Head Housekeeper
A head housekeeper is a senior housekeeping professional within a private household, responsible for overseeing housekeeping standards and managing other domestic staff. In larger homes or estates, this position is essential for maintaining organisation, cleanliness and consistent service standards throughout the property.
Many households appoint a head housekeeper when the property is large, when several housekeepers are employed, or when a higher level of coordination is required.
Bespoke Bureau is a leading housekeeper agency in London, placing head housekeepers and other housekeepers with private families in London and overseas.
What is a head housekeeper?
A head housekeeper (sometimes referred to as an executive housekeeper) is responsible for supervising housekeeping staff and maintaining high cleaning standards throughout a private residence. This person typically manages the housekeeping team, organises cleaning schedules and ensures the property is maintained according to the principal’s preferences.
In larger households, the head housekeeper plays an important role in coordinating daily housekeeping operations and ensuring that every area of the home is consistently maintained to a high standard. The role may involve preparing rooms for guests, organising cleaning schedules, implementing specific cleaning procedures and ensuring that valuable items such as antiques, artwork or delicate materials are cared for properly.
A head housekeeper usually reports to the principal, a personal assistant or a house manager. They may also be responsible for managing cleaning supplies, liaising with suppliers and supervising other housekeeping staff to ensure that the property runs smoothly and efficiently.
Head housekeeper managing cleaning schedules and household supplies.
Responsibilities of a head housekeeper
This position is therefore one of great responsibility and value. Moreover, this person usually has the sole responsibility of being the spokesperson on subjects concerning the overall cleanliness of the household.
He or she must be a meticulous professional, an excellent communicator, plus be able to successfully lead and supervise a small or large team of housekeepers or cleaners.
Head housekeepers report to the client, personal assistant, or house manager. Moreover, they manage the stock supplies of cleaning products and liaise with suppliers. Regular housekeeping duties such as cleaning, doing laundry and ironing might also be done by the head housekeeper.
It is important as a head housekeeper to ensure that the property is maintained in the requested manner from the client and the client’s family. They may also be requested to travel with the family and prepare the property before the client arrives.
Typical duties of a head housekeeper
- Managing stock and supply operations regarding cleaning and maintenance, such as liaising and negotiating with suppliers
- Overseeing domestic household budgets and expenditure
- Managing recruitment for all domestic/cleaning staff
- Maintaining high standards of upkeep and cleanliness at all times, handling specific employer requests in regards to cleaning, maintenance and organisation
- Managing guest arrivals and preparation of guest rooms
- Organizing daily tasks, timetables and rotas for house personnel
Head housekeeper managing cleaning schedules and household supplies.
When should you hire a head housekeeper?
Traditionally head housekeepers operate in large properties with a number of staff members. They are hired by clients to manage a number of housekeepers and to maintain a high standard in the property.
As a head housekeeper it is important to be responsible, professional, highly organised, be a problem solver and have the ability to motivate, lead and manage their team. These are characteristics clients desire when hiring a head housekeeper.
Regarding previous work experience, having a luxury and 5-star hotel background is an advantage but also demonstrating managerial skills within a team.
Head Housekeeper vs House Manager: What’s the Difference?
You might be lucky and have a standard housekeeper who has management skills and operates almost as an executive housekeeper. However, in most cases, you will need to specifically recruit a head housekeeper to manage the housekeeping team if you hire more than 1 housekeeper.
Similarly to a standard housekeeper, a private residence head housekeeper is a professional who also handles the cleaning and organization of a property. The difference is that this person also holds a management position. Typically all other housekeepers report to this person.
Of course, each position will look slightly different based on the needs of the home and the professional’s particular experience and skills but, in general, all head housekeepers will be in charge of housekeeper supervision, management, training and so on. Whilst of course when available also assist with laundry, organization, the care of art and antiques, and maybe even table setting.
Difference between a head housekeeper and a house manager
In larger households, responsibilities are often divided between a head housekeeper and a house manager, but the roles are quite different.
A head housekeeper focuses primarily on housekeeping standards, supervising housekeepers and ensuring the property is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and organisation.
A house manager, by contrast, oversees the wider household operation. This typically includes managing household staff, coordinating contractors and suppliers, overseeing household budgets and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the property.
In many large private households the head housekeeper reports directly to the house manager, who coordinates the entire household team. If you would like to understand the full scope of this role, you can read our guide explaining what a house manager does in a private household
Key Differences Between a Head Housekeeper and a House Manager
While both roles are senior positions within a private household, their focus is quite different.
Head Housekeeper
• Oversees housekeeping standards throughout the property
• Supervises housekeepers and cleaning staff
• Manages cleaning schedules and housekeeping rotas
• Ensures the home is consistently maintained to a high standard
• May assist with laundry, organisation and guest room preparation
House Manager
• Oversees the entire household operation
• Coordinates all household staff, including housekeepers
• Manages contractors, suppliers and household logistics
• Organises schedules, travel arrangements and household systems
• Acts as the main operational contact for the principal
In many large households, the head housekeeper reports to the house manager, ensuring that housekeeping standards are maintained while the wider household operations are coordinated professionally.
Types of Housekeepers We Place for Private Households
- Head Housekeeper
- Standard housekeeper
- Laundress or laundry maid
- Housekeeper nanny
- Housekeeper couple
- Housekeeper carer
- Housekeeper chef
Head Housekeeper Salary in Private Households
A head housekeeper in a private household can typically expect to earn between £50,000 and £70,000 per year, depending on experience, responsibilities and the size of the property.
Standard housekeepers may earn between £45,000 and £60,000, depending on experience and whether the role is live-in or live-out.
Senior housekeeping roles such as head housekeeper are most common in large private residences, estates or households with several staff members.
Hiring a Head Housekeeper
If you are looking to hire a professional head housekeeper for your home, Bespoke Bureau specialises in placing experienced housekeeping professionals for private households in London and internationally.
Our team carefully vets candidates to ensure they have the experience, discretion and organisational ability required to manage housekeeping teams and maintain the highest standards within luxury homes.
You can also explore our guide explaining what a house manager does in a private household, which explains how the roles of house manager and head housekeeper often work together in larger homes.
In larger households where multiple staff members are employed, many families choose to hire both a head housekeeper and a house manager, ensuring that housekeeping standards and overall household operations are professionally coordinated.