Head Butler for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

V.Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury hospitality provider is seeking a Head Butler for Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The role involves managing the Butler team, ensuring exceptional guest service, and providing personalized care. Ideal candidates should have experience in luxury environments and formal Butler training. Shipboard experience is preferred but not required. Join us to create memorable experiences on board.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and French, and an additional international language preferred.
• Previous professional experience in a luxury environment for 2-3 years.
• High school degree or equivalent with formal training in Butler school.

Responsibilities

• Provide a personalized and professional guest service.
• Ensure each Butler is groomed and dressed appropriately.
• Manage and schedule the Butler team daily.
• Respond to guest complaints professionally.
• Participate in onboard training programs.

Skills

Fluent English

Fluent French

Guest service expertise

Effective communication

Management skills

Education

High school degree

Formal Butler training

Job description

Head Butler for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Department: Hotel

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

V.Ships Leisure is looking for Head Butler on behalf of Orient Express Sailing Yachts. The Head Butler creates the “Orient Express” experience by bringing a personalized and curated level of service to Guests in their suites and throughout the vessel. The Head Butler manages the Butlers team on a daily basis, including scheduling, resolving issues pro actively and efficiently, training and coaching, etc. The Head Butler always provides a personal six-star service to all guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides a personalized, varied and professional guest service expected of a world-class butler service.
• Ensures that each Butler under his/her supervision reports to their assignment on time and properly groomed and dressed - clean uniform and proper shoes, name tag, and any other uniform-related items.
• Ensures that during embarkation all Butlers go to the guest suites assigned to them, introduce themselves and explain the services they will be offering during the voyage.
• Responds to guest complaints in a considerate, professional and positive manner by showing concern and listening actively and reports all complaints for following up.
• Active participation in onboard training programs.
• Responsible for the management, update and communication of the rotation plan for crew members in collaboration with the hotel director and assistant purser.
• Communicates consistently with all onboard services on guest requests and issues and issues a daily report to the hotel director.
• Conducts staff’ orientation and mid/end contract performance evaluations and makes recommendations for promotion. Introduces new crew members to their working areas and to the rules and regulations on board.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Languages: Fluent English and French, and one additional international languages prefered (French, Spanish, Mandarin, German)
• Education: High school degree or related. Formal training in an established Europe-based Butler school mandatory
• Previous professional experience: 2 – 3 years in a similar capacity in a luxury environment
• Shipboard experience: Not required but preferred
• Valid STCW certificates