Aus (Canberra) - Residence Manager, Eo

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

**Main purpose of job**:

- The British High Commissioner's Residence (the Residence) is a substantial and elegant property which serves three overlapping functions: it is home to the British High Commissioner; it is the main representational property in the UK in Australia Network, used for representational activity most days of the year; and it provides accommodation for official visitors. It supports the work of the British Diplomatic Network in Australia in furthering UK government interests and policy objectives, building and maintaining a network of senior and influential contacts and showcasing the UK. It is used to host a wide range of events for top level government politicians, business people, cultural leaders and others, delivering in a wide range of formats from small dinners through to the annual National Day reception with hundreds of guests.
- This is a demanding but rewarding position that requires excellent inter-personal and organisational skills, great team work and strong customer focus.

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

The core of the role is to ensure the smooth running of the Residence both as a venue for official events (meals, receptions, meetings, etc) and as a family home, delivering to the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability, accuracy and value for money.

Residence Management
- Ensure effective delivery and maintenance of all Residence property and services, including management of the cellar and inventories of silverware, glassware, crockery, linen, Government Art Collection, furniture, and domestic equipment.
- Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation at all times.
- Ensure the Residence and grounds are kept in optimal repair: identify and report repair/improvement work, oversee repairs and maintenance jobs for the Residence and grounds, and liaise with Corporate Services, and the High Commissioner/spouse to ensure contractor access to the Residence at convenient times.
- Manage relevant accounts and purchasing for the Residence, including supplier liaison, quote management, etc, and monitor Residence expenditure, including accounting for pre-approved credit card expenditure in a timely manner.
- Liaise with the security guards and security team to ensure effective security of the Residence and grounds is maintained at all times.

Events
- Responsible for oversight, preparation and delivery of official events at the High Commissioner's Residence, in close consultation with the High Commissioner and their spouse, the Events team and other relevant High Commission colleagues. This includes but is not limited to, planning table and flower arrangements, room layout, hiring equipment (eg marquee, audio visual, lighting, heating), and hiring casual event staff, who work under the Residence Manager's supervision including set-up, silver service where appropriate, and post-event clear up and cleaning.
- In conjunction with the relevant High Commission colleagues, ensure the Residence and all events comply with all necessary Health and Safety rules, including the latest Covid and wider Embassy guidance. Work with outside companies and individuals to ensure they fully understand and comply with such rules and guidance.
- Co-ordinate arrangements for all official visitors staying at the Residence, ensuring that rooms are prepared for overnight guests, and the highest levels of service are provided, and that all visitors receive a warm welcome and are made to feel comfortable and at home.
- Purchase supplies for events according to FCDO procurement guidance, and purchase and manage stocks for the Residence (eg cleaning items, fuel, pantry stocks), ensuring value for money. Work with the chef to ensure stocks and supplies are regularly reviewed, and supervise deliveries where needed.

Resources/Staffing
- Lead and manage a team of 3 Residence staff (Butler, Chef and Domestic Assistant), and when required casual event staff, providing support and direction as necessary. Ensure that the Residence staff receive adequate and regular training to undertake their duties. Manage their performance and complete annual appraisals on time and to prescribed standards.
- Ensure effective deployment of staff resources, clear forward planning, and flexible delivery in line with operational requirements, including management of TOIL (avoid accumulation).
- The Residence Manager will be expected to undertake other duties that may reasonably be required and which are in accordance with the grading and core competencies of the job.

**Resources managed (staff and expenditure)**:
3x staff (Butler, Chef and Domestic Assistant)

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

**Essential on arrival**:

- Proficient user in both written and spoken English;
- Experience in running and working in a diplomatic residence, or hotel or restaurant setting, including silver serv