Main purpose of job:

This role is part of a close-knit team responsible for running the day-to-day operations and high profile business hospitality events at the official residence and British High Commissioner in Wellington. 

The Butler / House Keeper role is primarily responsible for housekeeping in the Residence as well as food and beverage service at events which range from morning teas to intimate lunches to large scale receptions.  The role works closely with the Residence Manager who has oversight of the running of the residence and the Chef.  

The Butler / House Keeper will deputise for the Residence Manager is their absence.  The Residence Team are part of the wider British High Commission team and will be expected to play a role in the wider functioning of the High Commission as well as having opportunities to take part in learning and development and other High Commission activities.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

1. Housekeeping

• Maintaining a high standard of housekeeping of official and household areas at the residence, including cleaning and care of rooms, furniture and official crockery, silver and glassware.
• Laundry of official linens used for events.
• Preparing bedrooms and bathrooms for official houseguests; cleaning of household rooms
• Working with Residence Manager and facilities management company who deliver household maintenance

2. Event Management

• Assist with set-up and delivery of food and beverage service at events hosted by the High Commissioner and at the British High Commission
• Food and beverage service at events
• Support the Residence Manager on guest lists for events and guest management

3. Beverage Service Management

• Oversight of stock and procurement for the Residence Wine Cellar
• Barista style coffee service (training available)

4. Management of Casual Staff

• Oversight of casual waiting staff for events, ensuring they are familiar with Residence best practice and health and safety

5. Deputise for Residence Manager

• In the Residence Manager’s absence, liaise with High Commissioner and High Commission team on planning and running events at the Residence
• In the Residence Manager’s absence, oversight of running of the estate in coordination with the facilities management company
• In the Residence Manager’s absence, provide written updates to the High Commissioner on events and plans at the Residence

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Casual waiting staff – up to 10 at large events

For additional support for larger events, the role includes recruiting and managing front of house staff.

• Must maintain a full NZ drivers licence
• Exceptional customer service skills in a hospitality environment
• Experience working efficiently under pressure including multitasking, handling back to back events and serving high level guests
• Knowledge of pairing wine with food
• Experience managing a small team
• Problem solving and initiative
• Attention to detail
• Experience using basic computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to treat others with respect and courtesy regardless of work pressures.
• Able to act with discretion at all times.