House Manager, Weybridge
Achieve Hospitality
Job Title: House Manager
Location: Weybridge, Surrey
Salary: Dependent on Experience (DOE)
Working Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed)
Start Date: ASAP
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated House Manager to oversee the efficient running of a private household in Weybridge, Surrey. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in property and household management, demonstrating exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a team effectively. This role is pivotal in maintaining the household’s high standards and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of all family members and guests.
Key Responsibilities:
Property Management
- Ensure that the property is safe and well-maintained, conducting regular inspections of the interior, exterior, grounds, and any ancillary buildings.
- Oversee household systems such as security, lighting, AV/IT, cooling, and heating to ensure optimal functioning.
- Proactively identify potential issues, such as wear and tear, safety hazards, and maintenance needs, addressing them as necessary.
- Schedule and supervise all routine maintenance and timely repairs of broken or malfunctioning equipment or systems.
- Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, including building codes, fire safety, and environmental standards.
- Plan and oversee contractors and tradesmen for projects such as extensions, refurbishments, and remodelling, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
- Act as the key holder and manage property lease, purchase, and/or sale as required.
Household Management
- Oversee all aspects of daily household operations, ensuring a seamless service experience.
- Design and implement checklists, policies, schedules, and systems to cover all household needs.
- Perform routine inspections to maintain cleanliness and organization.
- Supervise maintenance and repair of appliances, furnishings, and valuable items, including art and antiques.
- Ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, enforcing hygiene, safety, and service standards.
- Support menu planning and meal services, accommodating dietary requirements.
- Manage laundry schedules and care for delicate fabrics while overseeing wardrobe organisation.
- Maintain adequate household and kitchen inventory, promoting minimal wastage and recycling practices.
- Oversee the care of indoor plants and manage deliveries and errands.
- Develop safety and emergency preparedness protocols.
Staff Management
- Lead and manage household staff, including chefs, drivers, housekeepers, and other domestic workers.
- Ensure adequate staffing through effective rostering for daily operations and special events.
- Establish benchmarks for service delivery and hold regular briefings with staff.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and staff morale, ensuring compliance with labour regulations.
- Monitor staff workloads to support well-being and prevent burnout.
Visitor Management
- Ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests, coordinating pre-arrival arrangements and preferences.
- Oversee preparation of guest rooms and ensure that amenities are stocked and ready.
- Anticipate guest needs, including transportation and activities, while maintaining discretion and respect for privacy.
Vehicle & Transport Management
- Oversee maintenance and scheduling of household vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Manage repairs and inspections while ensuring vehicles are kept in pristine condition.
- Develop protocols for driver safety and service etiquette.
Pet Care
- Oversee daily needs of household pets, ensuring nutritional needs are met and care activities are managed.
- Coordinate vet visits and administer treatments as directed by veterinarians.
Childcare (if applicable)
- Implement parental preferences and assist with school runs.
- Oversee childcare support, meal planning, and personal organisation for children.
Household Administration and Reporting
- Plan and manage household budget and expenses, ensuring timely payment of bills.
- Maintain comprehensive household records, including contracts, maintenance logs, and staff employment data.
- Prepare regular reports on budget, activity, maintenance, and inventory.
Ideal Candidate:
- Education/Training: Degree or Diploma in Administration, Management, or a related field.
- Experience: At least eight years of professional experience in estate or household management, ideally within private households or the hospitality industry. Prior experience in a single or multi-family office environment is advantageous.
- Knowledge/Skills:
- High service aptitude with a commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and discretion.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Independent, self-motivated, and adaptable with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to learn quickly and implement effective solutions.
Additional Information
- Work will be performed in a residential environment, with some offsite responsibilities and potential travel.
- Flexibility in working hours is required, including evenings and weekends as necessary.