Discreet, Organised, and Highly Capable Support for Principals and Estates
At The Burford Recruitment Company, we specialise in the discreet recruitment of Private PAs, Estate Office Managers, and Family Office Professionals across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and the wider Cotswolds.
We understand that behind every well-run estate or private household lies a professional who ensures that every detail, from schedules and travel to projects and correspondence runs smoothly.
Our candidates combine exceptional administrative skill with total discretion, enabling principals, estate managers, and family offices to operate efficiently and confidently.
Roles We Recruit
Our network covers a wide range of senior private office and administrative positions including:
- Private Personal Assistants (PAs) – managing diaries, correspondence, travel, and logistics.
- Estate Office Administrators & Managers – coordinating maintenance, suppliers, and budgets.
- Chiefs of Staff / Operations Managers – overseeing multiple properties, projects, and personnel.
- Family Office Professionals – managing accounts, projects, and relationships across business and personal portfolios.
- Executive Assistants (EAs) for principals with both corporate and private responsibilities.
Whether you require a hands-on, resident PA or a remote professional to oversee your operations discreetly, we can tailor the search accordingly.
Typical Responsibilities
Our Private PAs and Office Professionals often manage:
- Complex diary and travel arrangements
- Household and property administration
- Budget tracking and supplier coordination
- Private event organisation
- Correspondence, filing, and record-keeping
- Liaison with accountants, legal advisors, or trustees
- Confidential projects or family initiatives
Many of our candidates are equally comfortable managing private affairs as they are overseeing estate operations or supporting business interests.
Why Choose The Burford Recruitment Company
We represent experienced Private PAs and senior administrators who have supported UHNW families, entrepreneurs, and estate owners across the UK and internationally.
Our clients value our ability to deliver:
- Confidential service — all enquiries handled with complete discretion.
- Professional representation — only pre-screened, career PAs are introduced.
- Local expertise — based in Burford, we understand the people and pace of the Cotswolds.
- Tailored process — we take time to understand your working style and expectations.
We don’t simply send CVs — we make thoughtful introductions that reflect personality, professionalism, and long-term fit.
Our Process – Professional, Thorough, and Discreet
Recruiting a Private PA or Family Office professional requires insight, structure, and confidentiality.
Our five-step process ensures the highest standards of care, diligence, and privacy.
Step 1 – Consultation & Role Definition
We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your household or office structure, communication preferences, and priorities.
We’ll discuss key requirements such as:
- Level of autonomy and decision-making
- Technical or financial skills required
- Communication and reporting style
- Office vs. home-based working arrangements
- Travel, diary management, and project oversight
Step 2 – Search & Candidate Identification
Using our database of 15,000+ professionals and trusted private office network, we identify suitable candidates who combine administrative excellence with discretion and loyalty.
We also hold database search licences with major national job boards, allowing us to proactively approach passive candidates who may not be actively applying.
Step 3 – Interviewing & Vetting
Every candidate is personally interviewed and evaluated for:
- Private household or family office experience
- Professional presentation and communication skills
- IT literacy, organisation, and problem-solving ability
- Commitment to confidentiality and discretion
We verify references, right-to-work documentation, and, where relevant, financial or data-handling credentials.
Step 4 – Introductions & Coordination
We’ll present a refined shortlist with comprehensive profiles, and coordinate interviews around your availability.
Our consultants manage every aspect of the process — from candidate briefing to offer negotiation — ensuring discretion at every stage.
Step 5 – Placement & Aftercare
We support both you and the candidate through onboarding, handover, and the early stages of employment.
Our Good Recruitment Guarantee ensures that every introduction meets our standards for professionalism, compliance, and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your PAs work exclusively for private clients?
Yes. We specialise in Private PAs and Office professionals with experience supporting principals, family offices, and estate owners — not corporate teams.
Can your PAs manage both personal and business affairs?
Many of our candidates have dual backgrounds in corporate and private environments and are adept at handling both personal and business responsibilities.
Do you provide temporary or project-based cover?
Yes. We can supply interim PAs, maternity cover, or short-term administrative support for specific projects or transitional periods.
Can you help with contract and onboarding arrangements?
Yes. We provide clear advice on offer structures, confidentiality clauses, and onboarding best practices for private household or office-based employment.
Do you recruit for hybrid or remote positions?
Yes. Many modern family offices prefer hybrid or remote support — we adapt our search to suit your working model.
Contact Us
We’ll listen carefully, advise honestly, and introduce candidates who meet your standards for service, discretion, and trust.
Discreet. Professional. Personal.
The Burford Recruitment Company — trusted by private families, estate owners, and family offices across the Cotswolds for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Community.
Recruit other positions with The Burford Recruitment Company
Discover More Private Staff Recruitment Options
Begin with the main overview: Hire Staff in the Cotswolds.
Domestic care is covered on Hire a Housekeeper.
Outdoor expertise is available under Gardener & Horticulturalist hiring.
High-end service is found via Butler recruitment.
Estate oversight lies within House Manager hiring.
Versatile support is detailed in Domestic Couple recruitment.
Culinary talent can be found through Hire a Private Chef/Cook.
Security solutions appear on Close Protection Officer hiring.
For driving and childcare support, explore Chauffeur and Nanny/Governess roles.
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