Assistant Butler - Fishmongers' Hall

Role: Assistant Butler

Location: Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge

Department: Events

Reports to: Head Butler

1. Background and Nature of the Role

Fishmongers’ Hall, situated at London Bridge, is the home of the Fishmongers’ Company, one of the City of London’s Great Twelve Livery Companies. The Hall hosts a wide range of Company functions, formal dinners, receptions and external events.
The Assistant Butler is part of a team of two Butlers reporting to the Head Butler. The role involves supporting the successful delivery of events and maintaining the Hall’s high standards of hospitality, service and presentation.
Working hours are determined by the events diary and require flexibility, including early starts, evenings and late finishes.

2. Key Responsibilities

Event Operations and Hospitality

• Assist the Head Butler in preparing for and delivering Company and external events to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure event spaces, tables, service equipment and other facilities are properly prepared and presented.
• Deliver professional food and beverage service at formal dinners, receptions, meetings and other events.
• Liaise with the Events, Catering, Security and other Hall teams to ensure the safe and smooth running of events.
• Ensure guest requirements, including dietary and allergen information, are appropriately communicated and managed.
• Support formal Company occasions, maintaining the required standards of service, etiquette and protocol.
• Undertake ceremonial and Toastmaster duties as required.

Staff Supervision and Organisation

• Assist the Head Butler in supervising the Butler team and casual hospitality staff.
• Allocate duties, provide direction and ensure appropriate standards of performance and presentation.
• Assist with the booking, organisation and supervision of casual staff.
• Support the induction, training and development of casual staff.
• Maintain accurate staffing records, including hours worked and overtime where required.
• Deputise for the Head Butler when necessary.

Hall Operations, Stock and Equipment

• Assist with the care, handling, security and maintenance of the Company’s silver and other valuable service equipment.
• Support the management of the wine cellar, including stock control, inventories and appropriate storage.
• Monitor hospitality supplies, equipment and stock levels, assisting with ordering and expenditure control.
• Ensure service areas, equipment and event spaces are maintained to the required standards.
• Assist with the preparation of event documentation and associated operational records.
• Support the Head Butler with relevant budgets, cost control and administrative responsibilities.

Health, Safety and Duty Management

• Undertake Deputy Duty Manager and Crowd Controller responsibilities as required.
• Ensure compliance with the Hall’s health and safety, fire safety, security and operational procedures.
• Maintain safe working practices, including appropriate food hygiene and COSHH requirements.
• Identify and report operational risks, incidents and safety concerns.
• Complete all mandatory internal training, including Health and Safety and Duty Manager training.

Systems and Administration

• Use the Company’s CRM and events management systems, including Insightly, to access, update and maintain accurate event information.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to events, staffing, stock and expenditure.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues across departments to support efficient planning and event delivery.

3. Experience and Knowledge Required

• Relevant experience in a professional hospitality, events or banqueting environment, preferably involving formal or high-quality service.
• Experience of supervising hospitality staff, including managing teams of casual staff.
• A sound understanding of food and beverage service, including formal dining and event protocols.
• Experience of event preparation, organisation and operational delivery.
• Knowledge of stock control, inventory management and the appropriate care of service equipment.
• An understanding of relevant health and safety, food hygiene and workplace safety requirements.
• Competence in using IT systems, including CRM or events management software, and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of working within a Livery Company, private members’ organisation or comparable formal hospitality environment would be advantageous.

4. Skills and Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and courteous manner.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to supervise and motivate staff and work effectively as part of a team.
• A commitment to consistently high standards of hospitality and service.
• The ability to remain calm, practical and professional under pressure.
• Sound judgement, discretion and an understanding of confidentiality.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach to work.
• The ability to prioritise competing demands and respond to changing operational requirements.
• Confidence in using CRM systems and other relevant IT applications.
• A willingness to undertake mandatory and ongoing training.

5. Working Arrangements and Training

The Assistant Butler works as part of the Hall’s established hospitality team, supporting a varied programme of Company functions, external events and ceremonial occasions.
Working hours will reflect the requirements of the events diary and will include early starts, evenings and late finishes.
Relevant internal training will be provided, and the successful candidate will be expected to complete all mandatory training, including Health and Safety and Duty Manager training.
The postholder will be expected to maintain the Company’s high standards of hospitality, presentation, safety and professionalism while supporting the Head Butler and wider Hall team.

Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026 - 17:30

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