Head Butler (LMO/TS 4)

Job Purpose

The Head Butler reports to the Household Manager. The incumbent is dynamic and efficient while delivering his or her responsibilities, which include assisting with staff training and organizing the duties and schedule of the domestic staff. The Head Butler also assists the Household Manager by receiving guests and visitors upon arrival. The incumbent safeguards the household budget and inventory supplies, is anticipatory regarding the needs of Their Excellencies, their family and guests, and understands the need to be friendly, not familiar, invisible and available, while respecting privacy and confidentiality. 

The Head Butler understands social etiquette, knows how to prepare for formal service and assists with planning and organizing parties and events in the Residence. He or she also supervises packing and travel preparations for the family. The Head Butler oversees and participates in creating appropriate table settings and entertainment preparation, serves meals and drinks and performs wait services. 

The incumbent is knowledgeable about wines and spirits. In addition, the Head Butler may also serve as personal valet to His Excellency and his guests. When required, the Head Butler may perform light housekeeping duties, while co-ordinating with other Staff, as needed. 

The Head Butler supports the Household Manager to ensure timely service delivery and co-ordination of activities in the continuing efforts to deliver the outstanding services which are required and representative of King’s House. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Ensures that suites and other rooms of the Residence are cleaned and maintained according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); 
• Greets and escorts guests to their rooms and/or suites, provides quality and personalized services to guests. Ensures that attention to guests’ garments, shoes and other services, are delivered accordingly; 
• Assists with and co-ordinates the arrival and departure of guests; manages any special requests during their stay, as instructed. Assumes responsibility for the care of their luggage and bags; 
• Supports the Household Manager in the care and inventory of any artwork, antiques china, silver, crystal and furniture located in the Residence; 
• Recommends cost-effective procurement of goods, as well as the storage of supplies;
• Oversees or participates in table-setting and other preparation for entertaining guests;
• Undertakes responsibilities, when required, for sick or absent staff, and supports others with their daily functions, when needed; 
• Serves meals and drinks and performs related wait services as required;
• Attends scheduled staff meetings, and shares suggestions for improvements;
• Reports on time for scheduled shifts, is clean while dressed, and in the proper attire;
• Possesses knowledge of valet services and makes himself/herself available to provide those services to His Excellency, when needed; 
• Performs any other job-related duties, as assigned by the Household Manager. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Some knowledge of the GOJ procurement guidelines 
• Food management and service skills 
• Demonstrate mastery of a range of household-related skills 
• Must be physically strong, healthy and mentally capable 
• Possess a broad knowledge of household items and their care 
• Commands good social skills and personnel management 
• Possess a positive attitude and works well with other staff members 
• Utilize common sense and demonstrate patience and expertise 
• Communicates clearly with supervisors and colleagues 
• Confident and shows respect when dealing with internal and external customers
• Calm and flexible and able to work through emergencies 
• Prioritizes, multitasks and co-ordinates effectively 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Five (5) passes in CXC or GCE Ordinary Level, including English Language and mathematics or equivalent; 
• Formal training in the skills set practiced by Butlers, such as table service, routine home maintenance, laundry essentials, as well as household cleaning and organizing, from a recognized institution; 
• Supplementary classes in food preparation and etiquette; 
• Five (5) years of proven, related experience in a comparable setting; 
• Valid Food Handlers’ Permit. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• The Head Butler may work ten (10) or twelve (12) hours per day, which can include weekends and public holidays, when the need arises; 
• The Head Butler has to be in good physical shape to withstand the demands of the position. The atmosphere can be hectic and demanding and can require improvisation;
• The Head Butler must also be able to work under pressure, while ensuring that those aspects of the job which include table settings, service and food sanitation and presentation, are done according to acceptable guidelines;

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.