Please call us on 0207 808 7042 to discuss any aspect of your requirement in detail.
Domestic/Household Staff Roles
We recruit Professional and experienced UK based and English speaking Candidates for clients based outside the UK, worldwide, but particularly for positions based in the following areas/locations:
- North America: USA, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cayman Islands.
- Europe: Switzerland - Geneva and Zurich, Monaco, Italy, Paris, Madrid, Marbella. Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan
- Middle East: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt
- Australia/Asia: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore
Details of some of the roles we recruit for are as below, although the list is by no means exhaustive and, should you have a different requirement, please do let us know.
House Manager or Major D'Omo
A House Manager, sometimes also known as a Major D'omo, is responsible for the management of a formal or multi-staffed household. The profile of a Household Manager will vary depending on the individual candidate and the specific needs of the household and Principal. The House Manager will usually have either worked previously in similar roles or alternatively may have been a Butler or PA.
The duties of the House Manager might include hiring and overseeing other household staff, managing special projects for the Household, booking travel arrangements, maintaining household security, running errands, managing the household calendar, bookkeeping and/or accounting tasks, planning and directing special events.
A strong educational background in addition to computer and accounting skills are usually required.
Estate Manager
An Estate Manager is typically responsible for the entire running of a private estate, usually multiple homes and or properties, sometimes located in different countries. An Estate Manager's profile will vary depending on the individual candidate and the needs of the estate. An Estate Manager will usually have formal training and previous experience as a Household or Estate Manager. Formal education in addition to computer and accounting skills are commonly required, as well as a broad base of knowledge relating to general household management duties.
The duties of the Estate Manager might include organizing and running large household events, managing the household calendar, bookkeeping and accounting, managing designated building/maintenance projects, cooking and/or gardening for the home or homes, hiring and directing other household staff, booking travel arrangements, maintaining household security and running errands
Private Chef
Private Chefs will usually plan and prepare food for parties and other social events as well as caring for the day-to-day dining requirements of the Family and possibly household staff. The Private Chef prepares gourmet meals in a client's home. Private Chefs are responsible for all of the meal preparation and stocking of the kitchen including the ordering of the groceries. They are knowledgeable of different types of menus and the ability to accommodate special dietary needs is essential.
A Private Chef is also responsible for the organization and operation of the kitchen and the presentation and serving of the food. They may be required to assist with or oversee special functions or events. A Private Chef usually works among other household staff, and is very well experienced and qualified, often with experience in similar roles. They will usually have experience of many different international cuisines, but some families may also hire a specific chef for his particular knowledge of the food of one region or country.
Personal Assistant / PA
A Personal Assistant is responsible for working closely with the employer in the management of their household, personal and professional needs. The experience and background of a Personal Assistant varies depending on the individual candidate, but most Personal Assistants might be graduates in addition to having previous professional experience in a private home. They will generally also have strong computer and accounting skills.
The duties of a Personal Assistant might include making suitable travel arrangements, booking appointments and managing the household calendar, assisting in planning & organization of parties & other events, general errand running, managing the household accounts and liasing with suppliers and handling special projects
Butler
A Butler is a senior manager within a formal or multi-staffed household, usually in charge of only one residence. A Butler typically has professional training and formal experience in either a private household or prestigious hotel. A Butler can be a live-in or live-out employee, but most of our candidates are looking for roles with accommodation provided.
Typical duties of a Butler might include receiving Household guests on behalf of the Principal / Family, running the household and personal errands for the Principal, managing suppliers, making travel arrangements for the Principal and Family or other Household guests, security maintenance, assisting with the preparation and serving of meals and drinks, setting the table for formal meals, creating and maintaining household budgets, wine cellar management, scheduling maintenance of estate property including yachts, cars and related property.
Domestic Couple
A Domestic Couple is made up of two individuals (usually married) who work together as a team providing domestic and personal service for a household on a daily basis, usually for 5 or 6 days per week. Any combination of service is possible, based on the employer's property and service needs. Some combinations we see most frequently are Caretaker and Housekeeper, House Manager and Cook, Nanny and Houseman, Personal Assistant and Chef.
Domestic Couple positions are almost always Live-in positions. These positions will take on the full responsibilities of running a household. Some of the duties that may be included would be: housekeeping, cooking, auto care, gardening, child care, event planning, expense reports, elderly care, and in some cases being the personal assistant as well. This position can entail many different responsibilities depending on the needs of the employer
Executive Housekeeper
An Executive Housekeeper is someone who is hired by a household to oversee the overall cleanliness of a formal or multi-staffed household. An Executive Housekeeper has specialized knowledge in housekeeping, cleaning and caring for fine furnishing, Haute Couture, valuables and artwork. They usually have excellent English skills, and varied knowledge and experience within households.
Usually they will be responsible for the overall appearance of the household, including often supervising, training and assisting the other housekeepers in deep cleaning, laundering clothes and household linens, cooking and servicing meals, running errands, changing bed and household linens, keeping the household supplies stocked, polishing the silver, caring for household pets and general household projects.
Housekeeper
A Housekeeper's primary responsibility is to keep the home clean and presentable. Housekeepers may not have formal housekeeping training, but should have experience working in a private home. The specific duties and skills will vary depending on the size of the home and the candidate's experience level.
Housekeepers work in all types of homes, from casual homes to formal, multi-staffed homes. Our housekeepers usually work on a live-in basis, full-time. They usually work alone, but should the needs of the home demand multiple staff, they may work as a team with other housekeepers. There is a wide range of duties that may fall under the housekeeper's responsibilities.
Typical duties may include cleaning the interior of the home and the immediate areas outside, laundering clothes and household linens, cooking and serving meals for the household, assisting with the cooking and serving for special events, running errands including the grocery shopping, bed and household linens, polishing the silver and crystal etc, house-sitting while the employer is away, and very occasional childcare duties.
Houseman
A Houseman is responsible for the "hands on" running of the home on a daily basis. A Houseman's primary responsibility is to keep the home clean, presentable and running smoothly. The specific duties and skills will vary depending on the size of the home and the candidate's experience level.
They might also carry out interior and exterior cleaning of the home, running household errands, maintaining household cleaning supplies, driving, party planning, serving, gardening and other projects. The responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the type of household and the employer requirements.
Laundress
A Laundress will care for and maintain all of the clothing and linens in the home. A laundress is knowledgeable about the caring, storing and handling of fine fabrics. Other duties might include washing, ironing, steaming, mending and organising the client's wardrobe and household linens. It also may include creating wardrobe inventory, storing garments and seasonal closet organization. Driver/Security
This position can be either one position or two separate positions depending on the needs of the employer. A driver will chauffeur family and guests upon request and are also responsible for the maintenance of all vehicles.A personal protection officer may be the driver, a chaperone, or may also be stationary at the residence, possibly working within a team. Security personnel will usually have some type of army or police background.
