Job Description

Head Housekeeper - Firle Place, East Sussex

Please complete the screener questions in order for your application to be considered.

Due to the high level of interest we anticipate for this role, the advert may close early. We therefore encourage early applications, as we may not be able to consider applications received once the position is closed on Indeed.

Start date: Late March 2026

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, working hours may vary slightly during peak periods in line with operational needs

Working pattern: Days off are Mondays and Tuesdays

Reporting to: Estate Director

Live in: Yes

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience, with a private two bedroom apartment provided for single occupancy

ABOUT FIRLE PLACE

Firle Place is a historic family home and active country estate set within the South Downs. The estate supports a busy programme of commercial activity, including weddings, filming and photoshoots, guest self catering accommodation, public opening, corporate hire and a varied calendar of seasonal events.

From April to October the estate is particularly busy, with multiple activities often taking place at once. During this period, high standards, clear communication, and calm coordination are essential.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This is a newly created, live in role supporting Firle Place's commercial operations. The Head Housekeeper plays a central role in maintaining the presentation, organisation, and day to day running of a wide range of commercial spaces during a busy and varied season.

The role is hands on and wide ranging, combining practical housekeeping delivery with planning, coordination, and team leadership. As this is a small team, the Head Housekeeper is expected to lead by example and to be actively involved in delivering housekeeping, alongside managing and supporting others. This is not a purely supervisory role and will suit someone who takes pride in maintaining standards through direct involvement.

As a new role, there is genuine scope to help shape how housekeeping operates across Firle Place. The position would suit someone who is confident setting up and refining operating procedures, enjoys bringing structure to busy environments, and takes satisfaction in improving how things are done over time.

This is a live in role. The Head Housekeeper is resident on the estate and is expected to participate in a regular on call rota, including being present for overnight duties linked to wedding accommodation and the wider operational needs of the commercial programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Wedding Accommodation

Lead the full delivery of wedding accommodation for up to nineteen guests Prepare bedrooms and communal spaces to a consistently high standard Complete all in house laundry including washing, drying, ironing, folding, and storing linen and towels Manage high volume linen changes and resets before, during, and after stays Be present on site throughout wedding weekends and guest stays Set up and maintain the continental breakfast area Where extended or cooked breakfasts are arranged, support smooth service alongside the catering team Coordinate closely with the Weddings and Events team on timings, arrivals, departures, and guest needs Deliver detailed changeovers within tight timeframes
Hands On Housekeeping

Work alongside the housekeeping team, carrying out cleaning and preparation personally Maintain high standards across the main house, wedding accommodation, and event spaces Respond calmly to reactive cleaning and resets during busy periods Clean and care for historic surfaces, furnishings, and objects in line with conservation guidance Work with the Curator to ensure chattels and valuable items are handled safely
Riding School Wedding Venue

Ensure the Riding School is clean, stocked, and presented to a high standard Reset the venue after each event
Guest Properties

Assist with the coordination and preparation of two self contained guest properties as part of the wider estate operation
Filming, Photoshoots, and Corporate Hire

Prepare and maintain rooms used for filming, photoshoots, and corporate hire Support presentation and reactive resets throughout use Work closely with Operations and Security to ensure safe access to the house
Team Leadership and Coordination

Lead, train, and support the part time housekeeping team Build rotas covering weddings, deep cleans, events, and estate activity Create a calm, organised, and supportive working environment
Planning and Organisation

Work closely with Weddings, Events, Operations and Security, and House Opening and Tearoom teams Maintain the House Diary and plan ahead for busy periods Order supplies, manage stock, and maintain accurate records
Health & Safety

Take responsibility for maintaining health and safety standards within the housekeeping team, ensuring safe systems of work and a supportive working environment.

EXPERIENCE

Experience in private estates, senior housekeeping roles, or fast paced hospitality Experience delivering high standard changeovers under pressure Experience leading a small team while working hands on

SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

Calm, organised, and confident making decisions Warm, professional, and discreet Strong communication and prioritisation skills Detail focused and physically capable Respectful of working within a historic family home

DRIVING

Full driving licence required Own vehicle essential due to rural location Confidence driving manual estate vehicles

ELIGIBILITY

Right to work in the UK required References will be requested

ACCOMMODATION

A private, self contained two bedroom apartment is provided on a single occupancy basis as part of the role. The second bedroom may be used as occasional guest room. Small pets considered. Council tax and utilities are included.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

Please include a covering letter to highlight your interest in this role and reason for applying. This is a newly created role. Please briefly describe a time when you helped to set up or improve systems or ways of working in a previous role. This is a live in position, what appeals to you about living and working on site and are there any challenges you feel this might pose to you? The main days off for this role are Mondays and Tuesdays. Will this work for you?
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle? (required)
Work Location: In person