Butler/Houseman – Sussex

This is a hands-on role that will require a proactive candidate with strong communication skills and previous experience of working within a larger team of staff.

The Principal travels extensively, sometimes for long periods. Therefore you can expect a busy schedule when he is in residence and a smaller workload when he travels.

Applicants must be immaculately presented, with confident property management and driving ability. You will also be working alongside residential security personnel.

Due to the high profile nature of the client and visiting guests, an NDA is required ahead of the interview stage.

Responsibilities

• Property management (covering Estate Manager as needed)
• Overseeing contractors and pool maintenance
• Note any necessary maintenance
• Greeting visitors and guests
• Assisting with dinner parties and events
• Driving the Principal when required
• Working alongside a large team of staff and security to ensure the smooth running of the estate
• Liaising with Estate Manager and Principal’s PA on a constant basis
• Assisting the Estate Manager with a detailed snagging list after a large scale property renovation project
• Manage the estate’s entertainment system (Crestron) and cinema

Responsibilities extended

In addition to the specific items outlined below, it is expected that you will be available to assist as necessary throughout the day as required.

Butler/PA

• Oversee the Managers’ diary, make appointments and reservations, make, and receive phone calls and emails
• Liaising with Estate Manager and Managers’ PA on a constant basis
• Setting and clearing tables
• Preparing light meals/snacks
• Greeting visitors and guests
• Party planning
• Assisting with dinner parties and events
• Accept deliveries and organise returns
• Liaising with housekeeping staff to manage inventories
• Liaising with all departments, housekeeping, kitchen, gardeners to meet household needs
• Packing and unpacking
• Wardrobe management
• Ensure the house is locked at the end of the day

Staff

• Coordinate with Estate Manager to keep a record and report of all staff work schedules and rotas.
• Participate in regular staff meetings to discuss workloads/projects, plan events and address any concerns.

Internal Systems

• Having a thorough knowledge of all internal household and security systems
• Conduct regular house inspections to ensure the property is up to and maintained to a high standard
• Create a checklist of all relevant items connected to a smooth running of the Inspect checklist on arrival and departure at the end of the day
• Liaising with the Estate Manager to ensure any identified issues are rectified in good time
• Cover the estate management duties at the weekend when the Estate Manager is off

Confidentiality

• Ensure a confidentiality agreement is in place with all ad-hoc contractors or tradespeople who may come to the house

Financial controls

• Ensure any policy for financial controls implemented
• Control and stocktake of higher value items, such as specialist wines and spirits

Driving

• Driving duties as required
• Management of cars, including fuel, cleaning, maintenance, servicing, insurance, vehicle tax and other ongoing costs. (Duties shared with Estate Manager).

Dogs

• Walking, feeding, and looking after the family dogs as required

Cleaning/Housekeeping

• Assistance with cleaning tasks as required
• Assistance with deep cleaning tasks during periods when the family are overseas
• Assistance with tidying and refreshing rooms and living areas when housekeeping staff are off duty
• Attention to detail and ambience of the house, for example, lighting, music, lighting and maintaining fireplaces, flower arrangements etc.

First Aid

• Undertaking training to become a primary first aid officer in the household

General

• Liaising with outside specialist contractors where necessary
• Immediately report to the Managers any problems/failures that may impact the Managers, the estate and/or its visitors
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and security concerns, including out of hours, as required
• Undertake other tasks as directed by the Estate Manager or Principals

For the avoidance of doubt, the duties and responsibilities contained within this job description may change from time to time according to the requirements of the role and it is not intended to have contractual effect

Key requirements

• Clean driving licence
• Extensive private staff experience
• DBS check
• Exceptional employment references
• Applicants must be fully vaccinated
• Occasional travel with the Principal is expected