Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviours and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commissioner’s Residence is a large property that acts both as guest house for visiting VIP guests from the UK and as the key events venue for the British High Commission.  It is also the home of the High Commissioner and their Spouse.  The Residence Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the house (the personal home of the High Commissioner and family), managing the team of staff (chef, residence supervisor, bearers) and designing and delivering high quality innovative events that showcase the UK and help us deliver our objectives.  They will need excellent team working skills, a can-do attitude, attention to detail and bags of creativity. 

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities/what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Household Operations and Management

• Supervise and coordinate all daily operations of the residence to ensure a well-maintained and organized home.
• Develop and implement household procedures, schedules, and systems for efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management, including supplies, gifts, and perishables.
• Ensure the home is impeccably presented at all times, including décor, cleanliness, and ambiance.
• Plan all meal schedules & menus
• To be present for official & social events in order to manage logistics and supervise catering
  

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise household staff, such as chef, gardeners, and cleaners
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and manage schedules, and leave for Residence staff.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and professional work environment.
• Look after welfare needs of all staff living on the compound; ensure staff compound is well maintained & clean
• Make regular work requests and liaise with Estates team for Residence maintenance
• Ensure Residence, Garden lawns & vegetable garden is well maintained
  

Vendor and Contractor Oversight

• Manage relationships with service providers, contractors, and vendors
• Schedule repairs, and ensure work is completed to high standards.
• Monitor budgets and approve invoices related to vendors and services.
  

Financial Management

• Manage household budgets and expenses, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Maintain detailed records of expenditures and report them to Director Corporate Services.
• Responsible for Residence food and drink inventory.   
• Maintain HC’s non-official expenditure account.

Work as a Social Secretary

• Event Planning Effectively running overall planning, arrangement, coordination and direction of all official, personal and social events for HC/ DHC and for official events for BHC Teams. She/He will be the overall in charge of the event and will liaison with the POC for respective team.
• Event Organizing This includes communicating with the team who has requested the event at the residence, compiling of guest lists, sending invitation, setting of menus, , the choice of decorations , seating arrangement, printing off name cards for the seating dinner.
• Collaborating Follow up and collaborating with the organising team & guests with RSVP, share updated guest list with organising team, Security & Residence Team.
• Attend Events: Be present and welcome guests at the events at the Residence, engage with the guest in conversation, and introduce them to other guests to ensure effective communication within his/ her capacity.

Event and Travel Coordination

• Plan and execute private events, dinners, or gatherings, ensuring every detail meets HC’s expectations.
• Oversee preparation and security of the household during the principal’s absence or travel.

Security and Discretion

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all aspects of the household and principal’s personal affairs.
• Ensure the safety and security of the residence, its occupants, and all personal assets.

Communication and Reporting

• Act as a liaison between the HC, Private Office and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to HC on household operations and staff performance.
• Share weekly event schedules with HC and necessary teams in advance

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Line manages 4 residence staff
• Forecasting and managing Residence Entertainment and Representational budget

Language requirements:

Language:  English and Bangla   
Level of language required:  Good    

A language test may be administered

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

On the job learning

Working patterns:

Many of our events are held in the evenings.  The successful candidate will be required to work frequently out of hours work (including occasionally weekends).   All staff are compensated by time off in lieu and/or overtime for the additional hours worked.

Essential on arrival:

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Event Planning
• Budget Management
• Staff Management, including casual employees
• Able to work occasionally on evenings and flexible hours
• Sound knowledge of global cuisines, food and drinks.
• Good interpersonal skills; someone who can build contacts and can negotiate effectively.