About the position
Butler/ House Manager (live-in position based in Noordhoek)
Exclusive Private Estate | Noordhoek, Cape Town
Our client is seeking an exceptional, experienced Butler / House Manager to join a prestigious private estate in Noordhoek, Cape Town, overseeing the smooth day-to-day running of the household.
This is a live-in position suited to a polished, hands-on professional who understands the standards and discretion required when working within a luxury private household.
The successful candidate will be the family's trusted right-hand representative, working closely with the existing household and estate staff to ensure the highest standards of service are consistently maintained.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for someone who genuinely understands luxury service and private household etiquette. You will be impeccably presented, exceptionally well-mannered and comfortable working in an environment where discretion, attention to detail and anticipating the family's needs are paramount.
Extensive Silver Service experience is an absolute MUST. The successful candidate must be extremely well versed in formal dining service, including formal table settings, Silver Service and preparing for intimate and larger-scale events hosted on the estate.
This is a role for someone who takes pride in delivering an exceptional level of service and who is able to respond to requests in a professional, calm and efficient manner, regardless of the situation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and oversee the day-to-day running of the private household and estate.
- Provide an exceptional and highly personalised level of service to the family and their guests.
- Perform and oversee formal Silver Service and dinner service to an exceptionally high standard.
- Prepare formal table settings and coordinate dining requirements with the Chef.
- Assist with and oversee events and entertaining hosted on the estate.
- Maintain and care for fine silverware, dinnerware, antique furniture and delicate household items.
- Supervise household staff and assist with the preparation of daily schedules and household routines.
- Be willing to take a hands-on approach to household duties when required.
- Identify household maintenance requirements, obtain quotations and coordinate with contractors and suppliers.
- Assist with household budgets, expenditure and accurate record keeping.
- Plan proactively for guests, events and the family's requirements.
- Manage in-house guests and assist with travel arrangements and reservations where required.
- Assist with the care and travel requirements of the family's dogs.
- Prepare regular updates and reports on household and estate projects.
- Work independently and confidently, particularly when the family is not in residence.
- Maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion at all times.
- Drive luxury vehicles when required.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Proven experience as a Butler, Private Butler, House Manager or in a comparable luxury private household environment.
- Extensive and demonstrable Silver Service experience – ESSENTIAL.
- Strong knowledge of formal dining etiquette and luxury household service.
- Experience working with high-profile, UHNW or private families would be highly advantageous.
- Impeccable personal presentation and excellent manners.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Strong staff management and leadership abilities.
- Highly organised with excellent planning and time-management skills.
- Discreet, trustworthy and able to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Able to anticipate needs and demonstrate initiative without requiring constant direction.
- Calm, adaptable and professional when handling changing requests and unexpected situations.
- Comfortable working in a hands-on capacity when required.
- Current driver's licence and confidence driving luxury vehicles.
- A genuine love and understanding of dogs.
- Impeccable references are required.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The successful candidate will be:
Polished | Discreet | Immaculately Presented | Well-Mannered | Service-Oriented | Detail-Focused | Proactive | Adaptable | Calm Under Pressure | Hands-On | Trustworthy
Most importantly, you will understand that luxury service is about anticipating needs, maintaining impeccable standards and delivering every request with professionalism and efficiency.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Butler / House Manager who takes genuine pride in providing world-class private household service
Desired Skills:
- Luxury Household Management
- Maintenance & Contractor Management
- Discretion & Confidentiality
- Formal Silver Service
- Financial & Administrative Management
