The British High Commission in Singapore is seeking a dynamic and motivated self-starter for the position of High Commissioner’s Residence Manager. The British High Commissioner’s Residence, Eden Hall is an historic building that serves as home to the High Commissioner and venue for dozens of official events every year, ranging from receptions, dinners and lunches to conferences, lectures and business presentations.  It also hosts senior British visitors to Singapore, including Ministers and members of the Royal Family.

Working closely with the High Commissioner and teams across the High Commission, the successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating events delivery and managing the Residence and its staff, ensuring that the Residence represents value for money for UK taxpayers, is maintained to the highest possible standard and serves as a showcase for British excellence to its guests. 

This is a full time position requiring occasional work in the evenings. This role reports to the High Commissioner’s Private Secretary.

Organise and deliver official events and functions and the hosting of official visitors at the Residence:

• Research and approach suppliers for in-house events. Maintain relationships with such suppliers and ensure good value for money
• Oversee delivery of all events and functions at the Residence
• Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders for all official events and functions at the Residence
• Ensure supplies for events, functions and hosting guests are managed well, replenished, accounted for and deliver value for money
• Ensure excellence in service and standards in delivering events and functions, including food and beverage selections (orders or service), guest lists, invitations, seating plans, programmes, presentation and decorations
• Work closely with the High Commissioner’s Private Office and other teams to ensure a coordinated approach and seamless delivery
• Be responsible for house guests, tracking arrival times and ensuring their stay is to the highest standard. Maintain and update information on services and support for Residence guests, visitors and users

Management of three Residence staff (three housekeepers), including:

• Formal line management and performance appraisal
• Coaching and guidance on delivery of tasks, of standards and procedures, and on representational duties
• Manage any casual labour staff on duty during events taking place at the Residence

Management of Residence building, stock and facilities:

• Maintain updated inventories of stocks, furniture, fittings, equipment and other official equipment
• Maintain a thorough overview of all maintenance, repairs, fixes and other upkeep required at the Residence and throughout its grounds, liaising with the Facilities Management contractor to address issues
• Act as Health and Safety Officer for the Residence

Residence budget:

• Provide information and assist Corporate Services Team (CST) and the High Commissioner’s Private Office in management of the High Commissioner’s entertainment budget
• Ensure suppliers and contractors used for services are of good quality and procurement procedures are followed fully
• Manage small Residence cash imprest in coordination with CST
• Income generation: contract management and act as liaison between client & Finance to ensure due payment

Resources managed:

• Management of three Residence staff (housekeepers)

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience supervising staff
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a customer service or events delivery oriented role, preferably in a high end food and beverage or hotel environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work on his/her own initiative and be an excellent team player
• Customer-driven focus, with an eye for efficiency and cost-management
• A high standard of integrity and confidentiality demonstrated by a proven track record of excellence in a position of trust
• Intermediate level understanding of Microsoft Office
• Possession of a drivers licence with a clean record
• A good knowledge of budgets and reporting processes