LIVE IN ASST. HOUSEKEEPER I HENLEY-ON-THAMES + INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Roles and Responsibilities

The Assistant Housekeeper is employed to work alongside the Senior Housekeeper to ensure that the house is constantly well maintained.  The property should be kept in a “prepared” state at all times.  It is essential that the cleaning and general maintenance of the house is kept well under control.  Occasionally preparing a family meal for the Principals/guests may be required.

• Tidy up anything from the ground floor Reception Rooms and Gun Room.
• Preparation of breakfast as required.
• Ensure that all service areas (to include the Kitchen, Laundry Room, Butler’s Pantry and back staircase) are clean and well organised.
• Laundering (to include washing, ironing and repair or alteration) as follows:
• All family laundry when in residence..
• To take clothes/linen to the dry cleaners when required.
• Items for dry cleaning to be noted in the “Laundry Book”.
• Vacuuming of the carpets daily if required, otherwise twice weekly or as necessary.
• Rugs should be swept and not vacuumed.
• Cleaning of grates, vacuuming and laying the fires.
• Bed linen should be changed every 4-5 days when in residence.
• Cleaning of the inside of the interior windows throughout.
• Cleaning of all furniture, including but not limited to soft furnishings, antique and other furniture, rugs and carpets.

 General Responsibilities:

• Close communication with the Senior Housekeeper/Head Butler regarding any maintenance and repairs required.
• Any household breakages and damages to items from the Butler’s Pantry should be reported to the Head Butler..
• Monitor contractors in the house and ensure their work is carried out in a tidy fashion. 
• When the Principals are in residence, it is expected that the dog feeding area is left clean.
• Dog walking when required.
• Kitchen/Toilets in Swimming Pool area to be cleaned. Fridges to be replenished.
• Shower/Steam Room in Spa area to be kept clean and tidy.
• When the family is away, it is necessary to maintain a programme of thorough “Spring cleaning”.
• Keep an eye on the flower arrangements and houseplants. 
• The Assistant Housekeeper may be asked to help out in the evening when there is a dinner party.
• Security: Report any incident details to Security Operatives on duty.
• If the family is not in residence and the house is left empty for whatever reason it is essential that the house is locked.
• Any other cleaning/maintaining of family/guest areas on the Estate as directed by the Senior Housekeeper. 

In addition:

• Taking on the duties of the Lady’s Maid on her days off/holiday.
• Travelling with the family as required.
• Shopping as required.
• Occasionally, the Assistant Housekeeper may be asked to prepare a meal for the family.
• Shoes and boots to be cleaned in conjunction with the Senior Housekeeper/Head Butler.
• Cleaning of wooden floors 
• High dusting.
• Ensure fridges and freezers are kept clean and tidy0
• Cleaning lights and chandeliers in conjunction with the Senior Housekeeper/Caretaker.
• Answer the front door and taking any relevant messages – if in doubt refer caller to a senior member of staff in the house if present or the Estate Office.
• If the family returns late after a trip away, the Assistant Housekeeper may be asked to help out “out of hours”.

Accommodation

Own self contained 2 Bedroom Cottage

Entry Requirements

 It is expected that you will have at least five years’ experience, be adaptable to change and embrace new challenges

Candidates should be educated to an acceptable level and be able to demonstrate a wide range of skills and knowledge within your respective discipline.

Candidates with a minimum of 5 years experience, well spoken, discreet, well presented and quick to learn and have a very good attention to detail.

Eligibility

Candidates must have the legal requirements to work in the UK and excellent checkable references

A valid DBS will be required