Location: Madrid (Live-in position)

Salary: 33.600€ to 43.200€ (2.800€ to 3.600€ gross per month), depending on experience, paid in 12 payments throughout the year.

Schedule: 5.5 days per week, spit shift (9 AM to 2 PM / 3 to 7 PM). Small breaks can be taken throughout shift.

Start Date: ASAP

The Family & Role:

A warm and approachable family of 6 (2 adults and 4 children) with three dogs is seeking an experienced, service-oriented Head Housekeeper to take care of their home and lead a small team (one housekeeper/cook and one driver) of domestic staff. While not a strictly formal household, high standards are expected. The family values professionalism, discretion, and a positive, can-do attitude.

This is a hands-on role, requiring the successful candidate to be in charge of all housekeeping and laundry duties while ensuring the household operates seamlessly.

As Head Housekeeper the successful candidate will be expected to become very familiar with the duties carried out by the rest of the team, being able to jump in and substitute any of them in the event of sickness or on their days off, hence why the ability to cook and drive are essential for this role too.

The family also has an organic vegetable garden and a chicken coup. Although there will be gardeners in charge of the outdoors area, gardening knowledge is a plus for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all household cleaning duties, ensuring high standards and maintaining 5-star hotel-level of cleanliness and organization.
• Perform daily cleaning tasks as needed and deep cleaning tasks periodically around a pre-set schedule.
• Ensure all rooms are tidy, beds are made, and common areas are well-maintained.
• Set and maintain the home’s organization systems.
• Be the main point of contact for household maintenance issues.
• Oversee guest preparations and manage household supplies.
• Laundress duties (Wash, iron, and care for garments).
• Organize and rotate seasonal wardrobes.
• Maintain closets and ensure proper storage of clothes.
• Handle minor clothing repairs and send out garments for dry cleaning.
• Be available to assist with children’s routines when needed, especially when nanny is off.
• Help with packing/unpacking for family trips.
• Assign and monitor daily tasks for other staff members.
• Liaise with Principal for any household needs or special requests.
• Liaise with Cook to ensure the kitchen is fully stocked as needed.
• Be the main point of contact between the principals and other team members.
• Team leadership: manage schedules, delegate tasks, and ensure household efficiency.

Candidate Profile:

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a similar private service role; luxury hotel or yachting background is a plus.
• Languages: Fluent English & Spanish.
• Driving: Driver’s license required; a car is provided.
• Personality: Be well presented. Maintain a professional yet warm demeanor. Have a can-do and problem-solving attitude.
• Flexibility: Ability to work a split shift (9 AM–2 PM / 3–6 PM) with some adaptability.
• Work Authorization: Must have the right to live and work in Spain.
• Affinity with Children: Comfort and experience in a family setting is essential.

Contract & Benefits:

• Full formal Spanish contract with all standard benefits.
• 5.5 days per week, with likely days off during the week.
• Accommodation provided: private room in lovely, independent staff apartment next to the main property, built to the same standards as the family home. The staff apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom and a living room/kitchen.

* Couples considered (e.g., one as Head Housekeeper, the other as Cook/Housekeeper).

Note: All candidates will have to provide a clean criminal record certificate and sign an NDA prior to interviewing with the family.

Job Ref: DS105

If you’re an experienced Head Housekeeper in search of a long-term position with a welcoming family, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV to [email protected].