BUTLER / HOUSEMAN

The Assistant Company has been retained to find an experienced and exceptional  Houseman & Butler to take charge of the smooth running of a refined household in Greenwich, CT and supporting its family.  SALARY: $120k - $140k depending on experience.  PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE AD BEFORE APPLYING

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

• MUST RESIDE WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF THE PROPERTY (Prinicipals are seeking local applicants ONLY)
• MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WORKING IN HOMES WITH CHILDREN
• MUST BE COMFORTABLE HIRING AND FIRING STAFF
• MUST BE COMFORTABE WITH ANYTHING FROM PREPING FOOD TO SHOWING HOUSEKEEPER HOW TO CLEAN A BATHROOM
• MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO PASS AN INDEPTH BACKGROUND CHECK
• AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...MUST HAVE A SERVICE HEART AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Houseman & Butler holds primary responsibility for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation and pristine appearance of a meticulously maintained household and grounds. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and flexible, able to handle general household repairs and contracting duties, both work alongside and manage household staff, oversee vendors, chauffeur and perform light chef duties. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team environment, be extremely detail oriented, be anticipatory in the needs of the household and family and keep the home in pristine order while creating a serene, organized environment for the family. This role reports to the principal family.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• High degree of domestic service mentality with “roll-up-your-sleeves” and “all-hands-on-deck” ethos. No task is too small or too big mentality
• Ensure upkeep, cleaning and maintenance tasks, including direct housekeeping
• Ability to perform all tasks of staff under management and fill in as needed
• Maintain daily schedules for household staff, ensuring proper coverage, and reassess staffing needs throughout the week
• Responsible for sourcing, training, managing and ongoing assessment of household staff
• Perform frequent, daily walkthroughs and inspections using household checklists to proactively identify and resolve issues. Offer real-time feedback and priorities to the team
• Be fully responsible for all aspects of property management
• Conduct handyman tasks and general outdoor maintenance including outdoor furniture care, gardening and grounds work
• Source and manage all external vendors to consistently deliver the highest standard of service and output
• Act as the gatekeeper/POC to all vendors.
• Direct oversight of all property maintenance work – landscaping, house cleaners, domestic workers, property season treatments, etc.
• Set a tone of absolute professionalism and confidentiality among household staff and vendors
• Responsible for running errands including grocery, returns, personal shopping, etc.
• Maintain shopping and inventory lists
• Order and organize all household supplies
• Able to do simple kitchen tasks including ingredient preparation and simple meal execution
• Responsible for chauffeuring and vehicle management including routine cleaning/detailing, refueling, maintenance and upkeep
• Oversee care of family pet (grooming/vet/walks, etc.)
• Assist the principal family in all aspects of personal support including travel planning, packing and unpacking for travel, event planning, etc.
• Manage and track household budgets and expenses (eg. review of vendor invoices for accuracy and troubleshooting, submit and track medical claims, etc)
• Work closely with household staff to ensure seamless coordination of daily routines, events, guest & family experiences
• Direct service over entertainment on or off-premise including holiday parties, family gatherings and other events large to small
• Able to extend and grow as additional assets and properties are acquired
• Willing and able to travel to alternative sites to provide assistance

The typical work week for the Houseman & Butler will be Monday through Friday from morning to evening (i.e. 7am-6pm). Flexible scheduling is needed to work additional hours, for example when event or project oversight is needed. Must be available/responsive to troubleshooting needs 24/7. The household staff team operate 7 days a week, including some holidays, with some level of staff coverage every day of the year. Every member of the team is valued for their flexibility and availability in service of the family’s needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior experience in a service role either domestic (private residence or family office) or in professional hospitality (hotel or yacht)
• Exceptional professionalism, integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethicHighly organized, impeccable attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and dedication, reliable and punctual
• Personable and gracious, with excellent people skills, polished, professional and respectful
• Flexibility to work overtime, overnight and/or minimal travel with family, as requested
• Have an excellent command of English. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and spoken
• Must have own transportation. There will be a need for transporting children, a car will be provided for this.
• Occasional errand running will be subject to gas and mileage reimbursement
• Ability to work successfully in a team setting
• Ability to be highly discreet in preserving the confidentiality and privacy of a high-profile family
• Excellent, verifiable references from current and past employers
• Punctuality and reliability are vital. Candidates must hold a valid US passport or Green Card; have excellent, verifiable references; undergo a background check. Health records and/or health visits,such as immunizations and flu shots required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• DOE $120-$140K
• Medical stipend will be provided
• 2 weeks’ vacation per year (must coordinate with family ahead of time, ideally will overlap with the family’s vacation/holiday)
• Car will be provided to transport family
• If own car is used to run errands, gas and mileage will be reimbursed.