The British Embassy in Israel is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and has an exciting opportunity for a Residence Manager.

This is an exciting role in a dynamic, diverse and international working environment. We are looking for an energetic self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team.

The Ambassador’s Residence in Israel supports the work of The British Embassy’s foreign policy objectives and UK interests. This includes events and entertainment in order to build and maintain a network of senior and influential contacts; hospitality and corporate events to promote British business interests and highlight co-operation between UK and Israel; accommodation for official visitors; meetings, training and other events to promote and support the work of the Embassy. 

The Residence is also the home of the Ambassador and family and their privacy must be protected. It is essential that the house and grounds are well-run to support all these activities, projecting a positive image of the UK, and demonstrating high standards, excellent service and value for money. The jobholder will work closely with the Ambassador, the Ambassador’s spouse, and entire Embassy team especially the Corporate Services team. The Residence team will support this role. The jobholder will also be responsible for assembling and supervising an external team of chefs, waiters, event contractors and ad hoc workers.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Oversee arrangements for all official events at different scales, in addition to house guests to ensure the highest levels of service at all times; Maintain an accurate forward plan of upcoming events;
• Event planning: Plan, co-ordinate and execute all aspects of an event based on a brief from the event lead;
• Coordinate menus with the external contract chef according to the event, ensuring suitability, seasonal variations and value for money;
• Coordinate purchase of supplies for the Residence and events according to official procurement guidance;
• Manage contract suppliers for the provision of temporary demountable structures for events and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations including when events are held at external venues;
• Residence budget management – Responsibility and forecasting of the Residence budget for all events, day-to-day running of the house and stock management;
• Support, promote and supervise the Income Generation scheme by meeting with potential clients, drawing up accurate proposals and ensuring events remain within budget.  Review and update Residence fees for events on a regular basis to check market fluctuation;
• Work with Corporate Services team to oversee day-to-day maintenance of the house and its grounds, assemble a group of reliable contractors for general repairs and help project-manage large-scale construction projects as and when required;
• Be responsible for inventories and upkeep of Government Art Collection, silverware, crystal glassware and linens together with furniture and fittings;
• Manage a team of 2 Residence staff as well as external suppliers and providers.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK Citizens. 

Key behaviours required:

• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

• A confident communicator with excellent communication skills in English and Hebrew, both verbal and spoken with perfect grammar and vocabulary. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• 3 years’ experience within a high-end hospitality operation including event management.
• Line management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Has a great eye for detail while seeing the bigger picture.
• Creative, flexible and able to work in a high pace working environment.
• IT proficient including Microsoft Office skills.