Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy is looking to recruit a Head Housekeeper. They will lead a fast paced and friendly team who are resposible for the upkeep, preperation and cleanliness of all areas within the British Ambassador’s Residence, this positon reports to the Residence Manager.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a passion for service delivery. The successful candidate will be energetic and enthusiastic and will be able to confidently work autonomously and be resilient. They will be approachable and have good communication skills. They will need to quickly familiarise themselves with the Residence’s working practices and policies but also be able to find creative and pragmatic solutions to challenges. They will need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining good attention to detail.
The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
Essential on arrival:
The successful candidate will be a self-starter who has the drive and initiative to work independently on tasks on their own, along with enthusiasm, a positive attitude and willingness to learn. He/she will have good communication skills and be able to take instruction and direction. Basic knowledge of seamstress work would be appreciated
Experiences and Education requirements:
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
Eligibility
You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
Working Patterns:
Standard 40 hour week, early morning shift work 7:00-15:30. Occasional overtime during events held in the evenings and weekends
Learning and Development
The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Other information:
This role will start with a formal handover period working alongside the current Head Housekeeper who is retiring after 45 years in the role
Unique Tax Rules
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.
Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 22 May 2026
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
