Who are we? 

The British Embassy in Moscow is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Household Operations Manager.

The Household Operations Manager is a pivotal role within the UK Embassy in Moscow, responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the official residence. This position requires exceptional organisational skills, leadership, and discretion to support the Ambassador and their family, working in close coordination with the Ambassador’s office.

You will be responsible for smooth day-to-day running of the residence, leading a team of household staff, supporting and planning events and functions, managing budgets, and cash handling. You will drive efficiency and cost control through proactive scheduling and resource management. The successful applicant will also oversee and plan maintenance works, procurement, and contractor management, ensuring compliance and value for money while maintaining a high quality service.

Household Management:

• Oversee all aspects of the Ambassador’s residence, ensuring high standards of presentation and functionality.
• Lead and manage a team of household staff, providing clear direction and support. Organise duty rosters, manage staff leave to ensure uninterrupted service levels, and maintain and manage a database of casual staff for larger functions.
• Introduce and maintain a scheduling system to optimise staff shifts, reduce overtime, and ensure compliance with local labour laws.
• Close coordination with the Ambassador and family, and their office to agree service levels and household requirements.

Event Support:

• Work with the events manager to plan and deliver official functions and events hosted at the residence, seeking value for money from suppliers while ensuring top quality produce, regularly testing the market to guarantee best prices.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Oversight of the kitchen, including menus, hygiene, and quality control.

Operational management:

• Manage procurement processes for goods and services related to the residence in line with FCDO guidelines, including gathering of quotes and audit compliance, and purchase of goods and services.
• Oversight of fire and health and safety compliance, including risk assessments for events, ensuring UK and Russian regulations are adhered to
• Maintain inventory lists for all stocks and assets at the residence
• Manage all on site works and requests, planning routine maintenance pragmatically, liaising with the estates team at the embassy and working with the gardening contractor to ensure a high level of presentation within budgets. Organising and overseeing external contractors, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Close liaison with the security, finance, and estates teams within the UK embassy.
• Monitor and manage the residence devolved budget, ensuring value for money and financial accountability.
• Monitor overtime and report monthly on cost savings achieved. Performance indicators will included adhering to agreed monthly budget and overtime parameters.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a flexible approach to working, and perform other duties as and when deemed operationally necessary by the Head of Corporate Services.

Our ideal candidates shows:

• Full professional proficiency in English and Russian written and spoken C1 level for the CEFR framework (or equivalent)*
• At least 3 years’ proven experience in hospitality management, household management, or a similar role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Customer service, and communication skills
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience implementing workforce scheduling or rostering systems.
• Event planning and coordination
• Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
• IT and numeracy literate and experience managing budgets.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards and compliance.
• Ability to handle a high volume of work while maintaining a high service level
• Proficient in MS Office