Job Description

A large, formal, and multi-staffed residence near the Nob Hill neighborhood is seeking a Head Housekeeper to oversee and work alongside a team of two housekeepers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-end, multi-staffed homes and a deep understanding of formal household care, cleaning protocols, and laundry management. This is a hands-on role that requires strong leadership while maintaining a respectful and collaborative team environment. The Head Housekeeper will be responsible for housekeeping operations, personal and household laundry, maintaining fine furnishings and antiques, and assisting with meal preparation and service. This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position. When the principal is in residence, the schedule is 8:00 AM – approximately 8:00 PM (with flexibility depending on dinner service). When the principal is not in residence, the schedule is 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Overtime is required when the principal is in residence, approximately four to five times per year for about four weeks per visit. The principal values longevity, consistency, and discretion and seeks a candidate who will seamlessly integrate into an established household team while maintaining existing household standards.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• All aspects of general housekeeping, deep cleaning, organizing, and upkeep of the residence including seasonal and scheduled tasks
• Oversee and work alongside two housekeepers to ensure the home is meticulously maintained
• Perform deep cleaning, including waxing floors, polishing silver, and caring for fine China, crystal, and antiques
• Ensure all special fabrics, carpets, and surfaces are properly cleaned and maintained
• Superior organization skills applied to all aspects of the job and a willingness to go above and beyond
• Maintain residence for guest readiness at all times as well as assist with guest care
• Manage personal and household laundry, including hand washing, ironing, pressing linens, and coordinating dry cleaning
• Manage and organize principals’ wardrobe
• Assist with simple meal preparation and food service, ensuring the principal’s dietary preferences are met
• Maintain formal table settings for meals and occasional guests
• Occasionally feed and care for three small dogs when the principal is in residence
• Assist with household inventories and communicate the need for items’ replacement
• Replenish personal care items as needed
• Assist with occasional grocery shopping (majority of groceries are delivered)
• Coordinate with catering staff for larger events (principal entertains minimally, with occasional family gatherings)
• Additional Head Housekeeper responsibilities and duties as needed and requested by the family

Requirements:

• Fluent in English; exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, phone, and email)
• Excellent references required from both current and previous employers
• 5-7 + years of experience in a similar role within a large, high-end, and multi-staffed private home
• Works with the utmost discretion and confidentiality at all times while demonstrating integrity and strong ethics
• Poised, professional, and respectful in both mindset and manner demonstrating high emotional intelligence
• Robust understanding of formal household protocol and exceptional attention to detail to maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization
• Expertise in cleaning and caring for special fabrics, carpets, antiques, and delicate surfaces
• Adaptability and willing to learn standing operating procedures, ensuring a smooth transition from the retiring housekeeper
• Ability to work in a structured household, respecting existing systems and processes without making immediate changes
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to oversee and work alongside a housekeeping team; working respectfully and collaboratively with principal, family, and existing and future staff
• Hands-on and proactive approach, willing to actively participate in cleaning tasks and lead by example
• Able to see jobs through to completion with personal accountability and a no task is too big or too small mindset
• Basic cooking skills (e.g., roasting a chicken, making soup, heating and serving simple meals)
• Proficiency in formal table service, including knowledge of proper table settings, fine linens, and China care
• Experience coordinating with catering staff for occasional events
• Comfortable with pet care, occasionally feeding and caring for three small dogs
• Comfortable with overtime and holiday work, especially during peak family gatherings (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer months)
• Willing to wear provided uniform
• Valid Driver’s License a PLUS
• Authorized to work within the United States without sponsorship or restrictions

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