Hire a House Manager in 24h

Lighthouse Careers operates on a success-fee model with no upfront costs. You only pay when we successfully place the right House Manager for your Oxfordshire property. Our fee is typically a percentage of the candidate's annual salary, payable only after they start work. This approach ensures we're fully committed to finding you the perfect match, as we don't earn anything unless you're satisfied with our placement. There are no registration fees, search fees, or hidden costs - just one transparent fee upon successful completion.

Our streamlined process typically takes 1-2 weeks from initial consultation to placement. We deliver your first shortlist of qualified House Manager candidates within 48 hours of receiving your requirements. This rapid turnaround is possible due to our extensive network of pre-vetted professionals in the Oxfordshire area. The timeline can vary depending on specific requirements, but our local expertise in the Oxfordshire market allows us to move quickly while maintaining our high standards for candidate quality.

An excellent House Manager should have formal training in hospitality, estate management, or equivalent experience managing large properties. Look for candidates with 3-5+ years of experience in similar roles, preferably in Oxfordshire or comparable locations. Key qualifications include project management skills, staff supervision experience, vendor management capabilities, and knowledge of property maintenance. Many top House Managers hold certifications from institutions like the Institute of Hospitality or have backgrounds in luxury hotel management, which translates well to private household management in Oxfordshire's prestigious properties.

Our comprehensive vetting process includes enhanced DBS background checks, thorough reference verification from previous employers, and detailed skills assessments. We conduct in-depth interviews to evaluate communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. For House Manager positions in Oxfordshire, we also verify local knowledge and connections with trusted vendors and service providers. Each candidate undergoes personality profiling and scenario-based assessments to ensure they can handle the complexities of managing a luxury household while maintaining the highest standards of discretion and professionalism.

Yes, Lighthouse Careers provides a comprehensive replacement guarantee for all House Manager placements in Oxfordshire. If your House Manager leaves within the first three months for any reason, we will find and place a replacement at no additional cost. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our vetting process and our commitment to long-term successful placements. We also offer ongoing support during the initial settling-in period to address any concerns and ensure a smooth transition for both employer and House Manager.

Lighthouse Careers' deep knowledge of the Oxfordshire market provides significant advantages when hiring a House Manager. We understand the unique requirements of managing properties in areas like the Cotswolds, Oxford city, and surrounding villages. Our local network includes connections with trusted tradespeople, suppliers, and service providers that House Managers need to manage your property effectively. We're familiar with local regulations, seasonal considerations, and the specific challenges of managing country estates and luxury homes throughout Oxfordshire, ensuring your House Manager can hit the ground running.

Our comprehensive service includes initial consultation to understand your specific needs, candidate sourcing and vetting, interview coordination, reference checking, and contract negotiation support. We provide detailed candidate profiles, facilitate meetings, and offer guidance throughout the selection process. Post-placement, we provide ongoing support during the settling-in period and remain available for any concerns. Our service also includes advice on competitive salary packages for the Oxfordshire market and assistance with employment contracts and household policies to ensure a professional working relationship.

Getting started is simple - contact us for an initial consultation where we'll discuss your specific requirements, property details, and household needs. We'll create a detailed job specification covering responsibilities, working hours, accommodation arrangements, and salary expectations. Once we understand your needs, we begin sourcing candidates immediately and deliver your first shortlist within 48 hours. The entire process is designed to be seamless and efficient, allowing you to focus on your priorities while we handle the complexities of finding the perfect House Manager for your Oxfordshire property.

House Manager salaries in Oxfordshire typically range from £35,000 to £60,000+ annually, depending on experience, property size, and responsibilities. Factors affecting salary include management of additional staff, property complexity, travel requirements, and specific skills like event management or wine knowledge. Live-in positions may offer slightly lower base salaries but include accommodation and utilities. The Oxfordshire market is competitive, particularly for experienced candidates familiar with luxury properties and country estates. We provide current market data to ensure your offer attracts top-quality House Manager candidates.

Both arrangements are common in Oxfordshire, depending on your property and preferences. Live-in House Managers are ideal for large country estates requiring constant oversight, security, and maintenance coordination. They typically receive private accommodation within the property or a separate cottage. Live-out arrangements work well for properties near Oxford or other towns where House Managers prefer their own homes. Live-out positions often command higher salaries to offset housing costs. We can help you determine which arrangement best suits your property and lifestyle while attracting the right caliber of House Manager candidate.

Travel requirements vary significantly based on your lifestyle and property portfolio. Some House Managers in Oxfordshire are expected to accompany families to London residences, international properties, or vacation homes to ensure continuity of service. Others focus solely on the primary Oxfordshire residence. Multi-property management is increasingly common among ultra-high-net-worth families. We clearly define travel expectations during the hiring process and ensure candidates are comfortable with any requirements. Additional compensation is typically provided for extensive travel or multi-property responsibilities, which we factor into salary negotiations.

We typically recommend a 3-6 month probationary period for House Manager positions, allowing both parties to ensure compatibility. Standard contracts include clear job descriptions, working hours, holiday entitlements, and termination clauses. For Oxfordshire properties, contracts often address seasonal variations in responsibilities, guest accommodation duties, and property maintenance schedules. We assist with contract development to ensure compliance with UK employment law while protecting your interests. Professional contracts help establish clear expectations and contribute to successful long-term working relationships with your House Manager.