The British High Commissioner’s Residence is a beautiful, historical property that has three overlapping functions: home to the British High Commissioner; the main representational property for the UK in Australia Network, used for hosting official events and entertaining; and accommodation for official visitors. It supports the work of the UK in Australia in furthering UK government interests and policy objectives, maintaining a network of senior and influential contacts and showcasing the UK.

The Residence Manager oversees the day-to-day management and long-term maintenance of the Residence and its grounds. They are responsible for ensuring the services provided to the High Commissioner and visitors are of the highest quality operational, sustainability and hospitality standards.

The successful candidate will lead and supervise a small but highly capable team of Residence staff and will work closely with other colleagues in the British High Commission including the High Commissioner’s Private Office, Events, Security and Estates management.

This is a demanding but rewarding position that requires excellent inter-personal and organisational skills; the ability to manage competing priorities, deliver under pressure and respond flexibly to changing demands; problem-solving and a proactive approach to improvements and efficiency; leadership and team work; a high standard of hospitality and event delivery; attention to detail; and strong customer focus.

Given the nature of the work we do, and the nature of diplomacy we require someone with a strong demonstrable sense of loyalty, judgement and discretion. 

Roles and responsibilities:

The core of this role is to ensure the smooth and effective running of the Residence as both a home and a venue for official events and visitors, delivering the highest standards of hospitality, efficiency, sustainability and value for money.

Tasks include, but are not limited to:

Representation

• Be the face of the Residence internally and externally, representing it confidently and professionally.
• Maintain a can-do, solutions-focussed approach to requests from colleagues for use of the Residence, ensuring clear communication and effective coordination of requirements.
• Deliver the High Commissioner’s preferences and requirements in a timely, responsive and positive manner.
• Provide a welcoming, professional and informative welcome to all visitors to the Residence, including UK and Australian Ministers, diplomats, industry representatives and members of our youth network.

Estate management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the Residence and grounds, ensuring they are maintained to an exceptional standard at all times.
• Track maintenance needs and forward-plan to ensure the long-term upkeep of the property.
• Submit requests for action to the Facilities Management Company and ensure they are completed promptly and to a high standard.
• Liaise with the gardeners to maintain the grounds in excellent, presentation-ready condition throughout the year.
• Work with the Security Manager to maintain robust processes that ensure the safety and security of the property and grounds.
• Provide additional support to the butler and housekeeper at busy times, including support with cleaning and laundry where required.

Staff management

• Lead and manage a team of 3 residence staff; chef, butler and housekeeper, in addition to service staff as required, fostering a positive, high performing team.
• Ensure quarterly inventories of silverware, glassware, crockery, linen, Government Art Collection, food and beverages and furniture.
• Monitor and manage Residence expenditure, including approving purchases and accounting for credit card expenditure, ensuring value for money.

Hospitality and Events

• Work closely with the Events Manager to ensure the Residence team delivers hospitality (dinners, receptions, conferences) as required.
• Confirm event requirements to enable the Residence team to deliver effectively (including date, timing, format, dietaries).
• Hire and oversee additional staff as needed to deliver events.
• Prepare seating plans, menu and place cards.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Management of 3-person team: butler, chef and housekeeper.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic to contribute to a pleasant environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver at pace
• High level of discretion and sound judgement, particularly in handling sensitive environments
• Experience of managing staff
• Ability to work flexibly, including outside standard hours to support events
• Practical problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-oriented approach
• Full right to work in Australia