Head Butler/House Manager

This is a live-out position, however, a staff mews is available for your use if you are required to work late or start early on occasions such as a client arrival/departure.

Primarily you will be based at the clients London property in Chelsea, although occasional travel is required to multiple residences including a countryside residence, a private yacht and 5 additional properties around the globe. Any overseas travel will be relatively short as a full-time Butler is in place at every residence.

This is a large scale operation, with four Exec Assistants dedicated to the smooth running of the client’s schedule and all worldwide residences. You will be required to work closely with them at all times and communicate any schedule and itinerary updates efficiently with your team.

This is a service-heavy role and would suit a candidate who thrives in a hands-on position. Although you have the support of additional staff under your direction, the Principal is primarily served by the Head Butler. The client will entertain guests with formal and informal dinners when in London for longer than 3 days.

Due to the frequency of travel of the client, polished valet skills are absolutely essential. Suitcase packing, managing seasonal packing lists, liaising with tailors and maintaining an extensive wardrobe falls under your remit. 3 full-time Housekeepers, an additional Butler and a Houseman are on hand to support you.

Candidates with a combination of hotel and private household experience would be of particular interest to the client.

Further details will be disclosed to candidates if you are selected to meet the client at final interview stage.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role include the following:

• Your responsibilities will cover service, valet duties, staff management & logistics.
• To lead on lunch & dinner service, working closely with the Chef
• Meet & greet all guests
• Overseeing external contractors, creating ongoing maintenance lists
• Managing an extensive household team. Including domestic staff, chauffeurs & security
• Communicating efficiently with Exec Assistants, Pilots, Yacht Captain & Chauffeurs
• Personal shopping & wardrobe care including seeing to any tailoring requirements
• Packing suitcases, creating and updating seasonal packing lists
• Valet duties & wardrobe management/rotation
• Staff rotas/annual leave
• Staff recruitment & training
• Travelling when required
• Setup of hotel suites before client arrival

Key requirements

To be suitable for this role, you must be/have:

• This role is open to candidates with plenty of relevant experience (hotel, private household or superyacht)
• Immaculate presentation at all times
• Strong management & communication skills
• A hands-on approach (this position is not for those who prefer to delegate and manage from a distance)
• Formal training preferred but not essential
• Impeccable service & valet skills
• Considerable work experience

All candidates must provide detailed references from previous employment and will require a DBS Check issued within the last 12 months.