About Celia Harmston
Celia Harmston
Private Household ConsultantCelia runs the Private Household & Childcare desk for Leaman Consulting and has worked with the most affluent and well known households with great success. A consummate professional and a highly trained individual within this area Celia has a degree in Primary Education and an in-depth understanding of the importance of the quality of candidate needed to work within a personal residence. Celia has a caring and professional approach and will visit the residence when required to ascertain the right fit for you or your Principal, whether it be an experienced Housekeeper, Nanny, Estate/House Manager, Butler, Driver, Chef or Household Couple. Celia has often worked on adhoc roles and specifications - so do not hesitate to run anything by her!
Browse Celia Harmston latest jobs
Ex Yacht Stewardess / Housekeeper required to join a friendly household in Kensington, 40 hours a week.
This is a family of 4 with 2 little dogs, the children (14 years old) are at boarding school, returning at weekends and school holidays only.
Your duties as the housekeeper will include but not be limited to:
- All high level housekeeping and cleaning
- Use of specialist cleaning products on furniture or fabrics
- Polishing silverware
- Organising cupboards
- Ensuring household supplies are stocked
- Grocery shopping and running errands
- Happy to prepare light meals (soup, salad, coffee etc) on occasional would be a big bonus!
- Assisting with laundry and washing of clothes and linen
- Must be dog friendly
- Yacht stewardess experience ideal
Leaman Consulting placed the current housekeeper who works there, she is leaving only to pursue a totally different career! She comes from a yacht stewardess background and the family would love to find someone with a similar work history.
The family are lovely and welcoming, and you would work as part of a small team.
They are looking for a housekeeper who loves their work, is smiley, friendly and happy to be around. You will be hardworking and loyal.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm x 3 days a week, 8am - 4pm 2 days a week
Location: Kensington W8
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 GPA DOE
*Must be living in London already with the right to work in the UK*
*Please note we cannot respond to every application*
Senior or Head Housekeeper for private household in Marylebone, W1.
UHNW family are looking for a very experienced senior housekeeper with good front of house skills to join them on a live out basis. You will work alongside a small housekeeping team as well as nannies, a driver, chef and PA.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 3.30pm (with additional hours agreed in advance)
Location: Central London, W1
Salary: up to £55K GPA, DOE
Your responsibilities as the head / senior housekeeper will include but not limited to:
* Carry out all cleaning requirements to a high standard
* Laundry Management: putting clothes in laundry, moving to dryer, ironing & wardrobe maintenance
* Polishing silver and copper
* Keeping track of stocks of household provisions
* Liaising with the chef to ensure breakfast provisions are stocked and coordinating with the weekend Housekeeper to ensure the kitchen is stocked for the weekend
* Meeting tradespeople and overseeing household accounts and utilities
* Hiring freelancers as required
* Prepping the family for travel including packing and unpacking travel suitcases
* Running errands, including dropping off and collecting dry cleaning
* Looking after 2 small dogs, walking them and providing day to day care
* Arranging appointments for the dogs - groomer, vet, dog walker
* Looking after and maintaining plants in the household, removing dead or dying flowers from otherwise good arrangements. Keep vase storage organised
* Organisation of household upkeep whilst the family are away
* Welcoming guests and visitors
* Having a visible presence within the house to ensure that all family request and queries are
responded to promptly and effectively
* Making small repairs - e.g. changing light bulbs
* Assisting and preparing for household events
* Receiving deliveries and managing post
* Dealing with work in covering employees during lateness, sickness, holidays etc.
* Ensuring the staff are wearing correct uniform and are well presented
* Dealing with guest complaints in a friendly and efficient manner ensure guest satisfaction at all times.
* Keep in constant communication with the family EA
* Taking control of emergencies i.e. fire and intruder alarms, initiating call outs where required.
* Being able to maintain and provide the highest standards when dealing with arts, silver, marble, fixtures and fittings.
* To provide healthy breakfasts for all members of the family. The chef will provide lunch and dinner for the family.
* To use fresh and organic produce only in all food preparation
The family are looking for a housekeeper who has:
* Proven experience as a Housekeeper in a large HNWI household
* Staff management experience
* Ability to work with little supervision and ability to manage other household staff
* Have a 'can' do' positive personality, happy to respond to changing requests
* Prioritisation and time management skills
* Ability to work quickly without compromising quality
* Good knowledge of both verbal and written English
* Numerate and communicative, able to use email, WhatsApp etc.
* Strong attention to detail
* Outstanding guest service skill
*please note that we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Family of 3 + 1 dog, are looking for a professional and experienced housekeeper to start ASAP, 3 bedroom house in Chelsea.
As a housekeeper you will be required to take care of the property to a very high standard, providing high level of housekeeping, laundry and ironing for the family, changing bed linen and towels, hand washing and ensuring the principals business suits etc are taking to the dry cleaners.
You will also be responsible for managing grocery shopping for the family and ensuring the fridge is stocked before they return home from a trip, packing and unpacking for holidays etc.
Someone very professional, proactive with top high attention to detail. They are looking for a housekeeper who doesn't need too much instruction and can get on with the daily tasks.
You must be child and animal friendly. A Nanny is employed for the little boy, and they have a small very friendly dog that would need occasional walking if the dog walker hasn't been.
The family have asked for a non-smoking candidate only. The family would also love to find a Hungarian speaking housekeeper.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30/9am - 5.30/6pm
Location: Chelsea
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 DOE
*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Live in Domestic Couple in Surrey, GU25.
A lovely down to earth family of 4 are seeking an experienced couple to join them on a live in basis to help manage their property to an exceptional level. The family is 2 adults 2 children aged 8 & 10. They are looking for a couple who are reliable and trustworthy, proactive and helpful.
The couple role will cover all aspects of housekeeping, laundry, family cooking, DIY/Handyman and driving.
The family are open to couples from a military background, yachting background and private household roles.
Your duties will include but not be limited to:
- All high level housekeeping and cleaning
- Handling expensive furnishes, artwork, silver and antiques
- Laundry and ironing
- Wardrobe management and inventory
- Cooking for the family and small casual dinner parties on occasion
- Helping the gardening team outside maintain the grounds
- Running errands and organising grocery shopping
- Checking and reporting any maintenance issues
- Simple DIY/handyman tasks
- Driving for the principal and children (some chauffeur experience would be ideal)
- Assist with the children on occasion
- Helping the family pack and prepare of their holidays
- Organising cupboards and stock
- Any other adhoc tasks asked by the principal and family
The family travel often in the year during school holidays, during this time the couple will be encouraged to take their holidays.
The family have requested a non-smoking couple please.
Hours: 5 days per week, to include some weekends when the family are in residence. When the family travel you are able to manage your own time appropriately
Salary: DOE £50,000 - £70,000 negotiable
Accommodation: 3 bedroom maisonette in the grounds with own garden. Well behaved pets considered.
*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Daily Housekeeper in Belgravia
Our client is a family of 3 + 2 dogs, living in Belgravia is looking for a top notch housekeeper to join them on a live out permanent basis.
The client is looking for a presentable and professional housekeeper to work Monday to Friday with occasional weekends agreed in advance.
Your duties will include but not be limited to:
* Cleaning of property
* Cooking - family style cooking
* Serving and greeting guests,
* Storing clothes correctly (wardrobe management),
* Checking supplies, receiving deliveries and groceries and unpacking them.
* Stocking cupboards and household shopping
* running household errands
* Walking Dogs - two small lassie dogs
You must have at least 4 years previous housekeeping experience within high level private homes with checkable references.
The family are looking for someone long term and dedicated, with a friendly and warm personality.
Start date: April
Hours: Monday - Friday (with occasional weekends if possible) 9.30am to 6.30pm
Location: Belgravia (8 mins walk from Victoria station)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 GPA DOE
Live in Housekeeper Cook in Knightsbridge
Family of 4 1 dog are seeking a professional and switched on housekeeper cook to join them on a live in basis, separate staff accommodation provided close by with own bedroom, bathroom and kitchen shared. This is a fully staffed household so you will need to work well alongside others at time, but also able to work independently.
You will be confident cooking tasty family meals and enjoy cooking, be willing to learn new things, you will work very closely with the families chef.
Other duties will include, preparing the dogs meals, ensure the groceries are stocked, and help in other areas of housekeeping when required (general cleaning duties, turn down service in the evenings etc.)
Hours are 5.5 days a week, including Saturdays & Sundays. The days that you start in the morning you will need to prepare breakfast for whoever is at home and during the afternoon evening, assist the chef with dinner.
The family travel very frequently so the hours will be able to be flexible during school holidays and when the family are out of London. So there will be quite a bit of downtime for the housekeeper.
The proposed ideal schedule for the housekeeper cook:
Monday: 7am-10am / 3pm-8pm
Tuesday: day off
Wednesday: 3pm-8pm
Thursday: 7am-10am / 3pm-8pm
Friday: 7am-10am / 3pm-8pm
Saturday: 1-9pm
Sunday: 1-9pm
Salary: £39,000 - £45,000 GPA, depending on experience
*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Our client seeks to hire an experienced Driver with an ex-police or military background to provide driving services for their family. The main principal travels frequently and the driver will have periods of downtime, but when the Principal is in the city, the driver needs to be available as needed.
Your duties as the chauffeur will include but not be limited to:
● Safely drive principal, family, and guests to and from destinations including offices, appointments, meetings, airports, events, etc.
● Overseeing the vehicle maintenance, vehicle insurance, garage, regulations, and records of services are kept up-to-date
● Ensuring the pristine condition of the vehicle at all times
● Good knowledge of the London and surrounding areas roads, highways, entry points, and airport directions
● Flexibility and a 24/7 mentality required, as the schedule is ever-changing with the ability to work overtime and weekends as requested
● Working knowledge of maintaining a luxury passenger vehicle
The ideal chauffeur will have:
● A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience with U/HNW families and individuals
● Experience working as part of a team of household staff preferred
● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
● Must be hands-on and a team player
● Excellent references from current and previous positions
● Discrete and emotionally intelligent
● Proactive and switched on with a professional but approachable personality
Must Haves:
● Valid driver's license
● Right to work in the UK
Our client seeks to hire an experienced Driver with an ex-police or military background to provide driving services for their family. The main principal travels frequently and the driver will have periods of downtime, but when the Principal is in the city, the driver needs to be available as needed.
Your duties as the chauffeur will include but not be limited to:
● Safely drive principal, family, and guests to and from destinations including offices, appointments, meetings, airports, events, etc.
● Overseeing the vehicle maintenance, vehicle insurance, garage, regulations, and records of services are kept up-to-date
● Ensuring the pristine condition of the vehicle at all times
● Good knowledge of the London and surrounding areas roads, highways, entry points, and airport directions
● Flexibility and a 24/7 mentality required, as the schedule is ever-changing with the ability to work overtime and weekends as requested
● Working knowledge of maintaining a luxury passenger vehicle
The ideal chauffeur will have:
● A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience with U/HNW families and individuals
● Experience working as part of a team of household staff preferred
● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
● Must be hands-on and a team player
● Excellent references from current and previous positions
● Discrete and emotionally intelligent
● Proactive and switched on with a professional but approachable personality
Must Haves:
● Valid driver's license
● Right to work in the UK
● Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check during interview process
Salary will depend on individual experience, c. £55,000 - £70,000 GPA negotiable
*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
● Ex-Police or Military background required (you will not be considered if you do not meet this criteria)
Salary will depend on individual experience, c. £55,000 - £70,000 GPA negotiable
*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Our client seeks to hire an experienced Driver with an ex-police or military background to provide driving services for their family. The main principal travels frequently and the driver will have periods of downtime, but when the Principal is in the city, the driver needs to be available as needed.
Your duties as the chauffeur will include but not be limited to:
● Safely drive principal, family, and guests to and from destinations including offices, appointments, meetings, airports, events, etc.
● Overseeing the vehicle maintenance, vehicle insurance, garage, regulations, and records of services are kept up-to-date
● Ensuring the pristine condition of the vehicle at all times
● Good knowledge of the London and surrounding areas roads, highways, entry points, and airport directions
● Flexibility and a 24/7 mentality required, as the schedule is ever-changing with the ability to work overtime and weekends as requested
● Working knowledge of maintaining a luxury passenger vehicle
The ideal chauffeur will have:
● A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience with U/HNW families and individuals
● Experience working as part of a team of household staff preferred
● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
● Must be hands-on and a team player
● Excellent references from current and previous positions
● Discrete and emotionally intelligent
● Proactive and switched on with a professional but approachable personality
Must Haves:
● Valid driver's license
● Right to work in the UK
● Ex-Police or Military background required (you will not be considered if you do not meet this criteria)
Salary will depend on individual experience, c. £55,000 - £70,000 GPA negotiable
*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Domestic Couple in Oxshott, KT22
A Live in Domestic Couple in Oxshott, Surrey is needed by this lovely couple to help them run their home. The domestic couple will manage the home, and all general housekeeping duties including laundry and ironing.
Cooking is also required for the couple when they are in residence. There are gardeners employed, but they would still like general upkeep and tidiness kept on top of outside.
Working hours: 5 days a week, 50 hours. to include weekends when the couple are in residence, but Mon - Fri when not.
Accommodation: is a lower ground annex with bedroom, ensuite, sitting room etc. (sadly no children or pets)
Duties for the domestic couple will include but not be limited to:
* All housekeeping duties
* Cooking for the family (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
* Laundry and ironing
* Grocery shopping and errands
* Organising cupboards and changing bedsheets
* General maintenance of the house
* Liaising with contractors
* Restocking equipment
* Checking on the pool (indoor)
* Any other tasks asked by the client
The couple are very down to earth and welcoming and looking for a long term commitment.
Up to date DBS required checkable references
Salary will DOE: £60,000 - £65,000 joint
*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Housekeeper Cook sought by lovely family of 4 in Chelsea on a full time live out basis.
Your daily duties as a housekeeper cook will include:
- Excellent standard of cleaning throughout the home
- Confident cooking lunch and dinner for the family daily (4 adults)
- Shopping and running local errands
You will work alongside a part time cleaner who works 20 hours a week.
Hours: Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm
Location: Kensington
Start: ASAP
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 GPA DOE
*Please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
This role is currently on hold.
Housekeeper in South Kensington - May Start
A lovely client of ours is seeking 2 experienced housekeepers to join their newly refurbished 5 bed home in Kensington. You will work as part of a team with each other Mon - Fri approx. 8-7pm.
Your duties as the housekeeper will include but not be limited to:
- All high level housekeeping and day to day cleaning
- Care of fine furnishings, marble and crystal
- Wardrobe management and laundry - hand washing, ironing and dry cleaners
- Grocery shopping and stocking the house with other supplies (hand soap etc)
- Running errands when required
- Light breakfast preparation and cooking on occasion for the couple when they are not travelling or out for dinner
- Feeding the 3 friendly dogs! (they employ a dog walker)
You must have experience working as a housekeeper before within private homes. Someone who is happy in the kitchen to prepare simple meals when needed.
You must be dog friendly, approachable and hardworking.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm
Location: Kensington
Starting: May 2023
Salary: DOE £43,000 - £46,000 negotiable
*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*
Housekeeper in Chelsea for family of 5.
This young international family are looking for an experienced and switched on housekeeper to join them on a live out basis. The role is 40 hours per week, five days per week with flexibility when the family are in residence. This is a part time residence, with the family mainly visiting for 3-4 months over the summer.
Duties include:
- Very high level of housekeeping, with a top attention to detail
- Preparing the property to an immaculate standard in advance of the family's arrival
- Grocery and household shopping prior and during the family's arrival.
- Reporting and logging any maintenance issues to the family office
- Liaising with contractors and monitoring their visits
- Laundry and ironing duties, wardrobe management including packing and unpacking, hand washing and sorting for dry cleaning
- Ensuring the property is secured at all times, especially when the family are not in residence (alarm systems etc) with intruder alarms switched on, and doors and windows securely locked.
- Maintaining a log of expenditure, using a float provided by the families accountant, and submitting all invoices weekly.
- Ensuring the outdoor steps are clear of leaves etc and the plants are watered.
- Flexible to occasionally babysit when the nannies are not able to.
- Any other adhoc tasks asked by the employer or family office
As this property is a part time residence the housekeeper must be self-motivated and proactive working on their own, but also able to slot into the team when the family are in London. The housekeeper will have worked in high end homes before and have a friendly and hardworking nature.
The family have a small friendly dog.
Starting: ASAP
Location: Chelsea
Hours: Live out, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Salary: £36,000 - £40,000 GPA
*please note we cannot guarantee a response to every application*