Senior Housekeeper

Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Housekeeper for the Official residence of the Secretary-General. The role involves managing household operations, preparing meals, and coordinating events. Ideal candidates will have significant experience as housekeepers in senior settings, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain high confidentiality. This live-in position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the hospitality for dignitaries.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Housekeeper or in a senior household role with sound judgement.
• Experience in event and/or banqueting management is a plus.
• Knowledge of health and safety and basic food hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Official residence of the Secretary-General and oversee cleaning.
• Prepare meals for the Secretary-General and guests (up to 12 people).
• Manage planning and preparation for events and functions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Sound judgement

Communication skills

Proactive approach

Resourcefulness

Flexibility

Ability to work independently

Education

Diploma in Cookery/Catering or hospitality management

Job description

JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Senior Housekeeper, Secretary-General’s Official Residence Grade/Salary: J
Reports To:	Secretary-General

General Information

The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body of the Commonwealth, responsible for advancing and achieving the shared goals of the association’s 56 member governments in advancing democracy, development and respect for diversity.

The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General who, as the Chief Executive of the organisation, is responsible and accountable for its overall leadership and management. As an eminent public figure, the Secretary-General interacts regularly and widely with Heads of Governments, international organisations, High Commissioners and other key stakeholders within the Commonwealth and beyond. The Secretary-General resides at his/her Official residence currently located in Central London. The official residence is used for entertaining dignitaries and also serve as a venue for some official meetings.

Job summary

The Senior Housekeeper is responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of the Official residence of the Secretary-General. Youwill be responsible for the oversight of the maintenance of the property, plants and appliances, as well as undertake domestic work. The Senior Housekeepe will also work in close consultation with the Secretary-General and /or spouse and is expected to work without close supervision. The Senior Housekeepe is expected to bring to the position at all times the capacity to exercise initiative and independent judgement in the performance of agreed duties. It is essential that the Senior Housekeepehas and brings to the post absolute discretion and confidentiality.

The SeniorHousekeeper is a live-in position. Engagement on a day basis will also be considered for suitable candidates.

Task Description

The post-holder will undertake the following tasks:

Management of the Official Residence

• Manage the Official residence of the Secretary-General including overseeing cleaning and tidying of the house and immediate surroundings. Undertake light household duties where necessary or in the absence of other domestic staff.

• Manage the inventory of supplies and the official residence budget.

• Arrange supplies and proactively manage the supplies inventory.

• Prepare meals for the Secretary-General, family members and guests (up to 12 people.

• Run errands as required.

• Undertake laundry duties and ironing for the Secretary-General and household.

• Oversee other domestic staff within the household.

• Assists with the security management of the Official residence.

House Events and Functions

• Manage theplanning and preparation for events and functions including receptions and formal dinners at the Secretary-General’s Official residence. This to include management of vendors and contractors supplying events or catering services.

• Ensure that there is appropriate protocols and other formal arrangements in place and adhered to for such events and functions.

• Oversee the scheduling, prioritising and management of events or functions and advising on best use of the rooms in the Official residence.

• Ensure that there are adequate supplies in place for events or functions. Oversee catering and decorative inventory requirements.

• Liaises as required with the Secretariat’s Conference Team in the organisation of official functions and events at the residence.

Travel Preparation

• Overseethe Secretary-General’s personal travel preparation and requirements (official travel is managed by the Secretary-General’s Office in the Secretariat).

• Maintain a close liaison with the Secretary-General’s Office on the Secretary-General’s travel diary.

External Facing Duties

• Engage with senior public and private figures in appropriate manner which projects the office of the Secretary-General.

• Engage and negotiate with internal and external events organisers and other stakeholders as required to ensure smooth running of the house, events and functions.

Other duties

• Undertake any other duties assigned by Secretary-General or her delegate to ensure smooth functioning of the Official residence for family and official purposes.

Person specification

• Experience of workingas a Housekeeper or Senior Household role or equivalent in senior official or diplomatic household, demonstrating interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Experience of event and/or banqueting management
• Excellent communication skills to achieve the right results in dealing with visitors to the Official residence, at receptions and with service personnel
• Proactive approach to work, resourceful and flexible
• Ability to work on own initiative and make decisions in high pressure or challenging circumstances

• Able to set priorities within allocated duties while remaining responsive to competing priorities
• Ability to work without close supervision
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discreet at all times

Other requirements

• Diploma or Professionalcertificationin Cookery /Catering or hospitality management.

• Experience and ability to preparea choice of home cooked, fresh, nutritional meals and catering for any dietary and cultural needs.

• Knowledge of African customs and languages and preparation of African cuisine is desirable.

• Knowledge of health and Safety and Basic Food Hygiene.

• Driver’s licence.

• An understanding of budget management.

• A sound understanding of diplomatic protocol.