Domestic Couple - Somerset / UK

We are seeking a Domestic Couple to support a busy traditional family of 5 (3 children), at their beautiful property in Somerset.

The main residence is a 5 bedroom house + offices, outbuildings, a swimming pool and gym.

Start: Mid October 2023 - this includes an approx. 2 week handover
Salary: Competitive and DOE + accommodation with all utility costs included (excl. broadband)
Accommodation: Beautiful thatched 3 bedroom cottage within the village
Pension: as per government guidelines
Holiday: 20 days + bank holidays, preferably taken during school term times but there is some flexibility here
Working hours: 08.00 - 18.030 week days but some flexibility must be expected to work on occasional weekends if required
Probation: 6 months with 7 days notice, thereafter 3 month notice
Pets: permitted on a case by case basis
Current household staff size: Domestic Couple + x1 Housekeeper
Vehicle: use of family SUV in support of daily routines

Our clients are seeking a very proactive, hands on and dynamic couple. They wish to employ a couple with outstanding ability who can demonstrate excellence and experience in a similar Domestic Couple environment, where a key focus is on building a trusted relationship and positive environment for their children. Consideration will be given to a couple seeking a pathway into a Private Staff/Domestic Couple role (without prior direct experience), but they must be able to demonstrate the ability to meet requirements (transferable skillsets e.g. hospitality, security, teaching, childcare, cookery, PA, project management, facilities).

The successful candidates will have warm personalities, be utterly trustworthy, proactive, dependable and discreet. A focused team player approach is a must along with a confident and focused mindset to be able to turn their hand to most things when asked to do so.

Duties:

Working closely with other staff

Being responsible for the interior and exterior security of the property (main house, guest house, pool, offices and outbuildings), including locking/opening of the property and responsible for the security systems, including as keyholders

Management of the indoor pool (specialists are assigned to the maintenance of it)

Provide employer with a clear monthly budget and expenditure with full accounting records and receipts

Management of household accounts

Record keeping of manual and guarantees

Management of household maintenance, interior and exterior, including plant room management – servicing, electrical, gas, plumbing, water, under floor heating, telecoms, security, internet and other facilities)

Maintenance of interior appliances throughout the property

Organising and managing repairs and construction works upon the request of the employer

Arranging and liaising with contractors

Undertaking any small internal and external repairs and general maintenance as required

Seeking appropriate comparison quotations for works, service or products

Managing the employer vehicles – maintenance and cleaning

Basic garden maintenance, mowing lawn, clipping hedges – helping the gardener

Management, maintenance of all outside areas

Organise bins and recycling

Maintain tools and gardening equipment (guidance given)

Clean and lay fireplaces

Fill wood boxes

Chop wood

Taking full responsibility for the cleanliness of the property, checking all rooms and areas morning and evening

Following personal requests and reasonable instructions from the family

Ensuring the smooth running of the household at the property

Looking after any family pets

Chauffeuring as required

Pet-sitting as required

Baby sitting or having sole charge of the children upon request

Purchasing items from shops, such as groceries

Undertaking any small repairs to household items and clothing and general maintenance as required

Working with due care and diligence in accordance with manufacturing instructions

Working in an organised and systematic discreet manner

Ensuring all beds are made daily

Providing an evening turn down service

Changing all the towels and bedding as required

Cleaning the house using appropriate products for the appropriate surfaces

Ensuring all rooms are cleaned, dusted and vacuumed daily, furniture is polished, floors are waxed/cleaned/polished as required

Doing the laundry (wash iron fold) and replace clothing into cupboards for all members of the family

Being responsible for all interior fabrics, surfaces, fixtures and fabric care

Cleaning of the kitchen including the fridge dishes ovens etc.

Cleaning of all the bathrooms daily

Welcoming and serving guests (tea coffee snacks) upon request

Polishing silver, crystal and furniture as necessary

Serving at the table or at events upon request

Cleaning internal windows

Undertaking valet services, perform any repairs or organise repairs as and when required

Organising dry cleaning for all family clothing and ensure that all valuable items of clothing are always maintained, cleaned and kept in good order

Use knowledge of silver, porcelain, crystal tableware, in the preparation of laying a table as well as in the care of those items

Meal plan, preparation and cooking of 4 evening meals per week and as required

Stock taking, making lists and grocery shopping as required

Replenishing a daily placement of any fresh flowers, fruits, nuts, water

Clearing out vases and place fresh water for fresh flowers/arrange flowers and water plants as necessary

Watering indoor and outdoor plants

Dealing with any seasonal changes in the interior of the property

Clear up and tidy before and after meals and load and unload the dishwasher

Answering the telephone and the door

Undertaking any administrative tasks as required

Arranging meetings, events, appointments with authorised trades people, waiting on their arrival, informing the employer of any repairs required and working with your employer to arrange and organise the dates and timings of any trades people

Running errands and performing necessary tasks as required

Driving / pick up service as required

Working some weekends as required – prior notice given

Working additional hours and days where necessary to complete any urgent tasks

NOTES:

There is an additional member of staff who is a Housekeeper, she shares the above tasks with the Domestic Couple role.

The Housekeeper works a 35 hour week.

You will all work closely as a team, dividing the duties as per skill/preference and ability.

All staff report directly to the employer.

Requirements:

Right to work in UK
UK driving licence (clean)
Solid validated references / verbal checks
Clear enhanced DBS check
A proactive mindset and attitude, able to anticipate problems and preventing them from happening
A strong planning ability and be able to get jobs done on time and in the correct way
Able to project manage a family’s day to day activities with focus on removing blockers and problems
Must be extremely well organised with very good time keeping
Very keen eye for detail and maintain high standards around the house
Able to work autonomously without general guidance or direction
Able to manage basic administration without issue in support of busy daily routines for the family with focus on children’s organisation during term times
Very solid approach to teamwork and working together with family and other staff members
Proper planning essential in order to achieve goals set a must

If this couple role is of interest, please submit your application. We'll be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Domestic Couple - Somerset / UK

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Domestic Couple - Somerset / UK

Domestic Couple

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Domestic Couple

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