View Vacancy - British High Commission Residence and Events Manager

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.
Governor's Office
Chancery

Main purpose of job:


  • To ensure the smooth running of the British High Commissioner’s official residence;
  • To maintain to a high standard the internal and external presentation of the Residence at all times
  • To plan, manage and deliver the High Commission’s busy programme of official entertainment and other events.

Scope of role:

 

The British High Commissioner’s Residence in Barbados is primarily the family home of the High Commissioner and her spouse. The Residence is also used as the venue for the High Commission’s busy schedule of entertainment and events (eg: large receptions; dinners; lunches; workshops etc).


We are looking for a self-starting, ‘can-do’ individual, who understands the particular function of a diplomatic residence, as opposed to a commercial entertainment/hospitality venue. The style of work, and expectations, are very different from those of the regular hospitality industry (eg: hotel, restaurant, high-end villa/accommodation). The cycle of entertainment and events varies through the year, with phases of intensive activity interspersed with quieter periods. A significant part of the role involves making sure the small team responsible for the day-to-day running of the residence are well managed and motivated.


Events at the Residence are normally catered by local catering companies. The Residence Manager is responsible for identifying and liaising with the companies to deliver events; so experience of dealing with private sector representatives and contractors is desirable. The job also involves close collaboration with colleagues at the High Commission, particularly the Corporate Services Team. Excellent interpersonal skills are therefore essential.


The job holder should also have strong organisational ability, initiative, common sense and be good at paying attention to detail. Many visitors and guests at the Residence hold important, high level positions (eg: Ministers, Ambassadors, senior business people), so the successful candidate should be comfortable dealing with people at every level, and able to pitch their style accordingly. High standards of integrity, honesty, confidentiality, reliability and professionalism are also essential.



Resources managed (staff and expenditure):


 1 x Residence housekeeper; 1 x part-time Residence Assistant; 2 x Residence Gardeners. Oversees budgets for Residence upkeep and High Commission entertainment.

 

  • A minimum of 2 years experience of supervisory management, preferably in a hospitality environment, and of managing a small team(s);
  • Education to CAPE / A level (or equivalent) standard, (CXC Maths & English essential);
  • Intermediate IT competence (Including Microsoft Office Word and Excel);
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong people management skills;
  • A flexible, positive attitude

 

  • Previous experience of working for, or familiarity with, a diplomatic mission or international organisation;
  • Health & Safety and Food Hygiene Certification
24 January 2020
Administrative Officer (AO)
Part-Time
20
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Barbados
Bridgetown
British Embassy
1
BD$3233.00
16 March 2020

This role is open to anyone with status to work and reside in Barbados. This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position. There is scope to arrange these hours in a number of ways, but the job holder must have a high degree of flexibility, and be prepared to work in the evenings and at weekends as required.


  • The period of probation for this role in 6 months, though the British High Commission reserves the right to extend this in order to fairly assess performance



  • A full induction and coaching will be arranged for the successful applicant.



  • The salary per annum for this position is BD$ 73,731 (pro rated to $38,806 for 20 hrs p/w)

  • A comprehensive mandatory pension plan is offered after successful completion of the probation period. Subject to plan provider approval, group medical coverage is offered after the first month of service

  • Core office hours are 7.45am-4pm, Monday -Thursday and 8am-1pm on Fridays




  • Annual leave entitlement is 16 days rising to 20 days after one year of service. A combination of up to 14 UK and local public holiday days are also observed
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.