Live in Butler - Scotland

Job Descriptions

HNW Family are looking for an traditional & switched on Butler for their property in Scotland.

The Butler with work with the House Manager to ensure that the house, and in particular the dining room, pantry and breakfast room, is correctly maintained and that all the staff are fully aware of what is happening in the house at any time in conjunction with the estate management. 

The primary role of the Butler Manager is to ensure that he delivers all forms of service to the owner and their guests when in residence. The Lodge should be kept in a state of preparation for occupancy at all times, allowing for family/guests to arrive at short notice.  It is, therefore, essential that the standard of cleaning and general maintenance of the Lodge is impeccable.  The Butler must ensure that correct standards and practices are maintained. They should develop a well-ordered routine for daily tasks during family visits, and an in-depth program to include specific tasks when the house is unoccupied.

Duties: 

• Daily opening up procedure:
  • Turning off alarms
  • Unlocking doors
  • Switch on (or off) lights as necessary
  • Open and arrange blinds, curtains and shutters
  • Tidy obvious debris from the lower ground and ground floor reception rooms
• Closing down procedure:
  • Turn on alarms
  • Lock doors
  • Close blinds, curtains and shutters are required
  • Leave on certain lights
  • Switch off unnecessary appliances

• Reception of guests, service of drinks, table and tray service.
• Receive guests and arrange luggage to rooms.
• For departing guests arrange for luggage to be brought from rooms and packed into vehicles.
• Running the dining room, Butler/House Manager’s pantry and breakfast room.
• Running errands and shopping as required by the owner or delegating it to be done by someone else.
• Driving as required.
• Maintaining an inventory of the silver and other designated collections. Ensuring that silver/gilt and other objects are kept clean at all times.
• Ensuring the cleaning, maintaining and the correct storage of the silver, crystal and china tableware. Noting, reporting and replacing breakages where appropriate, and keeping a detailed, written record of such.
• Maintaining a wine inventory, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken when stocks are low.  Keeping the wine cellars clean and tidy.
• Ordering of soft drinks, mineral waters and pantry stores.
• Replacing candles and ordering as required.
• Cleaning of the crystal chandeliers and the glass lamp shades in the dining room and other rooms with housekeeping staff.
• Polishing of all the ornamental silver, i.e. picture frames, trophies, etc.
• Polishing and buffing of the wooden floors with housekeeping staff.
• Valeting: clothing and cleaning boots/shoes and the care of outdoor clothing in the Boot Room
• Ordering/cancelling newspapers as appropriate for family/guests
• Taking telephone messages, censoring calls and passing on to owner and guests as necessary.
• Providing training as required to any household staff
• Arranging valeting of family and guest vehicles with Estate staff
• Assisting with the organising and managing private Lodge functions and shoot lunches in association with Estate Management and relevant staff.
• Close communication with the House Manager/Factor regarding any maintenance and repairs required.
• Monitor contractors in the house and ensure their work is carried out in a tidy fashion.
• Security: Report any incident details to the Factor

Located in Berkwickshire TD11 in Scotland, the hours of work will be 8am - 4pm Mon -Fri when not in residence, but flexibility will be needed and whatever hours required to be worked when the house is occupied - weekends included in this time.

Salary: £30,000 DOE

Accommodation: 3 bed semi-detached cottage close to the Lodge

You must have experience working in a similar private household, ideally within a large country / Rural Estate. You will work alongside a House Manager, Head housekeeper, 2 cleaners, a chef and several grounds people.

Due to the volume of responses, we cannot guarantee a reply for each and every application, but your details will be kept on file and we look forward to assisting with your career in the near future.