Houseperson ( Live In)

The Estate

The Estate extends over 25,000 acres. The land and property-based activities include residential and commercial lettings, property development, arable and vegetable farming, forestry, country sports, an inn, a holiday park, beaches, car parks, admissions, cafes, shops, concerts, and events.

Holkham Hall is a privately owned and the lived-in family home of the Earl of Leicester and his family. The hall is a member of the Treasure Houses group which consists of ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses, and castles in England today.

Overall job purpose

This is a ‘hands on’ role which will require a flexible and practical approach. The facilities and security team are heavily involved with the day-to-day operation to support both the public and private aspects of Holkham Hall.

The role of Houseperson is to ensure the Hall is safe and secure, minimising risk of loss or damage. The position is instrumental in ensuring that the family and visitors receive the best possible levels of customer services, reacting to matters in a prompt and friendly way. Turning a practical hand to all manner of maintenance jobs whilst keeping on top of mandatory compliance tasks to ensure that the building runs smoothly for visitors, family and staff.

You will be required live within the Hall itself, so that you can provide security cover in accordance with a 3 monthly rota published in advance. You would be expected to provide 24-hour security cover and emergency response shifts for multiple periods during any given week.

Job description

The following is intended to provide guidance as to duties, but it is not exhaustive. You will from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities as directed by management.

• To take responsibility for your allocated tasks for that shift, and to be clear on what is expected of you, seeking help from the Facilities & Security Manager if you are unsure.

• Ensuring the Hall is always presented and maintained to the very highest standards.

• Open and close the Hall as required; ensuring that the routes are clear, alarms are secured, including doors and windows and that lights and electrics are switched off.

• Respond to requests from the family, which may involve driving duties, movement of luggage, assisting with family dogs, fire laying, movement of furniture, carrying out tasks and repairs as well as other tasks on request. Responding to work requests in a professional and courteous manner.

• Assist with planned or last-minute projects in the Hall such as weddings & events, filming, tours, VIP Visits, (including safe landing and departure of helicopters) and family social gatherings. Throughout each you will demonstrate excellent customer services and teamworking skills.

• To always work with the upmost discretion & sensitivity with regards to the family & their guests.

• Undertake any other relevant activities which fall under the general scope of this role as directed by your line manager and Head of Department.

Security

• You will be required to cover multiple 24-hour duty security shifts per week, in accordance with a 3 monthly rota published in advance. From time to time, you may also be required to cover additional shifts to cover absence.

• Respond and challenge appropriately any unauthorised, suspicious, or malicious activity.

• Maintain secure access to the Hall and surrounding buildings and be always vigilant to ensure the security and safekeeping of goods and chattels.

• Responding to both fire and intruder alarm activations and deal with them quickly and efficiently.

• Have a good working knowledge of the fire and security alarm system in the Hall and adjoining buildings, know how to safely investigate activations, omit zones and reset the alarm.

Facilities and Maintenance

• Completing a routine of compliance jobs such as play area checks, fire alarm tests, biomass check and rooftop inspections and reporting accordingly.

• Where possible, optimise team resources and distribute workloads across the team to ensure efficiency.

• Undertaking routine repairs and maintenance of the site services and buildings under the direction of the Facilities & Security Manager. This may include basic plumbing, carpentry, painting etc.

.• Proactively reporting any concerns/maintenance issues to the Facilities & Security Manager to ensure these can be dealt with promptly.

• Assisting in the efficient operation of the utilities – gas, water, electric, heating and ancillary equipment and undertake utility savings by turning off all non-required powered equipment.

• Liaise with any onsite contractors and assisting with maintenance issues as required.

• Assisting with the deliveries of equipment, stock, materials, or large parcels to ensure they are delivered to the correct person or area.

• Assisting with the general maintenance and upkeep of Family and Enterprises vehicles

• Assist in the delivery of a programme of winter works during the closed season – which will include redecoration, repairs, and replacements.

• To support the Hall team in the installation of Christmas at Holkham, both internally within the Hall and visitor areas, and in Holkham Park.

• Ensure that all requests and actions are recorded on Maintain X accurately and in a timely way Health and Safety, Fire and Risk Management

• Support the Hall Manager and Facilities & Security Manager with regards to H&S, Security, Fire and Risk Management, being vigilant for reaches and ensuring compliance is maintained.

• Reporting any unsafe practice, potential hazard or anything that is likely to cause harm to staff or visitors.

• Out of regular business hours, be a first responder to any incident or emergency in the Hall. Liaising with duty security when appropriate.

• To be aware of Health and Safety requirements and carry out all duties in compliance with health and safety at work legislation and risk assessments.

• To always adhere to the Company’s Health and Safety policy

Personal qualities

• Discrete and trustworthy, reflecting the status of Holkham as a family home.

• Initiative, energy and a positive attitude

• Attention to detail and a desire to get things right.

• Team player

• Flexibility and an ability to work calmly under pressure.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Enjoys working outside in a varied environment.

• Good standards of personal presentation

• A commitment to develop your understanding and to demonstrate the 5 Holkham behaviors

A full UK driving licence will be required and an in date DBS essential

Excellent checkable references will be requested.

Training

You will be required and encouraged to engage in a program of professional development.

To apply please email - jackie@larstonerecruitment.com