WEDDING CHATEAU MAINTENANCE MANAGER - CHATEAU RIGAUD
Starting autumn ****
Permanent position with accommodation and flexibility to travel out of season
Around €**** / month, experience depending & excellent tips
Opportunity for a partner to join the team in another capacity
We are looking for a hands-on, practical Maintenance Manager to join our team at Château Rigaud.
This is a key role, reporting directly to the General Manager, with responsibility for the upkeep of the château buildings, vehicles, grounds, and pool, as well as leading and motivating a younger seasonal team during our busy summer months.
The role will suit someone with a trade background who has developed a wide variety of transferable maintenance skills and is now looking for a new life in rural France.
You'll need to be both practical and people-focused, able to roll up your sleeves and also train, motivate, and supervise younger team members who may be working in this environment for the first time.
Key Responsibilities
Grounds & Vehicles
Mowing, strimming, raking gravel, recycling, jet-washing terraces, wood chopping & log preparation
Supervising younger staff to ensure these jobs are done properly
Moving heavy items such as laundry bags, tables, chairs, umbrella bases
Driving guests in minibuses to lunches, dinners, and wine tastings
Pool Care
Taking water readings, handling chemicals, hoovering, skimmer cleaning
Maintaining poolside equipment and inflatables
General Maintenance
Everyday repairs: tightening loo seats, fixing flushes, unblocking pipes, changing handles, repainting, plastering, small carpentry and electrical jobs
Occasional emergency works: e.g. leaks requiring digging or rapid response until specialists arrive
Fosse tank monitoring and maintenance
Team Leadership
Training, motivating, and managing younger, often inexperienced summer staff
Delegating grounds and cleaning work while ensuring high standards
Leading with patience, humour, and resilience
Requirements
EU passport or legal right to work in France
Full manual driving licence (confidence driving a minibus essential)
Willingness to drive a tractor and use a chainsaw
Basic plumbing, electrics, and carpentry skills
Comfortable working at heights (up to 10m)
Physically fit and able to carry heavy loads; stamina for long days in high season
Strong leadership, time management, and communication skills
Excellent spoken English; basic French an advantage
Knowledge of AV/IT systems (sound, projectors) an advantage
Terms & Conditions
Salary: €35,000 – €45,000 depending on experience & contract terms
Accommodation: Fully serviced, self-contained accommodation provided
Working Pattern:
March–October (high season): 42 hours/week, 5 days (including weekends), 2 consecutive days off
October–March (off season): option of full-time work or reduced hours while retaining accommodation, ideal for those who wish to travel
Holiday: 25 days paid holiday per year (max. 5 days during May–Sept peak season)
Tips: Equal share of team tips
Contract: Annual, renewable
Opportunity for a Partner
We also welcome applications from couples.
There are opportunities for a relocating partner to join our team in a variety of roles, depending on experience — from restaurant/front-of-house management through to bar, housekeeping, or gardening.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to combine practical maintenance and team leadership skills with a fresh start in the French countryside.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €35,******-€45,****** per year
Application question(s):
Do you have experience of working within a trade such as plumbing, electrics, general building or horticulture?
If successful in this position, when would you be available to start?
Licence/Certification:
Manual Driving License (required)
Work Location: In person