Governess for B4, G5, B8, G13 in Verbier, Switzerland + Travel

Location: Verbier, Switzerland + travel
Accommodation: Live-out accommodation provided in Le Châble  (approximately 12 minutes by car or gondola from the family home, offering a high level of privacy)
Salary: £70k gross per annum + for the right candidate
Start: Very flexible for the right person
Commitment: Minimum 3-year commitment

Role Overview

A highly experienced, organised and professional Governess is required to support a warm, private, UHNW Swedish family based in Verbier, Switzerland. The family has four children aged 4, 5, 8, and 13 years old, who attend an international school following the IB curriculum.

This is a live-out role with accommodation provided separately from the family home. The household has a cleaner in place. The family are extremely discreet, warm, and respectful and are looking for someone equally professional, switched on, and emotionally intelligent who can work in close partnership with the mother.

The role is five days per week, with one of those days being either a Saturday or Sunday. Two days off are provided each week. The family generally does not require support in the mornings, although occasional morning cover may be needed. The majority of the role begins around midday and runs through the afternoon and evening.

During the daytime, the Governess will take responsibility for family organisation, cooking for the family, and all general governess-style duties. This includes wardrobe management, diary management, school coordination, preparation of school materials, and PA-style support to the mother. The role requires someone who is highly organised, proactive, tech savvy, and able to take initiative without ego.

This is very much a collaborative role. The family is looking for someone who genuinely loves children, enjoys supporting the household, and understands that no task is too small. The mother is absolutely lovely, and the successful candidate will feel valued, appreciated, and supported. The family is open to discussing a partner relocating for the right candidate.

The family are very open-minded and are focused on finding the best possible fit. They value harmony in the home, clear structure, and someone who puts the children first. They are not looking for someone who believes certain tasks are beneath them. Instead, they are seeking a true all-rounder who enjoys learning and staying up-to-date with pedagogy, nutrition, and child development, and who takes pride in creating a well-run and organised household.

There is very rare proxy parenting required, which would only take place once trust has been well established. Flexibility is expected on both sides, and the family is respectful of the need for rest, particularly following extended periods of work.

The family are active, creative, and outdoorsy and would love someone who enjoys mountain living, hiking, and sports and who has plenty of energy. Emotional intelligence is extremely important, as is the ability to read the room, respect boundaries, and know when to step back.

The family would love to trial a suitable candidate as soon as possible for one to two weeks to ensure a strong mutual fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Support four children aged 4, 5, 8 and 13
• Provide educational support, particularly homework support for the 8 and 13 year old
• Bring structure and organisation to the household
• Carry out full Governess duties including wardrobe and diary management
• Prepare and organise school materials and schedules
• Provide PA style support to the mother
• Cook healthy, nutritious meals for the family
• Encourage good boundaries with a firm, fair and loving approach
• Work collaboratively with the mother and household team
• Drive the children as required (mountain driving essential)
• Support the family during weekends as part of the five-day schedule
• Uphold the family’s privacy and discretion at all times

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience working as a Governess within high-profile households
• Teaching background strongly preferred
• EU passport holder (essential for working in Switzerland)
• Highly organised, proactive and tech savvy
• Confident supporting homework and academic structure
• Warm, switched on and emotionally intelligent
• Confident driver, comfortable driving in mountain environments
• Loves the outdoors, hiking and an active lifestyle
• Enjoys cooking and has an interest in nutrition and healthy eating
• Open-minded, down-to-earth, and collaborative
• Discreet, professional and respectful of privacy
• Strong boundaries, confident and not a pushover
• Calm, fair and loving approach to discipline
• Problem-solving mindset and love of learning
• Able to commit to a minimum of 3 years

Languages:
Swedish is highly desirable, but the family is open to all languages. They would love a second language, whatever that may be. Excellent English is required.

Additional Information

Holiday allowance is 28 days per year, with half chosen by the family and half by the candidate. The family spends approximately eight weeks in Sweden over the summer and is keen to offer time off during this period, with the likelihood of additional holiday.

The family is open to discussing a partner relocating for the right candidate.

To apply for this role, quote “Governess Verbier” to enquiries@quintessentialgoverness.com.