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Tiger Private recruits for private support staff in family offices and private households in London, the UK and internationally. As such, they are experts in recruiting for housekeeping jobs, helping experienced candidates find the perfect role.
A housekeeper in London, or elsewhere in the world, is primarily responsible for maintaining a principal’s home (or in some cases, homes). This involves cleaning each space to an incredibly high standard, overseeing the laundry of delicate fabrics and expensive pieces and in some cases, preparing food or cooking meals.
There are two types of housekeeper jobs – live-in and live-out. Regardless of their living situation, a housekeeper may also be required to travel with their principal on occasion.
Please see our latest housekeeper jobs. To view more opportunities and expand your criteria, visit our job search page.
A live-in housekeeper job is a great option for those looking to truly integrate themselves into a private household. Most live-in housekeepers in London and beyond will work just over five days a week, with some sort of weekend work – usually on a Saturday morning. They will be expected to oversee all cleaning and maintenance of household items, including fine furniture and antiques, as well as manage laundry and on occasion, cook meals for the principals. They are usually working in larger houses with a variety of leisure spaces – for example, a gym, multiple bedrooms, media room or wine cellar.
A live-in housekeeper in London will have accommodation provided on-site, along with meals and in some formal households, a uniform.
A live-out housekeeper job is a varied and rewarding role that generally follows a five-day working schedule. Just like a live-in role, it involves the cleaning and maintenance of a property, as well as the care of delicate fabrics, luxury fixtures and fittings and antiquities.
A live-out housekeeper will need to be proactive and possess a keen eye for detail, taking initiative where necessary. They should also be willing to conduct general administrative tasks, such as errand running and assisting other members of staff.
In larger households, there may be a head housekeeper, responsible for the management of all housekeeping staff. This can be a step up for experienced housekeepers, offering an opportunity to develop managerial skills and share their knowledge with a team. A head housekeeper will need to be an expert in cleaning and maintaining luxury goods, advising on tasks like polishing silverware, cleaning antiques and cleaning delicate fabrics.
In a larger household, a head housekeeper may report into a house manager or chief of staff, communicating achievements and concerns of their team when required.
A housekeeper’s average salary is £32,000, but this can vary based on the living arrangements, working hours and size of the home. If you are looking for a head housekeeper job, you can expect an average salary of £40,000. Once again, this will vary based on the size of the home, the amount of people you have to manage and your additional responsibilities.