Residence and Events Manager (Maternity Cover)

About the role

The British High Commissioner's Residence in Ottawa is used as a boutique hotel for visiting VIP guests and as the main events venue for the British High Commission. This is a fixed-term maternity cover position of 12 months, with possible extension, based in Ottawa. The manager oversees the day-to-day running of the house (the personal home of the High Commissioner and family), manages a team of three staff (chef, hospitality housekeeper and housekeeper) and designs and delivers high-quality events that showcase the UK.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver events: schedule them with the High Commissioner, liaise with internal and external organisations, supervise official events, train and brief casual staff, and research guests.
• Manage the team of three staff, guide task prioritisation, manage overtime, ensure correct use of corporate credit cards and support performance appraisals.
• Monitor cleanliness, gardening and health and safety, and serve on the Health and Safety Committee.
• Oversee the Residence's efficiency, liaise with Corporate Services on work requests, procurement and maintenance, and manage the entertainment and representational budget.
• Handle administrative duties: budget oversight, event costing and forecasting, Microsoft Teams records, invitation preparation, guest list management, inventory and ordering of alcoholic beverages.

Required profile

• Experience managing hospitality, events, a household or a similar operational environment.
• Ability to greet and entertain visitors on behalf of the High Commissioner.
• Proven staff management and team delivery.
• Understanding of building maintenance, safety compliance and vendor management.
• Desirable: basic speaking French and experience in a diplomatic environment.
• Legal right to live and work in Canada; about 60% of the week in person, with frequent out-of-hours work including weekends.

Required skills

• Budget forecasting and management.
• Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Teams.
• Expert written and spoken English.

What we offer

• Salary of CAD 6,675.82 per month, non-negotiable.
• Time off in lieu for extra hours worked.
• Flexible working arrangements where operational and security needs allow.