This is a truly lovely role for an Assistant Housekeeper to work in a beautiful rural location in Scotland.
The Assistant Housekeeper is employed to ensure that the Private Lodge and Letting Lodges are maintained to the highest standard. The Private Lodge should be kept in a state of preparation for occupancy at all times, allowing for family/guests to arrive at short notice. It is, therefore, essential that the standard of cleaning and general maintenance of the Lodge is impeccable.
The Assistant Housekeeper role is to work under the guidance of the Head Housekeeper and alongside housekeeping staff, ensuring correct standards and practices are maintained. They will follow a well-ordered routine for daily tasks during family visits, and an in-depth programme to include specific tasks when the house is unoccupied. They will keep both themselves busy and motivated through both extremely busy times and also during long spells of non-occupation. This is a practical, hands-on position.
Off peak: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:30
Peak times: Whatever hours are required to fulfill the criteria of the position. It is understood that weekends will be worked during peak times and to accommodate letting lodge changeovers.
SALARY
£26,000K pa - £30,000K pa (DOE) pro rata
POSITION
Assistant Housekeeper
TYPE OF HOUSEHOLD
Family, Mansion, Titled Family, Professional / Philanthropist, Formal Household, Rural Location, Commercial
Roles and Responsibilities
Daily Duties
- Daily opening up procedure:
- Open and arrange curtains.
- Tidy up anything from the ground floor Reception Rooms.
- Whilst “opening up” check light bulbs and replace if able. If not, ask Maintenance to do so, preferably when the family is not present.
- Preparation of breakfast if required.
- Ensure that all service areas (to include the Kitchen, Laundry Room, Butler’s Pantry, [ironing room], and back staircase) are clean and well-organised.
- To launder when required (to include washing, ironing, and repair if necessary) as follows:
- All family laundry when in residence.
- Hand wash any garments as directed.
- Bed and table linen.
- To take clothes/linen to the dry cleaners when requested.
- Vacuuming of the carpets as required, otherwise twice weekly or as necessary.
- Rugs should be swept and not vacuumed.
- Cleaning of grates and laying the fires as required.
- To make beds daily and change bed linen as required.
- To clean bathrooms as instructed daily, or as required.
- In conjunction with the Head Housekeeper/Maintenance, the cleaning of the inside of the interior windows throughout, including their thresholds.
- Cleaning of all furniture, including but not limited to soft furnishings, antique and other furniture, rugs, and carpets
General Responsibilities:
- Close communication with the Head Housekeeper regarding any maintenance and repairs required.
- Any household breakages and damages to items from the Butler’s Pantry should be reported to the Head Housekeeper/Butler.
- Monitor contractors in the house, if no other house staff in attendance, and ensure their worknis carried out in a tidy fashion. Contractors must take their shoes off or wear overshoes.
- Report to Head Housekeeper if household supplies, such as light bulbs, toilet rolls etc. are running low.
- Water jug(s) must be filled each day with bottled water (some may need to be filled twice daily).
- The dog feeding area must always be clean.
- Toilets in the leisure center area, Boot Room, Secretary’s Office, and Staff toilets to be cleaned daily when the house is occupied.
- Shower/Steam Room in Leisure Center area to be kept clean and tidy.
- When the family is away, it is necessary to maintain a program of thorough “Spring cleaning” under the supervision of the Head Housekeeper.
- Keep an eye on the flower arrangements and houseplants.
- The Assistant Housekeeper may be asked to help in the evening when there is a dinner party.
- Security: Report any incident details to Head Housekeeper.
- If the family is not in residence and the house is left empty for whatever reason it is essential that the house is locked.
In addition:
- Shopping as required.
- If able, the Assistant Housekeeper may occasionally be asked to prepare a meal for the family, although notice will be given to make allowance for completion of other duties.
- Shoes and boots to be cleaned in conjunction with the Head Housekeeper if required.
- Cleaning of wooden floors – obtain care instructions from Head Housekeeper.
- High dusting.
- Ensure fridges and freezers are kept clean and tidy.
- Cleaning lights and chandeliers together with the Head Housekeeper/Maintenance/Butler.
- Ensure larder shelves are kept tidy and clean, and rubbish removed regularly, when the Lodge is occupied.
Accommodation
Own separate accommodation- within a staff lodge
All bills found
Entry Requirements
- Uniform to be always worn whilst on duty.
- Long hair should be tied up and presentable whilst on duty
- Clean drivers licence essential
- Excellent checkable references
- Previous experience working in a formal household or 5* hotel
- The legal right to work in the UK
