The British Embassy in Caracas is recruiting a bilingual (Spanish and English) Residence and Events Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Head of Mission’s Official Residence and ensure the successful delivery of Embassy events there. This is a high-profile and multifaceted role requiring a blend of estates management expertise, event coordination skills, and exceptional interpersonal abilities.

We are looking for a candidate of outstanding calibre to lead the Residence’s day-to-day functioning, ensuring it operates smoothly, efficiently, and in line with the highest diplomatic standards. The Residence is the public-facing heart of the British Embassy – where we host dignitaries, officials, business leaders, and cultural figures. As such, the building and the events held in it must consistently reflect the professionalism, hospitality, and values of the UK Government.

On the estates issues, the job holder will be responsible for maintaining the Residence and its gardens to an impeccable standard, by overseeing everything from day-to-day maintenance and contractor coordination to estates planning and budget management. This includes ensuring the Residence is always ‘guest-ready’, managing inventories and supplies, coordinating repairs and improvements, and liaising with contractors and Embassy colleagues to resolve issues swiftly and discreetly.

In addition to managing the Residence estate, the job holder will lead the planning and execution of a wide range of events held there – from small, informal working breakfasts and lunches to large-scale formal dinners and high-profile receptions. These events are a core part of the Embassy’s public diplomacy and must reflect the highest standards of professionalism, hospitality, and protocol. The job holder should have a good understanding of event logistics, catering coordination, and guest experience, including knowledge of food and wine, table settings, and formal service etiquette and first-hand experience of devising creative, impactful events. Familiarity with diplomatic protocol and cultural sensitivities is essential to ensure events are not only well-organized but also appropriate and impactful.

The job holder will work closely with other staff in the Embassy, particularly the Head of Mission’s Executive Assistant and the Embassy’s Estates Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the UK’s diplomatic mission in Venezuela by maintaining a prestigious property and delivering events that reflect the professionalism and values of the British Government.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, discreet, and impeccably organized, with a background in estates and facilities management, hospitality and events management. Core duties include:

• Partner with Corporate Services to successfully manage the official Residence (45%). Ensure proper levels of maintenance, cleanliness, inventory, and supplies and full compliance with health, safety, and security standards. When needed, liaise with contractors and service providers for repairs, upgrades, and routine maintenance.

• Support the planning and coordination of Embassy events hosted at the Residence (45%). Coordinate logistics, including working with Corporate Services and contractors regarding decorations, catering, multimedia, security, and transport. Assist in developing cost-effective approaches, including event pricing structures and cost recovery processes. Use available technology to help manage guest lists and communications.  Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Collaborate with other Embassy teams to facilitate events aligned with their projects.

• Manage Residence staff (10%), ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and performance standards aligned with operational needs.

 Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• Fluent in Spanish (ideally native) and English.
• Formal qualifications in relevant estates management or event management fields.
• At least 2 years’ hands-on experience in estates management or event management, ideally involving responsibilities in a high-profile or public-facing property.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with technical contractors and maintenance provider with a working understanding of building systems and infrastructure.
• A strong eye for detail and a proactive mindset: the job holder must be able to spot issues before they become problems—whether it’s a leaking pipe, worn furnishings, or a missing item—and take swift action to resolve them.
• Proven experience in event planning and delivery, covering a wide range of different formats. The job holder must be comfortable with event logistics, including catering, guest management, and supplier coordination. An understanding of food and wine and hosting etiquette is essential.
• Administrative and budgeting skills, including experience in compiling and monitoring operational budgets, are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management abilities, with a professional and diplomatic approach.