House Manager Based UK and Canada

Role Overview

An experienced and hands-on House Manager is required to oversee the smooth running of a private household in London and Canada for one individual. This is a dynamic and varied role combining management responsibilities with practical, day-to-day household duties.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, discreet, and flexible, with a proactive approach and excellent attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day running of the London property, including care and maintenance of the interior and exterior.

• Supervise housekeeping duties, in-house laundry, and management of dry cleaning, providing cover as needed.
•  Contact, screen, propose and oversee all vendors, comparing multiple quotes and track spending.
•  Oversee, co-ordinate and supervise all contractors and keep record of all renovation projects, track work progress, and costing. 
• Be responsible for budget management, invoice review, and payment, managing petty cash as well as maintaining and submitting records/receipts.
• Be responsible for management of the UK House bank account.
•  Set the service standards to meet the needs of the Employer and properties, for all staff, which shall include reviewing, training, and on-going management of staff ('concierge style' attitude and discretion are of paramount importance). 
• Undertake/oversee a daily walk through of the property (interior and exterior) and be responsible for ensuring the principal aesthetics of the properties with an appreciation for aesthetic quality and demonstrate high end design sensibilities.
•  Supervise food shopping, preparation, and cooking for the Employer when at the property, providing cover as needed. 
•  Keep accurate and up to date records of/for all employees' recruitment, terminations, orientation, training, mentoring, coaching, staff absence and sick days.
•  Prepare the weekly/monthly/daily schedules for staff, which shall include managing staff holidays and special requests. 
• Be responsible for weekly meetings with staff to keep staff informed and up to date, to ensure that work is delegated efficiently and to inspect work which has or is being carried out.
•  Help cover for the Employer's personal assistant when the personal assistant is on leave, covering duties such as diary management, booking appointments, scheduling meetings etc. 
•  Act as point of contact and gatekeeper for any updates provided by the Employer on household activity, scheduled maintenance, and status of staff.
•  Wardrobe management. 
•  Maintain and update household manuals as needed.
•  Work with, schedule, supervise and be responsible for the upkeep of maintenance for the properties (electrician, plumbing, gas, heating, boiler etc.)
• Maintain seasonal routines and procedures for the interior and exterior of the properties: i.e. painting, window washing, jet washing, carpet cleaning etc.
•  Organise, pack, ship receive and record all deliveries and packages for the property and Employer.
•  Be responsible for handling and caring for fine art, fine furniture, antiques, and collectables.
•  Schedule personal appointments and run ad hoc errands when requested. 
•  Travel with the Employer as required, and in any event up to 12 weeks a year, to offer assistance for both business and leisure trips, pack and unpack with the aim to create a seamless "home form home" experience whilst traveling and staying in hotels.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to Canada
• Trips typically up to 2 weeks at a time
• Travel shared on a rota basis with the Assistant House Manager

Working Schedule

When Principal is in Residence:

• Monday to Saturday (rota shared to cover Saturdays)
• Shift patterns:
• 7:30am – 4:00pm
• 11:30am – 8:00pm

When Principal is not in Residence:

• Monday to Friday
• 9:00am – 5:00pm

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in a similar hands on House Manager role within a private household
• Confident managing staff and overseeing household operations
• Hands-on and willing to assist with housekeeping and laundry duties
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills
• Flexible and adaptable, particularly with travel requirements
• Discreet, trustworthy, and professional at all times
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team