Job Summary
RESIDENTIAL BUTLER / HOUSE MANAGER / HEAD HOUSEKEEPER NOORDHOEK; SOUTH AFRICA Essential Requirements: Previous private house experience, staff management, front of house, confident driver, dog lover, ideally a background working as a chief stew. Our long-term client is seeking an exceptional live-in hands-on Butler/House Manager to be their right-hand representative. You will be required to work closely with the two housekeepers; Estate staff and Financial Manager. The Estate has an Accounts Manager, Head Gardener, Assistant Head Gardener, Maintenance Engineer, Stables’ Manager and a Chef. Butler, Stables’ Manager and Chef all are housed in cottages on property. Required skills: · Have a proven record as a butler/house manager with impeccable references · Honesty in all matters is integral in this role · Household maintenance – identifying snags, repairs and or structural compromises and be able to obtain quotes that are competitive · Excellent English language communication skills. · Excellent managerial and supervision skills. · Working with professional chef and enquiring about food to be served in order to prepare table setting. · Formal table settings for evening meals. Meals can be served in many areas on the property. Each location has extensive tableware in situ · Must be able to supervise and participate at daily household chores, devise schedules for self and staff. · Attend and supervise the laundry as well as taking care of delicate fabrics · Maintenance of silverware, dinnerware and antique furniture is key. · Must be able to set a formal table for dinner. Must be able to scale up dinner service and also prepare for events on site. Must be well versed in Silver Service · Must be able to maintain budgets and expenditure. Proper record keeping is essential. Accounts are due at the end of each month. · The ability to source and vet contractors and or suppliers is key in conjunction with Head Gardener · Being able to take one’s initiative and plan in advance for household events and guests. · Being able to work without supervision is paramount especially when employers are not in residence. · Making travel arrangements for family members, luncheon reservations · A love for animals, especially dogs, is essential and being part of their maintenance and making sure they are compliant with certificates for travel and their vaccinations is key. · Good general appearance and well-mannered. The ideal candidate must be able to work with many other staff members and be mutually respectful. You will be required to attend meetings of all senior staff. · A keen eye for detail and a good capacity to adapt to any request or situation. · Resilient to stress and able to handle requests in a professional and efficient manner. · Understands concepts of privacy and confidentiality. · Must have a current driver´s license and must be able to drive luxury vehicles. · Management and attendance of in-house guests residing on the estate. · Attention to detail with regard to execution of duties. · Every Friday afternoon, a detailed weekly report of status of projects during the Winter Season to the principal which must include photos as required. It is essential that you are hands on and willing to get ‘stuck in’ if necessary. You will need to be flexible and adaptable as the principals plans could change with short notice. Understanding the needs of the principals and taking your own initiative to preempt their needs. Salary 75,000 ZAR, 1-bedroom cottage provided on site - regret no dependents. STRICTLY NON-SMOKING POST. FULL BACKGROUND CHECK TO BE CARRIED OUT AND REFERENCES CHECKED. (HU3894)