We are recruiting an experienced Residence Manager with a proven butler background to oversee the day-to-day operational and technical management of a substantial, recently refurbished private residence in Knightsbridge/Belgravia.
This hands-on position combines property and household management with an active service role. Candidates must have previous experience working as a Butler and be confident and willing to undertake service duties personally, including formal dining, food and beverage service and entertaining. Only candidates who meet both requirements will be shortlisted.
The international UHNW family occupies the London residence for approximately three to five months each year. Throughout the year, the Residence Manager will ensure the property, systems and maintenance programme are impeccably managed and ready for occupation.
Working closely with the Property Manager and established Service Lead, the successful candidate will lead operational, maintenance, inspection and systems matters, while also supporting the delivery of exceptional household service during family visits.
The Residence:
The substantial, recently redeveloped property has complex systems and ongoing maintenance and improvement requirements.
The family comprises two principals and five children, although periods of occupation can bring 50–60 family members, guests and staff on site. These busy periods require exceptional organisation, communication and teamwork.
The property has 24/7 security and a trusted returning team of freelance housekeepers, chefs, waiters and butlers who understand the family’s preferences and standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the senior day-to-day operational presence, keeping the residence fully functional and ready for the family’s arrival.
- Conduct regular inspections, identifying and resolving maintenance or operational issues.
- Oversee planned and preventative maintenance, technical systems, servicing and contractor activity, liaising closely with the Property Manager.
- Support smaller improvement and capital projects.
- Maintain inventories, records and operational documentation, including budgets, expenditure, variance reporting and spreadsheets.
- Work closely with the Service Lead and wider household team to coordinate operational requirements and service during occupation.
- Personally undertake butler and service duties as required, including table preparation, formal and informal dining, food and beverage service, and attending to principals and guests.
- Provide confident service cover when required, maintaining the family’s standards and established preferences.
- Support private events and entertaining, ensuring preparation and service run smoothly.
- Assist with practical errands and occasional household vehicle servicing/MOT requirements.
- Ensure issues raised by security, housekeeping or other staff are resolved efficiently.
- Remain responsive and flexible before, during and after family visits, maintaining absolute discretion and professionalism.
When the Family Are in Residence:
Service requirements range from everyday family needs to formal dining and entertaining. The Service Lead coordinates the core service team, with the Residence Manager expected to contribute directly and provide cover whenever required.
The successful candidate must bring practical butler experience, polished service skills and the confidence to move comfortably between household management and personally delivering service.
Candidate Requirements:
- Previous experience working as a Butler is essential.
- Demonstrable hands-on service skills and a willingness to undertake service duties as part of the role are essential.
- Around 8-10+ years’ experience in UHNW private households, luxury estates and/or exceptional five-star hospitality, including a Residence Manager, House Manager, Estate Manager or comparable senior position.
- Strong practical knowledge of formal and informal dining, food and beverage service, guest care and private entertaining.
- Experience working within large, fully staffed households and maintaining consistently high service standards.
- Strong technical and operational knowledge of luxury residential property, including inspections, planned and preventative maintenance, contractors, systems, inventories and property care.
- A proactive approach, with the ability to identify and resolve issues before they escalate.
- Excellent leadership, people management, communication, organisation and attention to detail.
- Confidence working calmly during busy periods of principal occupation.
- Excellent computer and numerical literacy, particularly Excel, budgeting and financial reporting.
- Absolute discretion, confidentiality and flexibility regarding hours during family visits.
- Availability for occasional international travel.
- A driving licence and confidence handling household and vehicle errands would be preferred.
- Knowledge of London’s premium suppliers, contractors and service providers would be advantageous.
International Travel: Staff may travel for approximately one week each year for group training, team building and collaboration across the family’s international residences.
Location: Knightsbridge / Belgravia, London
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 8am–5/6pm, with additional flexibility when the family are in residence
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 gross per annum
Travel: Occasional international travel for annual team training
Driver: Preferred
REF: S&W#3675830
