Domestic Couple (Operations Manager & Head of Housekeeping)
Overview
We are working with a prestigious private country house and events venue in Oxfordshire to recruit an experienced and committed couple for two key residential positions: Operations Manager and Head of Housekeeping.
This is an excellent opportunity for a couple looking for a long-term position within a beautiful private estate and busy events environment. The roles will work closely together, supporting the day-to-day running of the house, its guests and a busy programme of weddings and private events.
The ideal couple will be hands on, professional, physically fit and confident dealing with guests, suppliers and event teams. Previous experience within a wedding or events venue, hotel, private household or similar hospitality environment would be highly advantageous, although management experience is not essential.
The wedding and events season runs from April to October (the venue hosts approximately 40–50 events per year); when the roles become particularly busy and will include regular Saturday work. The winter months are considerably quieter, providing the opportunity to take longer periods of time off.
Job duties
Operations Manager
Event Operations / House & Grounds Maintenance
- Work closely with the Sales and Events team to prepare the house and marquee for weddings and other events.
- Set up furniture, equipment and event spaces according to detailed event plans.
- Liaise with wedding suppliers and coordinate deliveries and collections.
- Move furniture and equipment as required.
- Carry out post-event damage and stock checks.
- Monitor and resolve day-to-day maintenance issues.
- Carry out basic repairs, maintenance and painting.
- Coordinate tradespeople and contractors for larger works.
- Assist with occasional maintenance around the grounds and facilities, including the swimming pool and tennis court.
- Work alongside the Head of Housekeeping and event team on event days, providing hosting and guest support.
- Monitor access to the main house during weddings and ensure the property remains secure.
- Assist with basic housekeeping duties during quieter periods when required.
Head of Housekeeping
- Lead all housekeeping operations across the property.
- Clean and maintain the house to an exceptionally high standard.
- Manage laundry, linen and bed changing.
- Prepare bedrooms and guest areas for weddings, private hire and holiday rental clients.
- Maintain the property’s 12 bedrooms and guest areas.
- Look after guests throughout their stay.
- Assist with guest arrivals and departures.
- Ensure the house is beautifully presented before events and private stays.
- Work closely with the Operations Manager and event management team.
- Assist with hosting and securing the house during events.
Shared duties
- Work together to ensure the smooth running and presentation of the property.
- Support the event management and catering teams during weddings and private events.
- Provide hosting and guest support on event days.
- Work flexibly during the busy April–October wedding season
- Provide general household and guest support when the owners or their family are occasionally in residence.
Candidates must be/have:
- Previous experience in a wedding/events venue, hotel, private household or similar environment (highly desirable)
- One full Driving Licence (essential)
- Physically fit and comfortable with a very hands-on role involving lots of stairs, carrying heavy laundry bags and moving furniture and equipment.
- Professional, presentable and confident in front of clients and guests.
- Strong spoken English and excellent communication skills.
- Ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within the role.
- Reliable, practical and able to work independently.
- Flexible and happy to adapt working patterns around the events calendar.
- Management experience would be advantageous but is not essential; the client is happy to consider candidates with the right attitude, experience and potential.
Accommodation
A fully furnished one-bedroom flat within the property is provided. All bills are included, including council tax, electricity, gas, heating and Wi-Fi.
Pets may be considered.
The couple will have access to an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court when clients are not in residence.
Hours
Average of 37.5 hours per week, based on five days.
Standard hours are broadly 9:00am–5:30pm with a one-hour lunch break, although flexibility is essential. Days off will generally be taken during the week when weekend work is required.
- April–October: Busy wedding and events season, including regular evening and weekend work
- November–March: Significantly quieter period, allowing accumulated TOIL to be taken and providing opportunities for longer periods of leave and travel.
Location
Near Wantage, Oxfordshire, UK.
Salary
£36,000 per annum each / £72,000 per annum (combined).
Discretionary annual bonus.
Job ref
CP1078: Domestic Couple in Oxfordshire, UK.
Start date: October 2026, with a handover period alongside the current couple.
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