We are recruiting an experienced Residence Manager to lead the day-to-day operational and technical management of a substantial, recently refurbished private residence in Knightsbridge/Belgravia.

The international UHNW family occupies the London residence for around three to five months each year. At all times, the Residence Manager will ensure the property, systems and maintenance programme are impeccably managed and ready for occupation.

This senior, hands-on role works closely with the Property Manager and established Service Lead. The Residence Manager leads operational, maintenance, inspection and systems matters, while the Service Lead coordinates service staff during family visits; both support one another when required.

The Residence

The substantial, recently redeveloped London residence has complex systems and ongoing maintenance and improvement requirements.

The family comprises two principals and five children, but occupation can bring 50–60 family members, guests and staff on site. These fast-paced periods demand exceptional organisation, communication and teamwork.

The property has 24/7 security and a trusted returning team of freelance housekeepers, chefs, waiters and butlers who know the family’s preferences and standards.

Key Responsibilities

The Residence Manager will take responsibility for the smooth operational running and readiness of the London residence, with duties including:

• Act as the senior day-to-day operational presence, keeping the residence fully functional and ready for the family’s arrival.
• Conduct regular inspections; identify, escalate and follow through maintenance or operational issues.
• Oversee planned and preventative maintenance, technical systems, servicing and on-site contractor activity, liaising closely with the Property Manager.
• Support smaller improvement and capital projects.
• Maintain inventories, records and operational documentation, including budgets, expenditure, variance reporting and spreadsheets.
• Support the wider household team during occupation and collaborate with the Service Lead so operational and service functions work seamlessly.
• Provide service cover when required, drawing on sound formal service, Food & Beverage and entertaining knowledge.
• Support private events, practical errands and occasional household vehicle servicing/MOT requirements.
• Ensure issues raised by security, housekeeping or other staff are resolved efficiently.
• Remain responsive and flexible before, during and after family visits, maintaining absolute discretion and professionalism.

When the Family Are in Residence

During family visits, service ranges from daily requirements to formal dining and entertaining. The Service Lead manages the core service team, while the Residence Manager must understand high-level household service and Food & Beverage sufficiently to step in or provide cover when needed.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate is an accomplished private household professional with substantial experience in complex, high-value residences and will offer:

• Around 8–10+ years’ experience in UHNW private households, luxury estates and/or exceptional five-star hospitality, including a Residence Manager, House Manager, Estate Manager or comparable senior role.
• Strong technical and operational knowledge of luxury residential property, including inspections, planned and preventative maintenance, contractors, systems, inventories and property care.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to identify and resolve issues before they escalate.
• Excellent leadership, people management, communication, organisation and attention to detail.
• Experience of large, fully staffed households and five-star Butler/service environments, with sound Food & Beverage and formal entertaining knowledge.
• Confidence working calmly in an extremely busy environment during principal occupation.
• Excellent computer and numerical literacy, particularly Excel, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Absolute discretion, confidentiality and flexibility regarding hours during family visits.
• Availability for occasional international travel and, preferably, a driving licence with confidence handling household and vehicle errands.
• Knowledge of London’s premium suppliers, contractors and service providers would be advantageous.

International Travel

This is not a travelling role. However, the family values consistent standards across its international residences, so staff may travel for approximately one week each year for group training, team building and collaboration.

Location: Knightsbridge / Belgravia, London

Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 8am–5/6pm, with additional flexibility when the family are in residence

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience

Travel: Occasional international travel for annual team training

Driver: Preferred, for occasional household and vehicle-related errands

REF:S&W#3675830