Driver/Houseman – Kensington

This is a London based full-time permanent position.  5 days a week with 2 days off. Usual holiday entitlement applies (20 days + 8 days bank holidays)

The ideal candidates should have excellent knowledge of London in order to always ensure the car keeps moving when driving the family and not being stuck in traffic for a lengthy period of time. Security awareness is essential.

The driver will report directly to the House Manager and needs to notify any issues with the car and or any aspect falling under their duties immediately.

Responsibilities

Driving

• be immaculately presented (suit and tie, polished shoes, cleanly shaven)
• driving all members of the family and/or their guests in a safe manner
• daily cleaning of the vehicle
• ensure the car is appropriately stocked with glass bottled water, disinfecting wipes and face masks
• refuel the car as and when necessary
• submit any car-related expenses in a timely manner
• ensure insurance, road tax and congestion charge are all up to date
• drive staff occasionally if necessary (to flower market or airport) only on occasions when the family is not in residence

Gardening

• light gardening duties when the family is in residence

1. picking up leaves
2. brushing the terraces and paved areas
3. mowing the grass
4. feeding plants & lawn regularly
5. mise en place for terraces (opening umbrellas [closing in the evening], wipe the furniture clean
6. raking the gravel in Japanese garden style (front of the house and back)

• heavy gardening duties to be undertaken when the family is not in residence

1. mowing the lawn
2. jet washing paved areas
3. jet washing pavement outside the front of the house
4. picking up leaves
5. trimming bushes, buxus and yew
6. feeding plants and lawn regularly
7. overselling lawn
8. maintain the irrigation in good working order and repair if necessary

Handyman

• paintwork

1. painting the outdoor benches and table annually (during April Easter holidays)
2. doing some other light paint touch up works
3. ensure the outdoors are always in immaculate condition from an aesthetic and maintenance point of view

• small plumbing works

1. unblocking sinks
2. tightening any loose pipes

• small electrical works

1. changing a lightbulb
2. ensure all the external lights are always in functioning order

Other

• helping housekeepers with cleaning outside areas
• helping housekeepers cleaning outdoor furniture
• bringing outdoor furniture out of the garage during the April Easter holiday
• putting outdoor furniture into the garage during Autumn half term (mid-end October)
• cleaning outdoor doors, windows, window seals, etc
• daily shopping/errand running for the family
• swimming pool maintenance once every other week in between planned maintenance visits
• help house staff move heavy or cumbersome items as and when necessary