FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ROLES
CENTRE MANAGER
Overview
We are seeking a live-in Centre Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of Marpa House. The key purpose of this role is to support and uphold the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism—particularly those of Kyabje Chime Rinpoche—within the life of the Centre. This is a rewarding role for someone deeply committed to spiritual practice, offering the opportunity to deepen your own path while making a meaningful contribution to the Dharma. The role is offered on a two-year contract, with the possibility of extension by agreement with the Board of Trustees.
As Centre Manager, you will be the main point of contact for guests, retreatants, and visitors, and will lead our small team of volunteers. Working closely with volunteers, you will oversee daily life at the Centre, ensuring essential tasks are completed and that everything runs smoothly. You will be the “face” of Marpa House, offering a warm and kind welcome while maintaining a strong atmosphere of retreat. All staff are expected to take part in the spiritual life of the house, including daily meditation, pujas, and practice.
This is a residential role. You will have your own single room, full bed and board, and a monthly salary of £500. The role includes an annual holiday allowance and a fully funded personal retreat in the retreat wing each year. Weekend work is part of the role. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can commit to two years or more.
VEGETARIAN COOK
Overview
We are looking for a skilled vegetarian cook to prepare nourishing meals for residents and retreatants at Marpa House.
You will cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week. Daily numbers usually range from 4–12 people, rising to 40 or more during larger events.
You will also help with catering for courses and retreats, working alongside staff and volunteer kitchen helpers. Weekend work is expected.
Marpa House runs regular courses, retreats, and teachings, and all staff are expected to take part in the spiritual life of the house, including daily meditation, pujas, and practice.
This role is ideal for a practitioner seeking to deepen their spiritual path while contributing through service.
This is a residential role. You will have your own single room, full bed and board, and a monthly salary of £300. The role includes an annual holiday allowance and a fully funded personal retreat in the retreat wing each year. Ideally, we are looking for someone able to commit for two years or more.
HOW TO APPLY
It is crucial that we find the right people for these roles, so applications are open on a rolling basis and will be reviewed at the start of every month. We will continue to look until the roles are filled, so please do share with friends and fellow sangha members. We would like to hear from you, regardless of whether you can start soon or in the next few months.
Please download the job descriptions and see if either interests you. You can apply via email or print off and complete the application form, and send it by post. Please include a covering letter/email and an up-to-date CV.
If applying by post, please send to:
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
The Trustees
Marpa House, Rectory Lane, Ashdon,
Essex CB10 2HN
If applying by email:
Please email us at recruit@marpahouse.org.uk with a completed digital version of the application form.
We very much look forward to hearing from you, and warmly invite applications! Contact the Trustees at recruit@marpahouse.org.uk if you have any questions about the application process before you apply. Please also take a look at the list of FAQs below.
CENTRE MANAGER APPLICATIONS
COOK APPLICATIONS
FAQS
What roles are available?
Centre Manager and Cook. Short term positions (up to one month or just during courses) are also available - please speak to the current House Secretary about these.
How do I apply?
You will need to complete an application form and return it with an up-to-date CV and details, including the names and contact details of two references.
Do I have to be a Buddhist/student of Rinpoche’s?
For the Centre Manager: Yes, you should be "Buddhist", as this is such an important spiritual role for the House. Ideally, you should be a student of Rinpoche's.
For the Cook, you may not feel able to say whether you are “Buddhist”, but you need to be sympathetic to Buddhism, whether or not you feel yourself to be a student of Rinpoche’s. However, we ask that you respect the tradition and teachings of Marpa House.
What will my duties be and who do I report to?
There is a job description for each role, but you may be asked to carry out other duties as required to help run the house.
Will I receive training?
Yes, you will be given some training.
How long can I stay?
Currently both roles are offered on a two-year contract.
What happens if I want to change the length of my stay?
You should think of your stay as a commitment. However, if difficulties arise, then it is possible to change the length of your stay through arrangement with the Trustees.
How much will I be paid and when?
All your accommodation, meals and any teachings or courses whilst working here are free, plus you receive a salary. You cannot claim unemployment benefits or engage in other paid work whilst at the House - please seek advice from a welfare rights adviser for further information if this is likely to affect you.
Will you pay for my travel expenses to the House?
Unfortunately, we cannot usually afford to cover your travel expenses. However, if this is a significant problem for you, please speak to a Trustee.
What will my hours and days off be each week?
You are expected to work 6 days a week, and your duties should usually take up around 7 hours a day, though this may vary considerably when courses are running, etc. You will get one day off per week and up to six weeks off per year (on a pro-rata basis).
Who can I speak to about my meditation practice while at the house?
Please let a Trustee know, who will then arrange an interview with a nominated senior student of Rinpoche’s for you.
Will I get my own room?
Each staff member will have their own room.
Are pets allowed?
No, sorry.
Are partners/visitors allowed?
Yes, although they will need to pay the usual fees for meals or accommodation, if staying at the House, and follow the house rules.
Is smoking/alcohol allowed in the House?
No.
Can I bring my car?
Yes, but you are responsible for ensuring that your insurance covers this.
Can I do other work/studies while at the house?
No.
Can you cater for special diets like vegan or gluten-free?
All meals in the house are strictly vegetarian – we will do our best to accommodate any other diets, but only by prior arrangement.
Can I register with a local doctor and dentist?
Yes, if you wish, although we cannot cover the cost of medical treatment.
I am coming from outside the U.K. so will I need a work permit/visa?
All staff must be able to present a “right to work” document. For UK and Irish citizens, a passport will be sufficient. For all others, you will need either to prove settled or pre-settled status in the UK. In some instances, Marpa House may be able to provide sponsorship for a temporary religious worker visa. This will require further discussion and usually a stay of at least a year. Please contact us for more information.
I am under 18 years old. Can I be on staff?
Sorry, no.
ADDRESS
Marpa House,
Rectory Lane, Ashdon,
Saffron Walden, Essex
CB10 2HN
United Kingdom
CONTACT
T: +44 (0) 1799 584 415
E: mail@marpahouse.org.uk
“One sky, one mind”
Kyabje Chime Rinpoche
Marpa House is conducted by The Dharma Trust, a company limited by guarantee (no. 04332473) and registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1090628).
Photographs © The Dharma Trust or Kyabje Chime Rinpoche unless stated. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without permission.
