Live-in Butler / Housekeeper

Vine Recruitment; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Job summary

Vine Recruitment is seeking an experienced senior household manager for a prestigious private residence in the Western Cape. This live-in role requires hands-on leadership, impeccable front-of-house service, and discreet support for principals and guests.

The ideal candidate will have a background as a Butler/House Manager or Head Housekeeper, strong organisational skills, and proficient Excel abilities for monthly reconciliations.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a private household is essential.
• Senior hospitality exposure as Butler/House Manager/Head Housekeeper is required.
• Strong staff management and guest service skills expected.
• Excellent table setting, serving and presentation standards.
• Discretion, organisation and time management are crucial.
• PA and administrative capabilities are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily private household operations and staff.
• Coordinate staff and maintain exceptional service standards.
• Assist housekeepers with hands-on duties and housekeeping tasks.
• Set up and serve tables to high standards; serve drinks and canapés.
• Provide discreet front-of-house service and guest relations.
• Support hosting and guest experiences; manage residence administration.
• Prepare monthly Excel reconciliations for accounting.
• Run errands using the company vehicle.
• Ensure smooth running of residence and guest houses.

Skills

Private household experience

Staff management

Front-of-house service

Table setting

Discretion

Organisational skills

Personal Assistant duties

Excel

Driver's licence

Dog lover

Yachting background advantageous

Tools

Excel

Job description

The residence comprises a beautifully renovated main house and three guest houses. The property has approximately 12 garden staff, including a Head Gardener, an Estate Manager and two housekeepers. Seasonal staff, including a private chef, are contracted as required.

This is a senior, uniformed and hands-on position, with a strong focus on service, household management and guest experience. The successful candidate will also be required to assist the housekeepers with hands-on duties when necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the daily operations of the private household.
• Coordinate and oversee household staff and ensure exceptional service standards.
• Assist with managing the housekeepers and support hands-on housekeeping duties.
• Set up and serve tables to an exceptionally high standard.
• Serve drinks and canapés to guests.
• Provide attentive, discreet and professional front-of-house service.
• Assist with hosting and ensuring a seamless guest experience.
• Maintain the highest standards of presentation and attention to detail.
• Provide Personal Assistant and administrative support to the principals.
• Manage household-related administration and correspondence.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations in Excel for submission to the accountant.
• Run work-related errands using the company vehicle.
• Assist with the smooth running of the residence and guest houses.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience working in a private household is essential.
• Experience in a Butler, House Manager, Head Housekeeper or similar senior hospitality position.
• Previous staff management experience.
• Strong front-of-house and guest service experience.
• Excellent table-setting and serving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and discretion.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong Personal Assistant and administrative abilities.
• Computer literate, with good Excel skills.
• Valid driver’s licence and confidence behind the wheel.
• A genuine love for dogs is essential.
• A background as a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry would be advantageous.
• Professional, well-presented and service-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, uniformed position.

Please note:

Accommodation is provided for the successful candidate only. Regret, no dependants.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Strictly non-smoking position.
• Full background checks will be conducted.
• References will be thoroughly checked.
• This is a live-in position requiring flexibility, discretion and a commitment to exceptional service.