Job Details
This exceptional position is for a live-in couple to run a prestigious shooting lodge in the idyllic Yorkshire Dales. Outside the shooting season, they will also be responsible for managing a B&B and holiday accommodation business. The couple must have experience in providing catering, housekeeping and property maintenance to a very high standard. They will be energetic, personable and enterprising, with efficient management and computer literacy skills. A rent-free 2-3 bedroomed cottage is provided, as well as a car for business use. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly professional and friendly team, who provide some of the best shooting sport and accommodation in the country.
Applications from ex-military personnel (British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines) are strongly encouraged.
Person Specification:
The successful couple will require the following skill set:
- Catering ability, including preparing and serving meals to dinner party standard for up to 18 people.
- Organisational and practical skills to keep the property clean and maintained to the highest standards
- Capable of efficiently managing a part-time team of housekeeping and waiting staff (up to 4 people)
- Communication skills to effectively engage with guests, owners and the Estate Office
- Computer literate to manage household and business accounts
- Full driving licence essential due to the rural location
They will also demonstrate the following qualities:
- Practical, pragmatic and responsive – able to anticipate and address issues as they arise
- Energetic, enterprising and flexible with a good sense of humour
- Honest, trustworthy and discrete
- A collaborative management style - team players who work well with others
- Cheerful and engaging to make guests feel welcome
- Appreciative of the countryside and of countryside pursuits
Key Responsibilities:
Duties during the shooting season (approx. 6 months of the year)
- Working closely with the Owners and Estate Office to plan for the season’s requirements
- Hands-on day-to-day management of the Shooting Lodge and attached Cottage
- Preparing and serving meals
- Ordering and purchasing food, consumables and cleaning materials
- Cleaning and maintaining the Shooting Lodge and attached Cottage
- Laundering bedding and towels and preparing bedrooms, bathrooms and toiletries
- Ensuring the house is heated and fires lit, including ordering of fuel
- Reporting and assisting the Estate Office in rectifying any unserviceability issues
- Maintaining the properties’ grounds and gardens and car
- Keeping accurate financial records and accounts
- Supervising part time staff as required, maintaining time sheets and assisting in their recruitment
Duties when there is no shooting (approx. 6 months of the year)
The Shooting Lodge. Outside the shooting season the lodge acts as a B&B and so additional tasks include:
- Promoting the Shooting Lodge, including liaison with agencies
- Running it as a 5-bedroom B&B for the needs of guests
- Managing an efficient on-line and telephone booking system
- Interacting with guests to promote the business and encourage repeat visits
- Maintaining accurate financial records and accounts
Attached Self-Catering Cottage tasks. Outside the shooting season the Cottage is a self-catering holiday cottage. Duties comprise:
- Managing an efficient booking system.
- Turning around the Cottage on change-over days (usually Saturdays), including:
- Thorough cleaning
- Changing bedding and towels, and laundering used items
- Preparing bedrooms, bathrooms and toiletries for next guests
- Arranging for rectification of any unserviceability
- Giving guests guidance if requested during their stay
Quiet Periods
In quiet periods, the couple may be asked to assist with other general Estate tasks
Benefits:
20 working days holiday per annum, plus statuary bank holidays (or time off in lieu of these)
2/3 bedroom cottage is provided rent free including Council Tax
Car is provided for business use
Salary
Salary £30k (combined salary)
This job is no longer available for new applications.
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