Our client, a lovely young family with an idyllic, large estate in Fawley, Southampton, is looking for a live-in or out Housekeeper/Cook, who is happy to be involved in occasional childcare too.

This would suit a live-in candidate, although a live-out candidate is also something they would consider if you are open to sleeping on-site occasionally when the family are away etc.

Responsibilities to include:

• Open & close / clear reception rooms morning and night after use
• Lay and prepare tables for fine dining, caring and key-holding for valuables and items used in table settings
• Waitress as required
• Receive guests, show them to their rooms, getting assistance with luggage if needed
• Turning down rooms for the evening after guests have gone for dinner
• Assist with floral arrangements, refreshing water in arrangements, keeping an eye on houseplants – liaising with Gardener on them coming in and out
• Liaise on Kitchen Garden and processing produce with the female principal and Gardener
• Keep snagging list updated for all household issues / broken furniture / plumbing / lighting
• Run errands for employer, organise dry cleaning etc
• Answer telephone / take messages
• Communicate with guests on lost / forgotten items
• Vacuum clean carpets, rugs and curtains, sweep, scrub, mop, and polish floors
• Manage monthly schedule, liaising with the other housekeeping staff
• Dust and polish furniture and fittings, clean metal fixtures and fittings
• Make up beds and change linens as required, tidy up rooms
• Laundry duties, iron and press clothing and linen
• Monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements
• Check and purchase groceries and household supplies to maintain adequate levels, maintain record of related expenditure
• Prepare family meals for employer and or guests if required using Kitchen Garden produce where possible
• Daily care of household pets
• Polish silverware and objects, & clean appliances
• Wash dishes and keep kitchen clean at all times
• Babysitting overnight as required, full responsibility of the children at the time
• Occasional school run when required
• Prepare school kits / uniform as per daily requirement
• Any other duties or tasks as assigned from time to time

Candidate requirements:

• Well rounded, with a can-do, helpful attitude
• Great time management skills, you will be expected to manage your own time and breaks according to the house schedule
• Representing the family, household, and guests with discretion and confidentiality is highly important
• Child and pet friendly, with an up-to-date DBS
• A car will be made available for use if required for work purposes, therefore candidate should have full UK driving licence

Accommodation if live-in: to be discussed at interview
Working days and hours: Thursday – Monday (Tuesday and Wednesday days off), 50 hours per week; Specific hours TBC
Salary: £45,000 per annum