Private Household – The Burford Recruitment Company
The Cotswold Private Household Recruitment Company
Domestic Couple / Estate Management / Head Housekeeper / Luxury Hospitality / Private Household
Domestic Couple – Operations Manager & Head Housekeeper Duration: Permanent Hours: Full Time Live-in
Location: Near Wantage, Oxfordshire
Salary: £72,000 pa
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, five days per week
Holiday: 28 days per annum
Contract: Permanent, following an initial six-month trial period
Start Date: October 2026
Accommodation: Furnished on-site accommodation with bills included
The Burford Recruitment Company is delighted to be assisting a private country house and award-winning events venue with the appointment of an experienced Operations Manager and Head of Housekeeping couple.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an established couple to live and work together within a beautiful private country house, taking responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of the property, guest care and a busy programme of weddings and private events.
The property hosts approximately 40–50 events per year, with the main wedding season running from April through to October.
Operations Manager
The Operations Manager will oversee the practical and operational side of the property, ensuring the House, facilities and event spaces are maintained and prepared to a high standard.
Responsibilities include:
- Working alongside the Events team to prepare and set up the House and marquee for weddings and private events.
- Liaising with suppliers and coordinating event deliveries and collections.
- Moving furniture and equipment as required.
- Completing post-event checks, including damage and stock checks.
- Managing day-to-day maintenance issues, carrying out minor repairs and decorating.
- Coordinating tradespeople and contractors for larger works.
- Assisting with occasional grounds and facilities maintenance, including the pool and tennis court.
- Supporting the wider household team wherever required.
Head of Housekeeping
The Head of Housekeeping will take responsibility for maintaining excellent standards throughout the 12-bedroom property and providing a high level of guest care.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading and undertaking all housekeeping duties, including cleaning, laundry, ironing and bed changing.
- Preparing bedrooms and guest areas for weddings, private hire and holiday rental clients.
- Maintaining high standards of presentation throughout the House.
- Looking after overnight guests and assisting with arrivals and departures.
- Providing discreet and professional guest care.
- Supporting the preparation and turnaround of the property around events.
Shared Responsibilities
The couple will work closely together, particularly during the busy events season.
- Working on a rota during event days, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Hosting and assisting guests during events.
- Coordinating with catering, events and venue teams.
- Monitoring access to and securing the House while events are taking place.
- Occasional cooking, shopping, driving and waiting duties when the family is in residence.
- One member of the couple must hold a full UK driving licence.
- Event administration or Events Office experience would be advantageous.
Working Pattern
The average working week is 37.5 hours across five days, generally 9.00am–5.30pm. The role requires flexibility, with evenings and weekends during the peak wedding season and weekdays taken as days off where appropriate.
Additional hours accrued during the busy season can be taken as TOIL during quieter periods, making this an attractive opportunity for a couple who would like the flexibility to take extended time away or travel during the winter months.
About You
We are looking for a capable, hands-on and professional couple with experience in private households, luxury hospitality, property management or events. The Operations Manager should have strong practical and organisational skills, while the Head of Housekeeping should have excellent housekeeping standards and a natural approach to guest care.
Both individuals will need to be discreet, proactive, flexible and comfortable working as part of a close-knit team.
To discuss Domestic Couple jobs n the Cotswolds, or to advertise a Domestic Couple vacancy in or around the Cotswolds, contact one of our specialist consultants
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