Celia Harmston

Head of Private Households & Estates

Meet Celia, the expert behind Leaman Consulting’s Private Household & Estates Desk. With a degree in Primary Education and over 10 years’ experience within the industry she has a deep understanding of candidate quality in private residences. Her caring and professional approach ensures the right fit for you or your principal, whether you need a Housekeeper, Estate/House Manager, Butler, Driver, Chef or Domestic Couple.

Celia is experienced with adhoc roles and welcomes any staffing enquiries – your perfect candidates is just a conversation away.

For a confidential discussion of your needs, you can contact Celia direct at celia@leamanconsulting.com or by calling 020 3006 7888.

 
 

Browse Celia Harmston latest jobs

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€10000 - €14000 per month

Job Title: Head Chef - 65M Private Motor Yacht
Start Date: May 2025
Salary: €10,000-€14,000/month DOE
Permanent Contract: 5 months on / 1 month off 
Location: Dual season - Mediterranean (summer) & Caribbean (winter)
Accommodation: Shared cabin (Female preferred due to cabin arrangements, but all qualified applicants will be considered)

Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our client's prestigious 65M private motor yacht with a dual-season itinerary. You'll be responsible for delivering exceptional, world-class cuisine to both guests and crew while managing all culinary operations on board.
This is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for a confident, creative chef who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and has a strong grasp of global cuisines and luxury service standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Menu Creation & Planning:
    • Design and execute diverse, high-quality menus tailored to guest preferences and dietary requirements.
    • Incorporate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and sustainability.
    • Maintain an innovative approach to cuisine, blending international and regional flavours.
  2. Food Preparation & Presentation:
    • Prepare and serve meals with impeccable attention to detail and presentation.
    • Manage all aspects of meal timing to align with guest schedules and activities.
  3. Inventory & Supply Management:
    • Plan provisioning and ensure the yacht is stocked with high-quality ingredients.
    • Monitor and manage food inventory to minimize waste and adhere to budget constraints.
    • Source specialty items as needed during port stops.
  4. Team Leadership & Collaboration:
    • Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, if applicable.
    • Collaborate with the captain, crew, and service staff to ensure seamless guest experiences.
  5. Safety & Hygiene Compliance:
    • Ensure the galley meets all maritime safety and hygiene standards.
    • Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen area at all times.
    • Adhere to food safety regulations, including proper storage and handling practices.
  6. Guest Engagement:
  • Communicate with guests to understand and exceed their culinary expectations.
  • Adapt to last-minute changes and special requests with a positive and professional attitude.

    Qualifications:

  • Experience: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in luxury hospitality, fine dining, or aboard yachts/cruise ships.
  • Culinary Expertise: Formal culinary training and a strong understanding of global cuisines and techniques.
  • Adaptability: Ability to work in a compact galley and adapt to dynamic environments.
  • Certifications: Valid STCW certification, Food Safety Level 2 (or higher), and ENG1 medical certificate.
  • Personal Traits: Exceptional organisational skills, creativity, attention to detail, and a calm demeanour under pressure. Able to work as a team (19 crew on board).
  • Must be able to start early May 2025


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
 

Full Details
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£45000.00 - £50000 per annum DOE

Live Out Housekeeper in Chelsea


We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Housekeeper to join a professional household team in Chelsea. This is a full-time role within a well-structured team, supporting a large family home with high standards of service and presentation.

Key Details:


  • Household: 4 adults, 4 children (ages 2-10)

  • Pets: 6 small dogs (assisting with meals and letting them into the garden & generally looking after their wellbeing)

  • Property: 4 floors, 8 en-suite bedrooms, cinema room, swimming pool, 7 rooms are in daily use

  • Team: Working alongside 4 full-time housekeepers, reporting to the Head Housekeeper, who is very hands on and guiding

  • Work Schedule: 5-day shift pattern, covering 8-hour shifts between 8 AM - 10 PM, with occasional weekend coverage on rotation

  • Salary: £45,000 -£50,000 DOE

  • Start Date: ASAP

  • Interview Process: Initial video interview, followed by a paid trial

Duties & Responsibilities:


  • Housekeeping: Cleaning, tidying, and maintaining high standards of presentation

  • Laundry & Wardrobe Care: Bedding, linen, shirts, delicate hand-washing, and luggage packing

  • Service: Assisting with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, including silver service, teas, coffees, and event support

  • Team Collaboration: Working alongside colleagues, adapting to changing family needs, and learning the Principal's preferences

  • Flexibility: Rotating shifts (8-5pm, 9-6pm, 10-7pm, 1-10pm) and adapting to last-minute changes

Ideal Candidate:


  • Experience in high-end private households and/or luxury hotels

  • Strong English language skills

  • Team player with excellent multitasking abilities

  • Proactive, hands-on, and detail-oriented

  • Professional and discreet

  • Service experience preferred, but a willingness to learn is essential

Additional Benefits:


  • Uniform provided (black trousers, short and long-sleeve t-shirts, shoes)

  • Meals, tea/coffee provided when working


*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*

Full Details
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£75,000 - £90,000

We are seeking a skilled and creative Private Family Chef who is passionate about cooking simple, delicious and nutritious meals, nothing too complicated. Using fresh ingredients to create nutritional, tasty and family style meals.

There is 1 other chef employed who you will work with in a rota shift system ensuring there is cover 7 days a week when the family are in residence.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and prepare daily meals according to dietary preferences, restrictions, and health requirements.
  • Source the freshest and highest quality ingredients from local markets and suppliers.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, including equipment and utensils.
  • Manage inventory and kitchen supplies. 
  • Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards at all times.
  • Collaborate with household staff, to ensure seamless meal times.
  • Accommodate special requests and preferences of family members and guests.
  • Create customised menus for and dinner parties or events


Requirements:

  • Be able to cook for children
  • Nutrition is key as is innovation (ie not the same meals every week)
  • Be able to cook fresh foods such as daily breads, pastas, healthy cakes and cookies etc
  • Proven experience as a Chef, MUST have private household or luxury hospitality environment.
  • Ability to create and execute diverse menus tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
  • Dexterity to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record (if required for grocery shopping or other errands).

 

Benefits:
Competitive salary DOE: c £75,000 - £90,000
Work in a dynamic and supportive environment with a focus on culinary excellence.
Considerable downtime when the family are away during school holidays.

Full Details
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60000 Euros Joint + Accommodation

Live-in Domestic Couple – West Greece
Start Date: Beginning of May (handover with existing couple before)
Salary: €60,000 per year (joint)
Accommodation: Private, fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment (3-minute walk from main house)
Hours: Periods of full-time work when the family is in residence, followed by shorter hours when not in residence.
Benefits: Up to 8 weeks annual leave

An experienced live-in domestic couple is sought for a large private residence in the picturesque mountain village of Papingo, Greece. The property is a newly built 800 sqm home, serving as a second winter residence for a young family with two children. The family resides in Athens and visit during the winter months including Christmas & Easter and will be rarely used during the Summer. While in residence, they bring their other staff including nannies and cook, and they have two dogs that accompany them.

Requirements:

  • Previous experience working in a similar role in private households or estates
  • Fluent English (Greek or other languages a plus)
  • Must have an EU passport/right to work in the EU
  • Must be comfortable with an autonomous role and part-time residence of principals
  • No dependants (small rural village, no schools nearby)
  • Child-friendly and pet-friendly
  • Strong references required


Responsibilities:

  • All high level cleaning, laundry, ironing, and basic cooking
  • Managing small household expenses (supermarket shopping, household supplies)
  • General house maintenance & basic DIY tasks
  • Overseeing the garden and liaising with external gardeners and contractors
  • Tech-savvy (comfortable handling new technology and smart home systems)
  • Managing and maintaining two swimming pools
  • Driving (car provided for errands and personal use)


The Role:

  • The couple will work independently, ensuring the home is well-maintained and ready for the family’s visits
  • Flexibility is required to accommodate the family’s varying schedule
  • When the family is not in residence, the couple will have more personal time and will be trusted to undertake their tasks in a timely manner


This is an excellent opportunity for a professional couple seeking a long-term role in a stunning rural location. The current couple, who are Greek, are leaving due to the isolated setting, so applicants should be comfortable living in a small village.

*Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
 

Full Details
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£21-£23 gross per hour

Our client, a busy family living in Kensington are looking for an experienced and proactive housekeeper to join them on a live out basis, 3 days a week. Ideally Mon / Weds / Fri. You will provide an exptra paor of hands to the family and the full time housekeeper who has been with the family many years. You must be dog friendly as the family have 2 friendly little dogs!

Along side the other housekeeper your duties will include but not be limited to:

  • All high level housekeeping and cleaning daily
  • Use of specialist cleaning products on furniture or fabrics
  • Polishing silverware
  • Organising cupboards and pantry
  • Ensuring household supplies are always stocked
  • Grocery shopping and running errands when required
  • Happy to prepare light meals or drinks on occasion
  • Laundry tasks, including ironing
  • Flexibility to cover the full time housekeeper if she is sick or on holiday would be a bonus.

The family are looking for someone who has worked as a private housekeeper in high level homes with good checkable references.

They are looking for a housekeeper who loves their work, is friendly and enthusiastic. You will be passionate, hardworking and loyal.

Hours: Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 9am - 5pm or 8am - 4pm 
Location: Kensington W8
Salary: £21-£23 gross per hour


*You must be living in London already with the right to work in the UK*

*Please note we cannot respond to every application*

Full Details