Chef House Manager

Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Reydon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A family estate in Reydon seeks a versatile professional for a dual-role as Chef and Housekeeper. Responsibilities include preparing high-quality meals and managing household operations. Candidates should have experience in private households or dining, along with a practical, adaptable approach. Competitive salary of £40,000 for live-in or £50,000 for live-out, alongside a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Competitive salary

Discretionary annual bonus

Qualifications

• Experience in a private household or fine dining.
• Ability to balance kitchen and household management.
• Full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, seasonal meals for family.
• Manage household bills and liaise with contractors.
• Oversee property upkeep and car maintenance.
• Feed and walk dogs; care for other pets.

Skills

Proven experience as a Chef/Cook

Hands-on and adaptable approach

Reliable and discreet

Confident around animals

Job description

The Role

This position blends culinary excellence with the smooth running of a large family estate. Duties will include:

Culinary (Approx. 60-70%)

• Preparing fresh, seasonal, high-quality meals for daily family dining and occasional entertaining.
• Creating varied menus, including healthy and vegetarian options.
• Assisting with event catering and occasional holiday travel to cook for the family.

Household & Estate Management (Approx. 30-40%)

• General housekeeping to a high standard — laundry, ironing, bed changing, and deep cleans on a rota.
• Managing household bills, insurances, and liaising with contractors.
• Overseeing property upkeep, car maintenance, and facilities.
• Wardrobe management, dealing with specialist fabrics.
• Feeding and walking dogs, occasional care of cats, and watering plants when the family are away.
• Supporting the family with entertaining and general household organisation.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Chef/Cook and/or Housekeeper in a private household, fine dining, or hospitality background.
• A hands-on, adaptable, and practical approach — happy to balance kitchen excellence with household management.
• Reliable, discreet, trustworthy, and well-presented.
• Happy and confident around animals (family has dogs and cats).
• A full driving licence is essential.
• Non-smoker preferred.

What’s on Offer

• Live-in accommodation: a fully furnished private lodge within the estate, equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, and utilities included.
• Competitive salary: £40,000 (live-in) or £50,000 (live-out), DOE.
• Discretionary annual bonus (usually at Christmas).
• A varied, fulfilling role within a stunning, peaceful countryside setting.
• Supportive team environment, working alongside another housekeeper, a chef/house manager, and grounds staff.

If you are a versatile professional who loves both cooking and household management, this is a unique chance to join a long-standing, supportive household team and make a real impact. Get in touch with Helen Dawson at Select Recruitment for a confidential chat about this brilliant opportunity.