1698691: Head Housekeeper for UHNW Private Estate in Surrey, UK

An excellent opportunity for an experienced and accomplished Head Housekeeper to join a fully staffed, well-structured UHNW private estate in Surrey has become available. This is a key leadership role within a well-run home, suited to a professional who takes genuine pride in maintaining exceptional standards and leading a team with confidence, warmth, and discretion. You will oversee and support the housekeeping team, ensuring the property is maintained to the highest levels of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation at all times.
 
While leading from the front, you will remain hands-on, involved in daily cleaning and the careful maintenance of fine materials including marble, silver, crystal, and antiques, as well as overseeing specialist garment care and wardrobe organisation. A meticulous eye for detail and a natural sense of order are essential requirements for this role.
 
The role also involves training and developing the existing team to elevate standards where required, managing rotas and cleaning schedules, monitoring stock levels, and liaising closely with the House Manager to ensure seamless day-to-day operations. We are looking for someone who is proactive, solutions-focused, and confident in motivating and supporting others, while equally comfortable working independently when needed.
 
Working 5 days per week, the shifts may vary depending on the family’s movements, so flexibility to work different shifts, including over weekends when needed, is required for this role. The role can be offered on a live-out or live-in basis, with accommodation provided in an en-suite bedroom within detached staff accommodation.
 
DUTIES TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Lead, motivate and supervise the housekeeping team, ensuring consistently exceptional standards throughout the residence
• Plan daily workloads, allocate tasks and monitor productivity to ensure the smooth running of the department
• Carry out and oversee the full range of housekeeping duties, maintaining the property to immaculate presentation standards
• Manage specialist garment care, including laundry, hand washing, ironing, pressing and the care of delicate and designer clothing
• Oversee wardrobe management, including seasonal wardrobe changes, inventory management, packing and unpacking for travel, and maintaining clothing and accessories in pristine condition
• Ensure all bedrooms, reception rooms, bathrooms and staff areas are cleaned, organised and maintained to the highest standards
• Manage household inventories, housekeeping supplies and linen stocks, ensuring adequate supplies are maintained at all times
• Liaise closely with the House Manager and other household departments to ensure seamless daily operations
• Train, mentor and support junior housekeeping staff, maintaining consistent working practices and service standards
• Conduct regular quality checks throughout the residence to ensure exceptional attention to detail
• Coordinate deep cleaning schedules and oversee specialist contractors where required
• Assist with preparing the residence before principal arrivals, guest stays and special events

 
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Previous experience as a Head Housekeeper or Senior Housekeeper within a UHNW private household, luxury yacht or five-star hotel
• Proven experience managing and developing housekeeping teams, with the ability to oversee larger teams when required
• Exceptional housekeeping skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong laundry, ironing, garment care and wardrobe management experience
• Highly organised with excellent planning and time management skills
• A dynamic, proactive and hands-on approach with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a large household team
• Maintain complete discretion and confidentiality while working within a busy private household
• Flexible, discreet and committed to delivering the highest standards of service and presentation at all times
• Right to live and work in the UK
• Excellent, checkable references