Housekeeper/ Cook (live-in), Belgravia, London

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Seeking a permanent live-in Housekeeper/ Cook care for a part-time residence, a 5 bedroom newly refurbished town house in Belgravia, London, owned by a HNW couple, 6 days a week (5 when Owners are not in residence) including weekends (time off given during the week). Must be dog friendly and have good experience in cooking Middle Eastern dishes.

The property is spread over 7 floors (with a large elevator) and comprises of 6600 sq. ft. including underfloor heating, air-conditioning, security and modern amenities. The interior is stunning and stylish in muted colours and of the finest quality. The Owners travel frequently and are away for 3 weeks over Christmas, Spring and Easter and most of the summer. Over a typical month the Husband is at the property for less than 3 weeks and his wife visits for 2, so most of the time it is just the Husband and his dog (golden retriever) who live at the properly. There are frequent guests in small numbers and family (children are at universities and boarding school) who will visit. A Private PA oversee the house and a live-out housekeeper is the Lead Housekeeper.

The duties are to oversee the smooth running of the household and delicious cook meals for Owners and guests, when required:

Cooking:

• Plan creative menus for tasty and healthy meals (French, Middle Eastern, Italian, Asian). No special diets or requirements except for no pork


• Source and purchase ingredients, fresh produce by going shopping (or online)


• Prepare and cook lunch and dinner to dinner party standard for mostly 1-2 persons, on occasions for up to 6


• Keep storage cupboards, refrigerator and freezer to hygienically very high standard – always


• Keep stores and food items well stocked


• Present dishes creatively, serve at the table and clear


• Lay tables and decorate if required


• Use all kitchen equipment appropriately


• Wash dishes and utensils; keep kitchen tidy and clean

Housekeeping:

• Assist with housekeeping (cleaning, laundry,…) when no cooking required


• Ensure property is readied to the Owner’s standard for all visits


• Report to and communicate with the Lead Housekeeper, Private PA and the Owner


• Ensure the property is kept safe at all times


• Carry out inventories with the Lead Housekeeper


• Keep record of all of expenditure for food/ kitchen purchases


• Oversee contractors for work to be carried out if required


• Run errands, if required


• Dog care, feed the dog and take him for walks

The requirements:

• 3-5 years previous experience in a private household


• Highly organized and well presented


• Competent cooking skills to create healthy dishes


• Good housekeeping knowledge


• Able to keep handle petty cash


• Fluency in English


• Physical stamina and mobility


• Ability to assist with language, if required


• Written signed references from past employers /current CRB/ DBS check


• Experience with security and key holding


• Dog friendly

The live in accommodation is a newly refurbished single room with an en-suite toilet and shower, overlooking the court yard, which can be used to sit in. It includes a kitchenette and a wardrobe and is well presented and new. A flat screen television and WIFI are provided. The household is run informally and dark trousers and a blouse/ shirt are acceptable for work.

We are looking for candidates who have an excellent understanding of running a kitchen. who are hands on and flexible in their approach. While this is a large house, it is occupied by 1 person most of the time. Candidates must have great communications skills, have very high standards and be well presented.. The client prefers someone of a quiet nature. Good housekeeping and competent cooking skills with experience of Middle Eastern dishes are essential as well as exceptionally high hygiene standards, particularly in the kitchen.

The role is to start in Sept. 2016. Trial period of 6 months since the Owners are away for much of the time.

The hours are 11am till 9/10pm with a 2 hour break in the afternoon over 6 days (5 days while Owner away) including weekends (time off during the week). The two days off while the Owners travel can be taken consecutively with prior approval.

Salary:£36,000 – 46,000 gross per year (live-in), depending on experience (approx. £530 – £656 net a week)

To apply please send a short cover letter outlining your experience and your CV.

Key words: Housekeeper, cook, private, household, Belgravia, Middle Eastern dishes, cooking, fresh produce, hygiene, shopping, cleaning, housekeeping, organized, standards, kitchen, flexible, dog care, key holder, security, live-in