Summary
Location: West Berkshire, UK
Salary: Competitive, DOE
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Status: Live-in
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and hands-on Head Housekeeper to join a welcoming and long-established household on a beautiful private estate in West Berkshire. This role would suit a confident, detail-driven professional who takes genuine pride in their work and enjoys leading a small team by example.
Working for a down-to-earth couple who truly value loyalty and longevity, the successful candidate will oversee the daily housekeeping operations of the main house and adjoining cottage (nine bedrooms in total), maintaining exceptionally high standards throughout. You will lead and work alongside a small team of housekeepers, remaining very hands-on while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail across the property.
The ideal candidate will have a strong housekeeping background with excellent knowledge of garment care, laundry processes, fine finishes, and appropriate use of cleaning products. A meticulous eye for detail is essential, as is a proactive and organised approach to managing both people and workload. Cooking duties will occasionally be required, so a confident and capable cook who can prepare simple, well-presented meals when needed would be highly desirable.
Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; flexibility to work weekends and holidays will be required when the principals are in residence. Accommodation is a 2-bedroom semi-detached cottage on the estate with its own kitchen, lounge, and small garden.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
· Leading and working hands-on alongside a small housekeeping team
· Maintaining the property to an exceptional standard at all times
· Full housekeeping duties, including cleaning, care of fine finishes, and presentation
· Advanced laundry and garment care, including delicate fabrics and specialist items
· Wardrobe organisation and linen management
· Ensuring the correct use of cleaning products and methods throughout the property
· Maintaining outbuildings and staff areas
· Occasional cooking duties as required
· Running errands, including occasional airport runs
· Liaising with senior household staff to ensure smooth operations
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
· Proven experience in a senior or head housekeeping role within a private household, luxury hospitality, or yachting environment
· Strong leadership skills with a hands-on approach
· Excellent knowledge of laundry, garment care, fine finishes, and cleaning products
· Extremely close attention to detail and pride in work
· Proactive, organised, and able to manage a small team effectively
· Friendly, discreet, reliable, and professional
· Fluent in spoken English and the right to live and work in the UK
· Full driving licence and own vehicle
· Excellent, checkable references
