View Vacancy - Residence Manager (Office of the High Commissioner) – A2, Colombo

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Estates

"Note: It is mandatory for all applicants to complete the online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and competency questions. The applications which completed all required fields will only be thoroughly reviewed by us. Forms that are incomplete in any aspect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications and we will progress with the recruitment process as swiftly as possible.  We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application. However, under the given circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response. Please reach out to SAAD.Recruit@fco.gov.uk, if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of the job:

To run the official residence of the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in Colombo to a high standard, working closely with the High Commissioner, her spouse and members of the High Commission team.

To lead, manage and oversee the work of the permanent household team of 5. To act as the principal interface with and manage external contractors and contracted staff. To oversee and manage events at the residence, and on occasion elsewhere, working with other teams across the High Commission and with external users. To be responsible for residence income and expenditure. 

The residence team’s duties include: supporting all official entertainment; all meal and other catering planning, preparation, cooking and service; cleaning and laundry; preparing for and looking after guests; stock controls; and other administration tasks.

Roles and responsibilities:

Staff management - 20%

  • Line management of residence team. 
  • Lead, oversee and give direction to the team to ensure operational objectives of residence are met.
  • Manage and support members of the team, oversee their personal development and ensure a consistently high standard of performance.
  • First-point of contact for outsourced personnel.

Operational Management - 35%

Lead and take responsibility for:

  • The operation and performance of the residence team.
  • Presenting the house to a high standard at all times.
  • Maintaining the house, its furniture, fittings and equipment.
  • Overseeing the maintenance of the garden to a high standard.
  • Working and coordinating closely with estates security and corporate services teams in the High Commission and with external contractors and partners.

Events Management - 25%

Lead and take responsibility for:

  • Preparation for and delivery of all events in the house including meals, receptions and meetings.
  • Working and coordinating closely with High Commission team and with external customers and contractors.

Financial and Resource Management - 20%

  • To manage residence income and expenditure, ensuring full compliance with FCO financial rules and with a good eye to value for money. 
  • To plan, profile and track expenditure for the residence including costs of official entertainment, procurement of goods, uniforms for staff, etc.
  • To be responsible for stores and inventory management and controls, ensuring these are accurate.

Apart from listed roles and responsibilities listed above, 15% of staff time within the conditional hours will be allocated to private domestic support at the residence of HC.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

  • Up to 5 x residence staff 

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Good

Other language: Sinhala/Tamil

Level of language required: Good

Other skills / experience / qualifications:  

Essential on arrival:  

  • Proven staff management and delivering through a team.
  • Proven IT skills – Word, Outlook (email) and MS Excel.
  • Working visa, if not a Sri Lankan.

Prior experience in hospitality industry at a managerial level with at least 3 years of experience.

Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
27 June 2021
Administrative Officer (AO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
48
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
Sri Lanka
Colombo
British High Commission
1
LKR
LKR 111,772 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month.
1 August 2021

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. 

For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 111,772 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. 

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system.  The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.  

We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

Please note that applications will only be considered with (a) and (b):

(a)  Complete the Online Application Form

(b)  Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications received by ­­midnight on 27th June 2021 (Sri Lanka Standard Time).  

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines of the British High Commission

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. However, the status will be updated on the recruitment software which will be viewed by the applicant.
  • The appointment will be subject to police and other checks including references, educational and professional. 
  • We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed.

Other information:

Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on the competencies above.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.

NOTE:

  • The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
  • Staff recruited locally by The British High Commission in Colombo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
  • The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearances checks.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.