PERMANENT LIVE-IN NANNY / HOUSEKEEPER
LUGANO | SWITZERLAND
SALARY: UP TO CHF 120,000+ PER ANNUM (BASE + OVERTIME) — DEPENDING ON HOURS & EXPERIENCE
A truly exceptional opportunity has arisen for a warm, energetic, and highly experienced live-in Nanny/Housekeeper — to join a private family relocating to the stunning lakeside city of Lugano, Switzerland, from the 1st of August. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery and the shimmering waters of Lake Lugano, this is a beautiful and vibrant setting in which to build a genuinely long-term role within a warm, well-travelled, and highly supportive family environment.
The family consists of a busy working mother and her two young sons — a 3-year-old who will be starting school at the end of August, and a sixteen-month-old baby who will gradually be introduced to nursery over the coming months. The mother works from home and is deeply hands-on with her children, supported by her own mother, who is also present, and — in due course — a Personal Assistant who will help coordinate household scheduling and support. This is a family who values warmth, structure, professionalism, and a genuine long-term relationship with the right person — several of the family's previous nannies and housekeepers have remained with them for many years, evolving their roles as the children have grown.
The successful candidate will initially be needed on an active, hands-on, near round-the-clock basis to support the family through their relocation and settling-in period, gradually transitioning into a more structured routine as the children begin school and nursery. The role includes early mornings, school runs, active daytime childcare, night duties as required, and — over time — additional light household duties such as children's laundry, ironing school uniforms, meal preparation, and tidying children's rooms. The family are honest that this is a physically active role — both boys are big, energetic, and always on the move — and are looking for someone who is fit, proactive, and genuinely enjoys outdoor play, parks, and activities.
Remuneration for this role is structured to reward flexibility and hours worked. A base salary of CHF 60,000 per annum reflects a 45-hour working week with additional hours paid on top — CHF 22–23 per hour for active night duties, and a lower standby rate of approximately CHF 8–9 per hour for sleeping night duty (monitoring only). For a candidate willing to work extensively across active days and nights, particularly during the settling-in period, total annual remuneration could reach CHF 120,000–150,000. As the children grow and settle into school and nursery, hours will naturally reduce, and the role will evolve to include some additional light housekeeping duties by mutual agreement.
Type: Permanent, Live-In, Full-Time — flexible working pattern with base salary plus overtime for additional hours
Working Days: Full flexibility required, including some night duties — evolving into a more structured routine over time
Working Hours: Variable — base contract reflects a 45-hour week; additional hours paid at agreed overtime rates
Language: English essential; French, Italian, or another European language a strong asset
Salary: CHF 60,000 base per annum, rising to CHF 100,000–150,000+ depending on additional hours worked
Location: Lugano, Switzerland (temporary accommodation initially; family relocating to a permanent home near the children's school within a few months)
Children: Two boys, aged 16 months and 3 years
Pets: Family dog may join the household in Switzerland — comfort with dogs essential
Accommodation: Live-in room provided within temporary family accommodation, with access to a bathroom; permanent accommodation (dedicated nanny suite) to follow once the family's new home is purchased
Starting Date: 1st – 6th August
The Duties:
- Providing warm, active, hands-on care for two young boys aged 16 months and 3 years, including full responsibility during periods when the mother is travelling for business (up to 7–10 days at a time)
- Early morning starts, preparing breakfast, and assisting with the school run for the elder son once he begins school at the end of August
- Full daytime care for the younger child, including naps, feeding, and outdoor activities such as walks, parks, and organised play
- Night duties as required, particularly during the initial settling-in and jet lag period — both active (child awake) and passive (monitoring only) night care
- School pick-ups and drop-offs, and transport to extracurricular activities as the children grow (e.g. football, tutoring)
- Light household duties in support of the children: laundry, ironing school uniforms, tidying children's bedrooms, and preparing children's meals
- Working collaboratively within a small household team, including the family's Personal Assistant and any additional housekeeping support
- Providing sole-charge care during the mother's travel, working alongside the maternal grandmother and any support staff in the home
- Comfort and willingness to help with the family dog once relocated to Switzerland
- Full discretion, warmth, and professionalism at all times, representing the family with excellent manners and a caring, responsive approach with the children
Minimal Requirements:
- Significant private childcare experience, ideally including live-in or 24/7 care of toddlers and young children
- Valid EU passport or right to work in Switzerland — Swiss immigration requirements make this essential; the family's legal team can support with work permit applications for the right candidate
- Two or more excellent, verifiable references
- DBS or equivalent
- Paediatric First Aid / CPR certification within the last 12 months (the family is happy to fund this training if not already held)
- Confidence driving in Switzerland for school runs and errands
- Conversational and written English essential
How to Apply:
For more details about this job, download the full job description below:
