Head Housekeeper (Live-In Job), East Sussex
Our client, a historic private estate and family home set within the South Downs, is hiring for a Head Housekeeper to support their corporate business. The estate hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year, including weddings, filming and photoshoots, corporate hires, public openings, seasonal events, Airbnb accommodation, and family stays.The busiest period runs from April to October, during which the house and grounds operate at full capacity and require exceptional presentation, coordination, and attention to detail.Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head Housekeeper to take responsibility for the presentation, organisation, and smooth day-to-day operation of housekeeping across the estate.This is a key leadership role, particularly during the peak season, requiring flexibility, calm decision-making, and a strong eye for detail. The Head Housekeeper leads the housekeeping team while remaining fully hands-on, delivering consistently high standards across wedding accommodation, event spaces, historic interiors, and short-let properties. As this is a live-in role, the successful candidate will be resident on the estate and available for required overnight duties during wedding stays.
Location: South Downs, East Sussex
Start Date: Monday 23 March 2026
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum DOE
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, with additional hours required during the main season
Working Pattern: Thursday to Monday
Accommodation: Live-in — private, self-contained two-bedroom apartment (single occupancy)
Key Responsibilities
Wedding Accommodation
1. Lead the full delivery of wedding accommodation for up to 19 guests
2. Prepare bedrooms and communal spaces to a high standard ahead of guest arrival
3. Manage all in-house laundry, including washing, drying, ironing, folding, and storage
4. Coordinate high-volume linen changes before, during, and after stays
5. Be present on site throughout wedding weekends, including overnight duties
6. Set up and maintain the continental breakfast area
7. Liaise with in-house catering for extended or cooked breakfast services where required
8. Coordinate closely with Weddings and Events teams on timings, arrivals, departures, and guest needs
9. Deliver efficient and detailed changeovers within tight timeframes
Hands-On Housekeeping
10. Carry out cleaning and housekeeping duties alongside the team
11. Maintain exceptional standards across the main house, wedding venue, Airbnb properties, and guest areas
12. Respond to reactive cleaning and resets during overlapping estate activities
13. Clean and care for delicate historic surfaces, furnishings, and objects in line with conservation guidance
14. Work with the Curator to safely move and reposition furniture, chattels, and valuable contents
Wedding & Event Venues
15. Ensure wedding and event spaces are clean, polished, stocked, and event-ready
16. Reset venues to a high standard following each event
Short-Let Accommodation
17. Manage all cleaning, changeovers, and in-house laundry for two short-let properties
18. Maintain linen stock and guest supplies
19. Coordinate readiness alongside wedding accommodation and estate scheduling
Filming, Photoshoots & Corporate Hire
20. Prepare and maintain rooms used for filming, photoshoots, and corporate events
21. Support reactive resets and presentation throughout bookings
22. Work closely with Operations and Security to ensure safe and coordinated use of the house
Team Leadership & Management
23. Lead, train, and support a part-time housekeeping team
24. Build and manage rotas covering weddings, events, deep cleans, and estate activity
25. Provide clear direction and hands-on support, fostering a calm and organised working environment
Estate Coordination & Planning
26. Work closely with Weddings, Events, Operations, Security, House Opening, and Tearoom teams
27. Maintain the central house diary covering weddings, accommodation, filming, public openings, and family stays
28. Plan ahead for peak periods and anticipate operational needs
29. Order supplies, manage stock budgets, and maintain accurate records
What We’re Looking For
Experience
30. Previous experience in a senior housekeeping role within a private estate, high-end hospitality, or similar environment
31. Proven experience managing high-standard changeovers under pressure
32. Experience leading a small team while remaining hands-on
Skills & Personal Qualities
33. Calm, organised, and confident decision-maker
34. Warm, professional, discreet, and guest-focused
35. Strong communication, organisation, and prioritisation skills
36. Physically capable with excellent attention to detail
37. Respectful and mindful when working within a historic family home
Driving & Eligibility
38. Must be a driver with own vehicle
39. Confident driving manual estate vehicles
40. Right to work in the UK required
41. References will be requested
Accommodation & Benefits
42. Live-in role with a private, self-contained two-bedroom apartment (single occupancy only)
43. Second bedroom suitable for home office or occasional guest use
44. Accommodation includes council tax and utilities
45. Unique opportunity to work within a historic estate environment
46. Varied, fast-paced role with significant responsibility and autonomy