House Manager (Live-in or Live-out)
Overview
A private family in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced, highly organised and hands-on House Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of a beautifully considered family home, with a strong focus on design, nature, creativity, health and sustainability. The role is offered on a Live-in or Live-out basis.
This is a varied role suited to someone equally comfortable managing people, systems, maintenance and suppliers as they are rolling up their sleeves to support the wider household team. Strong household management skills, good taste, an eye for detail and an appreciation for how a well-designed home should function are all essential.
The House Manager will report to the Chief of Staff and the principals, and will work closely with the wider family office, household and garden teams.
Job duties
Responsibilities of the House Manager in Oxfordshire, include:
- Act as the principals’ single point of contact for all matters relating to the home.
- Build, manage and rota a team of full-time, part-time and freelance household staff.
- Support the Chief of Staff on HR protocol, including recruitment, onboarding, training and staff monitoring.
- Source and manage contractors and subcontractors for maintenance, renovation and service work, including quotes, invoicing, budgets and health & safety.
- Manage all household maintenance contracts (utilities, insurance, swimming pond, sauna, hot tub, fireplaces, etc.) and liaise closely with the garden team.
- Establish and maintain house systems, manuals, inventories, maintenance schedules and supplier records.
- Source everyday household items and finishing touches with strong aesthetic judgement.
- Manage household budgets, accounts and expenditure, seeking best value and flagging significant spend to the Chief of Staff.
- Oversee proper care of high-value art and design objects, liaising with installers, restorers and framers.
- Manage packing, unpacking and wardrobe care for the principals, including seasonal rotation of vintage clothing.
- Ensure the home is welcoming and runs smoothly for family stays, dinners, celebrations and guests, while preserving a relaxed atmosphere.
- Oversee the care and welfare of the family’s animals (currently two dogs, potentially more livestock in future), working with the garden team.
- Pitch in hands-on with tidying, cleaning or cooking when needed, and undertake other reasonable duties.
Candidates must be/have:
- Previous experience in a high-standard private household, managing staff, contractors and suppliers.
- A genuinely hands-on, collaborative approach with excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A high degree of career longevity
- Strong judgement, discretion and a clear understanding of confidentiality.
- Within a commutable distance of the property / near Banbury (if they choose to live-out)
- A good eye for interiors, presentation and household aesthetics, with an interest in sourcing thoughtful, well-made items.
- Confidence liaising with principals, family office staff and household teams, with a calm and respectful leadership style.
- Good financial awareness, able to manage budgets, invoices and quotes.
- Technology-proficient (Outlook, Excel, Dropbox, Word, Google Docs) and comfortable managing specialist contractors for mechanical, electrical, security, Wi-Fi and A/V systems.
- Ideally previous experience as a Head Housekeeper, or an excellent understanding of housekeeping standards and a willingness to work alongside the team.
- Open-minded and knowledgeable about health and sustainability, comfortable within an organic, low-chemical, low-waste household ethos.
Accommodation
Private accommodation provided if the House Manager wishes to live-in.
Hours
Full-time, Thursday – Monday. Days off on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flexibility is essential when the property has people in residence.
Location
Near Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK.
Salary
Live-in House Manager: £65,000 – £70,000, DOE.
Live-out House Manager: £70,000 – £75,000, DOE.
Job ref
CP1096: House Manager in Oxfordshire, UK.
The role is offered on a Live-in or Live-out basis.
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