Head Butler & Luxury Estate Hospitality Lead

Our client who is based in Hampshire/Wiltshire is seeking a highly experienced Head Butler to oversee the smooth operation of the service side of the household. Reporting directly to the House Manager, they manage the Under Butler and agency staff. This role requires a high level of communication, strong people management and leadership skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service.

The individual will be required to work at other family homes predominantly in London but possibly overseas and will report to either the Executive Estate Manager or the House Manager at that location when working away from the estate. This means that sometimes their duties will differ from those below as the needs of the House Manager at the location may be different.

• Manage house service operations: Manage the overall running of the household service delivery, event planning, and guest hospitality.
• Collaborate with the Deputy House Manager to develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Ensure all service operations align with the principals’ preferences and expectations and maintain a calm, composed and solution-focused approach at all times.
• Communicate effectively with all team members to ensure a cohesive and collaborative working environment.
• Maintain clear communication with the broader Estate team, contractors, and any external consultants to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Collaborate with House Manager, Deputy House Manager and Chef on all special events and entertaining planning, execution and service.
• Broad knowledge of culinary and hospitality realms with good knowledge of fine wines, whisky and other spirits, having an understanding of flavour profiles and food pairings.
• Maintain inventories of fine china, stemware, silver, flatware and linens.
• Care of the butler’s pantry, silver and wine cellar collections.
• Maintain guest profiles’ attendance and preferences, alongside the Deputy House Manager.

When the family are in residence:

• Manage the service through shoot events and family stays including service delivery, porter duties, formal service and guest relations/interactions ensuring they feel comfortable.
• Support the House Manager regarding travel, logistics and house readiness.
• Liaising with principals and staff to provide formal meal service and service of drinks with the highest social etiquette standards.
• Assist with meal service set up.
• Providing impeccable service, care and style, and a bedroom tour on guest arrivals.

When the family is not in residence:

• Be involved in cleaning, polishing silver, and maintaining the cleanliness of various household areas.
• Support the House Manager and the cleaning team with the deep clean and maintaining the main house and outbuildings.
• Contribute to the upkeep of the Estate’s standards of presentation and service.
• Have awareness of budgets, ensuring all expenditures are within allocated limits, maintain accurate records of inventories and house documentation.
• Provide leadership, training and support to ensure exceptional standards of service, cleanliness and presentation with the house and buildings and carry out regular team member reviews as required.
• Foster a culture of excellence, discretion and professionalism along with a positive and collaborative working environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant health and safety regulations and conduct regular risk assessments, maintain safety equipment and implement safety protocols to safeguard estate owners, guests, team members and visitors.
• Ensure the Principals, their guests and visitors to the Estate enjoy a welcoming and impeccably maintained environment, regardless of the weather or any operational challenges that may arise!

What experience is required?

• Prior experience working on a formal estate is a must, along with proven experience in a senior household management role within a luxury estate or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills along with a desire to work positively as part of a team.
• Exceptional attention to detail, excellent organisational and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of fine wines, whiskeys and other spirits, including flavour profiles and food pairings.
• Knowledge of traditional and modern service standards along with knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Be computer literate both Mac and PC operating systems, tablets and mobile devices including smartphones.
• Polished and mature in nature; comfortable providing service at the highest level of society.
• Discretion, professionalism, and a proactive approach.
• The individual must have impeccable references and clearance as part of the security review.
• They will ideally be familiar with the local area or make a point of getting to know it.
• High emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexible and capable of pivoting without ego with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• A proactive attitude with confidence in managing high-pressure situations with grace.
• Able to work under pressure, flexible and adaptable with a strong work ethic, willing and able to work long hours as needed.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, with the willingness to muck in and help other teams on the Estate.
• Passion for maintaining high standards in a private estate environment.

Accommodation: Rent and Council tax is covered however utilities is the responsibility of the candidate.