JOB DESCRIPTION: RESIDENTIAL BUTLER

  • Maintain a high standard of etiquette, professionalism and neatness in appearance at all times.
  • Commitment to work and responsibility is paramount.
  • It is expected that a hands-on approach be applied at all times regarding tasks that need to be completed.
  • Be available at all times during for the purposes of errands and requests.
  • You will be required to serve meals and drinks, take care of all the requirements of your employer and your employer’s guests, act as wine steward, and manage and plan functions with the assistance of the housekeeping staff.
  • It will be your responsibility to fulfill similar functions and ensure that sufficient wine and other drinks are either in the cooler or in stock at all times.
  • Respect is to be maintained at all times. Gossip, remarks or speaking a language not understood by your employers in their presence is strictly prohibited.
  • A hands-on policy in all facets of housekeeping is to be followed in ensuring that all residences are clean and of a high standard of neatness at all times.
  • It is expected that you work in close liaison with the housekeeper to accomplish all tasks, the butler being the senior member of staff, but as both of you fulfill separate roles; it is essential that you work as a team and share tasks that are to be done.
  • All clothing is to be cleaned and prepared prior to upcoming visits or events.
  • You will be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the silverware.
  • Clocks in the house will fall under your care. You must ensure that you acquaint yourself with the manner in which they work and ensure that they are wound and functional at all times.
  • You will be required to maintain a high standard of floristry at all times. During visits you must ensure that any dead material, leaf/petal drop and clean water are maintained.
  • The pool needs to be catered for (towels, cushions, robes, etc), and you must confirm placements of parasols, arrangement of terrace tables and chairs as required for functions, the stocking of fridges, cleanliness of glasses, etc.
  • Assisting the chef, you will be responsible for the execution of food planning, preparation and presentation of the highest caliber.
  • Entertainment should be arranged as required by your employer with the assistance of the Estate Manager.
  • You will be responsible for the planning of functions, guest lists and all related matters conducting yourself in a professional manner at all times when dealing with guests of a high social standing.
  • You will be responsible for the planning, appointment and control of casual staff as to procedures to be followed in the appointment of contractual staff, time sheet keeping, duties, etc.
  • You are to ensure that all staff under your supervision is neat and presentable at all times, that work is executed efficiently and on time and that instructions from the Estate Manager are carried out without delay.
  • All finances regarding overtime, payments and purchases are to be discussed and approved by the Estate Manager prior to implementation.
  • Responsibilities will include preparing budgets to be forwarded timeously to the Estate Manager for household purchases and event preparation.
  • You will be expected to assist with valet duties or act as personal assistant in the execution of errands or special requests.
  • Trips are to be kept concise and prompt without any delay.
  • You will be required to ensure that all vehicles are clean and petrol tanks full to your satisfaction each morning. Staff will do the cleaning and the fuel is to be taken care of between yourself, as time permits, and the Estate Manager.
  • Have a detailed knowledge of Cape Town, or the city in which your work, and surrounds, should you be required to act as chauffeur.
  • A vehicle Policy and Procedures document will be signed as to vehicle conduct. You are personally responsible for any fines incurred in reckless driving or ignoring legal requirements of the road.
  • You will be required to ensure the Butler’s Residence is neatly maintained at all times bringing any problems or breakages to the attention of the Estate Manager.
  • Leave will not be granted during the periods of your employer’s residence and will be approved by the Estate Manager as deemed appropriate out of season.
  • Time off will be shared with the Estate Manager to ensure one senior staff member is on the estate at all times.