Back to search
We have an amazing opportunity for a professional and dedicated Estate Management Couple to oversee the smooth operation of a large country estate in Devon. This is a hands-on role ensuring the estate, grounds, and residences are maintained to the highest standards. The role involves the day-to-day management of the estate, including regular communication with the Principals and Chief of Staff to ensure their needs and priorities are met. The successful candidates will oversee and manage the estate staff, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently. Regular inspections of the estate, coordination of maintenance, and management of external contractors will be essential, along with maintaining budget and expense management. This is an incredible opportunity for an experienced couple to join an excellent team and work for fantastic principals.
In addition to general management of the estate, Housekeeping will be an important aspect of this role, requiring a keen eye for detail and strong managerial skills to effectively supervise and guide the cleaner in maintaining the main house and two cottages to very high standards. The Couple will be responsible for preparing the home for family visits and guests, ensuring all spaces are welcoming and functional while also managing household supplies and shopping as needed. Additionally, will assist with cooking and food preparation, and working closely with the Chef on menu planning will be required for this role. Driving duties, including running errands and providing airport and train transfers, will also be required and so a driving licence is required to be held by at least one member of the Couple.
Tech-savvy and reliable, the Couple will also be responsible for the security of the estate and act as the primary point of contact for alarms, emergencies, and staff concerns. They will manage the duty phone and be available for any estate-related issues. Pet care, including looking after two dogs, will also fall under their remit.
Accommodation is provided in a private 2-bedroom apartment on site. This role will be a 45-hour week working from Thursday to Monday and receiving days off together on a Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be a need for flexibility when the family are in residence.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE:
- Overall estate management, including overseeing grounds and residences
- Day-to-day management of the estate staff team, including delegation of tasks, maintaining schedules, and overseeing performance
- Foster a happy and productive working environment, ensuring all staff feel supported and valued
- Regular inspections and upkeep of all estate properties and grounds to ensure they remain in excellent condition
- Coordinate with contractors for specialised repairs, renovations, and maintenance tasks.
- Budget management, including processing invoices, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial accountability
- Management of all household laundry, including clothing, fine fabrics, linens, etc.
- Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the household
- Provisioning and taking stock of all household items
- Flower arranging
- Polishing antiques, marble and silverware
- Occasional light cooking, when required
- Oversee and support events and guest stays, ensuring seamless execution.
- Monitoring the duty phone and dealing quickly and responsibly with any issues that arise
- Pet care - walking, feeding, cleaning
- Ad-hoc errand running and driving duties
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Proven experience managing private estates or large households
- Excellent organisational, time management, and administrative skills
- Proficiency in IT tools (e.g., MS Office)
- Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset
- Full UK driving licence (at least one individual)
- Ability to handle physical tasks and work flexible hours
- Very high attention to detail
- Team players with positive, 'can-do’ attitudes
- Right to work within the UK
- Excellent checkable references
